The African American Student Union (AASU) at Central Methodist University has set up a variety of events to commemorate Black History Month. Many of the events are open to the community at no cost, according to president Kiona Sinks, a senior sociology major from Kansas City, Mo.
The celebration begins with a reception Thursday, Feb. 1, from 5-7:30 p.m. at President and Mrs. Roger Drake’s home at 502 Park Road. Students, faculty and staff, alumni, friends of the University, and community members are encouraged to attend. The reception will include a fundraiser for Central’s AASU organization for future inclusive activities. Please RSVP to Mary Lay at mlay@centralmethodist.edu.
Three movies will be shown during the month, showcasing Black history, struggles, triumphs, and the impact African Americans have had on American society. The first of these is 13th (Documentary), on Monday, Feb. 5, from 7-9 p.m. in The Little Theatre. The second movie is Selma, which will be shown Monday, Feb. 12, 7-9 p.m. in The Little Theatre. The third movie, which vied for three Oscars in 2017, is Hidden Figures, on Monday, Feb. 26, from 7-9 p.m., also in The Little Theatre. There is no charge for any of these movies, and all are welcome.
On Tuesday, Feb. 6, AASU will host the weekly CMU Chapel Service in Linn Memorial Church at 10 a.m. For additional information, contact Chaplin Kayla Kelly at kkelly@centralmethodist.edu. Two days later, on Thursday, Feb. 9, AASU will sponsor a group of students to travel to the Negro League Baseball Museum located in Kansas City, Mo.
AASU will join in the Sunday worship service on Feb. 25 with Saint Paul United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. at the corner of Mulberry and East Davis Streets. Lunch will follow in the fellowship hall. All are welcome to attend.
The last two events are primarily for interested students and members of AASU. Early in the month, on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. AASU will hold its spring membership drive in the Inman Student and Community Center lobby. The last event, held Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m., will be the third annual Black History Month group picture. Some students will wear their T-shirts, and they will be joined by other students, faculty, and staff as a final celebration by all of Black History Month.