Celebrate Black History Month

Sunday 01/14/24, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Take a musical journey through the blue heritage of Florida in this engaging exhibit featuring photos and stories of notable artists and musicians.

Many notable blues artists had roots in Florida, and they are featured in an engaging exhibit that explores topics such as Early Blues, Florida Women and the Blues, Blues Clubs and Jook Joints, Depression Blues and the WPA Recordings, Popular Music and the Blues, and Contemporary Blues.

Did you know that the blues artist with the highest number of 78–rpm records was Tampa Red, who grew up in Florida? And did you know that Blind Blake–perhaps the greatest ragtime and blues guitarist–is connected with Jacksonville, Florida? These early blues men are just a few of the highlighted artists in this popular exhibit celebrating Florida’s blues tradition.

Location: Adolfo and Marisela Cotilla Gallery, Alvin Sherman Library

Learn More

Thursday 02/01/24, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Come join us on Free First Thursday, February 1, 2024, as we feature world-renowned Washington Color School artist Sam Gilliam in celebration of Black History Month.

Learn about Sam Gilliam’s life, art, and legacy, and unleash your inner artist in this in-person event. This event is open to every skill set and all ages.

Grab your friends and family, or even come alone, and let your imagination run wild. Fold, tilt, and drip materials as you explore the soak and stain technique used by the color field artist Sam Gilliam, on view now!

Materials are provided, and all are welcome.
Free all-day admission: 11 am - 7 pm
Free Art Project: 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Location: NSU Art Museum, One East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Find out more about NSU Art Museum here.

Saturday 02/03/24, 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Man In The Mirror is a reflection of the incredible career of Michael Jackson in his prime "in the 80s", with all the massive hits and signature stage moves including backup dancers and an ensemble cast of musicians making up the Thriller Band. As part of the show, you will also experience the recreation of some of Michael's signature MTV videos with the dancers! Besides the professional dancers, the show includes awesome visual effects! So buckle up and be blown away by this electrifying tribute, performing all the hits from the early Jackson Five days such as "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Billie Jean," "Thriller" and "Black or White."

Wednesday 02/07/24, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Cross That River: The Story of a Black Cowboy is a riveting production that tells the untold story of the often-forgotten but rich history of Black cowboys as they stake their claim and pursue new dreams and life in the Wild West of America.

Award-winning musician, Allan Harris wrote Cross That River to tell the untold story of the Black West and empower Americans with an inspiring story of hope and freedom.

The unsettled West of the 1860s provides a new life and new dreams for Blue, a run-away slave, who escapes from slavery to Texas to become one of America’s first Black Cowboys. This compelling tale of freedom integrates fiction with historical fact, and each song presents a different page in this complicated chapter of American History. The story of Blue begins in Louisiana, and with every song of this highly infectious score, the audience is moved further along on Blue’s harrowing journey across the Sabine River to freedom in the Wild West. Each song tells a unique story, at times joyful, sometimes tragic, but mostly a poignant chronicle of enduring perseverance.

Location: Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

Thursday 02/08/24, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Unlike the full ticketed Wednesday night performance, this one is only one hour and is free to everyone in the NSU community, but registration is required. 

Cross That River: The Story of a Black Cowboy is a riveting production that tells the untold story of the often-forgotten but rich history of Black cowboys as they stake their claim and pursue new dreams and life in the Wild West of America.

Award-winning musician, Allan Harris wrote Cross That River to tell the untold story of the Black West and empower Americans with an inspiring story of hope and freedom.

The unsettled West of the 1860s provides a new life and new dreams for Blue, a run-away slave, who escapes from slavery to Texas to become one of America’s first Black Cowboys. This compelling tale of freedom integrates fiction with historical fact, and each song presents a different page in this complicated chapter of American History. The story of Blue begins in Louisiana, and with every song of this highly infectious score, the audience is moved further along on Blue’s harrowing journey across the Sabine River to freedom in the Wild West. Each song tells a unique story, at times joyful, sometimes tragic, but mostly a poignant chronicle of enduring perseverance.

Location: Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center

Tuesday 02/13/24, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join us for a thought-provoking cinematic journey into the untold stories of renowned blues singers and their alternative sexualities at our special Black History Month event, organized by the BEDI Books and More Club. As we delve into the past to recapture our lost and hidden history, "T'Ain't Nobody's Bizness" promises to present the facts with an unsensational yet entertaining approach.

