Missouri University of Science and Technology will celebrate Black History Month with the theme “Connecting, Empowering and Celebrating the Journey.”

The following Black History Month events are planned:

• Connect and Celebrate! Black History Month 2011 Kick-off, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, in the Havener Center atrium. This event features music and an opportunity to meet the diverse group of organizations that have planned this year’s month-long celebration.
• Celebrate the Tradition of Soul Food, 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Rayl and Thomas Jefferson Residence Hall Cafeterias. Experience some traditional recipes that have their roots in slavery and symbolize the African American experience while watching the film “Soul Food.”
• Many Steps, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, in the Carver-Turner Room of the Havener Center. This energetic documentary detailing the history of African American collegiate stepping will be followed by a stepping lesson. Participants may also sign up for an additional stepping workshop and to perform at the Black History Month Celebration at the end of the month. This event is co-sponsored by the Residence Hall Association (RHA). Snacks will be provided.
• Association for Black Students (ABS) presents Paintball, 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at the rugby field located behind fraternity row. The cost is $10 for the first 100 balls; $5 for the second 100 balls. Email Sean Fennell at sefpbc@mail.mst.edu to sign up. Everyone is invited to join in.
• Black is … Black Ain’t, Documentary and Discussion on Identity in the Black Community, 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, in Room 125 Butler-Carlton Civil Engineering Hall. This courageous film explores the struggle within the black community to understand the meaning of “blackness.” A discussion about how this struggle affects the S&T campus will follow the film. Snacks will be provided.
• “The World Before Dred Scott: One Slave’s Journey from Liberty to Equality,” presented by Dr. Anne Twitty, assistant professor of history from the University of Mississippi, 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, in Room 125 Butler-Carlton Civil Engineering Hall. Twitty’s presentation will explore how an enslaved woman sued for her freedom in the St. Louis Circuit Court. Her story illuminates how laws shaped the experiences of slaves and masters decades before the infamous 1857 Supreme Court ruling in Dred Scott v. Sanford.
• Open Mic Night, hosted by ABS, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, in the dining room of the Havener Center. Connect, empower and celebrate the talents of S&T students. Students can perform or just enjoy poetry, song, music and more. Everyone is encouraged to attend or participate.
• “Is it OK to Laugh? When Stereotypes are Funny and When They Aren’t,” hosted by BMTT, noon Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Havener Center. This lively discussion will cover what is offensive and when it’s okay to laugh.
• Second annual Black History Month Celebration and Reception, 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, in Leach Theater of Castleman Hall. This free night of entertainment highlighting the artistic talents of the S&T community will feature a keynote address by Board of Curators member Cheryl Walker. The performances will demonstrate the importance of black culture in today’s society – from spoken word to stepping. This show is co-sponsored by RHA and S&T’s student diversity programs.
• Dinner to Jazz, a night of great food and music, 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, in the St. Pat’s Ballroom of the Havener Center. The event is sponsored by the ABS and S&T’s student diversity programs. Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased by contacting Sean Fennel, sefbpc@mail.mst.edu.

Black History Month events were planned by Missouri S&T’s Black History Month Committee. For more information about these events, contact Erin Stampp at hoodel@mst.edu or 573-341-7504.