Film Synopsis: "T'Ain't Nobody's Bizness" unveils the often overlooked and misunderstood aspects of the lives of famous blues singers, shedding light on their alternative sexualities. Set against the backdrop of a society that was not always accepting, this documentary reveals the vibrant and robust nature of alternative sexualities 90 years ago. Audiences will be astonished to discover the depth of diversity that existed in the lives of these influential women.

The film explores how some of these remarkable women, despite societal pressures, strove to maintain secrecy about their same-sex activities, especially as they turned to religion in their later years. Their lesbian and bisexual proclivities, however, played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of sexual and social freedom for women, both in their careers and personal lives.

Join us for engaging in Q&A sessions to encourage dialogue and understanding This event aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of Black history, acknowledging the complexities and intersections that have often been overlooked. Let's come together to honor our shared history and embrace the diversity that has shaped the world we live in today.

Tuesday 02/13/24, 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Julius and Julia Sanna of the Afro-fusion band, Positively Africa, share songs, dances, and personal stories from the Luo and Zigua tribes of Africa.

After the performance, the Sannas will showcase authentic musical instruments, textiles, and homemade toys from Kenya, Tanzania, and other regions of Africa. A selection of African folktales will be available for check-out.

Location: Adolfo and Marisela Cotilla Gallery, Alvin Sherman Library

Thursday 02/15/24, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

The Center for Applied Humanities will present the following event as part of its Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind: Banned Book Forum, a discussion on the book "The Bluest Eye" for  Black History Month.

The Bluest Eye, published in 1970, is the first novel written by Toni Morrison. The novel takes place in Lorain, Ohio (Morrison's hometown), and tells the story of a young African-American girl named Pecola who grew up following the Great Depression. Set in 1941, the story is about how she is consistently regarded as "ugly" due to her mannerisms and dark skin. As a result, she develops an inferiority complex, which fuels her desire for the blue eyes she equates with "whiteness".

The novel is told mostly from Claudia MacTeer's point of view. Claudia is the daughter of Pecola's temporary foster parents. There is also some omniscient third-person narration. The book's controversial topics of racism, incest, and child molestation have led to numerous attempts to ban the novel from schools and libraries in the United States.

Location: The Cotilla Gallery, Alvin Sherman Library

Sunday 02/18/24, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

It's time to feel the blues and be moved by the Joey Gilmore Band.  While you are at the concert be sure to explore our current exhibit 'Florida's Got the Blues'. Florida legend Joey Gilmore is a distinguished figure in the world of blues and soul. He has played at festivals and venues all over the world, sharing the stage with greats such as James Brown, Etta James, Johnny Taylor, and Bobby Bland, among others. In 2006, Gilmore won the IBC, the most distinguished and internationally coveted award in all of blues. 

This is just one of many awards and honors bestowed upon Gilmore. As a teen he began his love affair with the guitar, learning from a local barbershop owner who was also a preacher. The minister’s electric guitar fascinated Gilmore and he would hang around the shop just to get his hands on the guitar. After learning through observation and practice, Gilmore’s talent would shine. Decades later, he’s well-established and still getting better. 

Wednesday 02/21/24, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate the stories of struggle and triumph from the mouths of those closest to it – our heroes.
#AHeroOfAThousandFaces. Find out more here.

Why Attend?

• Change the perception: Black men have made investments in our communities and society at large. Let's celebrate those events and change the perception of black men as contributors.
• Inspire the next generation: We show Black men doing amazing things and making contributions to many different industries or creating entire industries of their own.
• Create a community of mentorship: Success is easier guided by someone who has achieved it. The development of a community of mentors helps to guarantee success for others.
• Become a database of ideas: It will take everyone to solve the issues that face our nation and world including the contributions of black men.

This Month’s Hero: Alexander Star, NSU alumni

Registration Link

Location: Adolfo and Marisela Cotilla Gallery, Alvin Sherman Library

Monday 02/26/24, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Ray Charles, Sam and Dave, James and Bobby Purify, Betty Wright, and Linda Lyndell are some of the great soul performers with Florida roots. While many rightly associate soul music with Motown, Memphis, or New Orleans, this presentation, based on John Capouya’s award-winning book Florida Soul, reveals the rich but under-appreciated musical heritage of the Sunshine State. This engaging presentation includes classic soul music and vintage photographs in an educational and entertaining experience.

Location: Adolfo and Marisela Cotilla Gallery, Alvin Sherman Library

Thursday 02/29/24, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Book Club meets Happy Hour at this fun event for adventurous readers.

This month we'll celebrate Black History Month with a historical fiction novel selected by vote at January's meeting.
Grab your favorite drink or snack and join the group for an entertaining hour of books and laughter. 

Cheers to a literary good time!

This month we're reading The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride!