The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), founders of Black History Month, report that this year’s theme is Black Resistance, and that historically, education has been a key component in raising awareness of the ongoing struggle to resist all forms of oppression. 

As such, the Intercultural Exchange will host a series of events emphasizing Black Resistance through February in honor of Black History Month. 

The idea for the events began as the brainchild of last semester’s Intercultural Exchange student members. 

Students chose to host a film series, which kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 2. Additionally, an African and Black Culture Fashion Show will close out the month of celebrations. 

Here’s the full list of movies and activites:

• “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006), Thursday, Feb. 2, 2 p.m., Truax Campus, Mitby Theater. 

Will Smith stars as a struggling single dad in “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006), which launches the film series. Winner of the NAACP’s award for Outstanding Motion Picture, this biographical drama also stars Jaden Smith in his debut acting role.  

• “Just Mercy” (2019), Thursday, Feb. 9, 2 p.m., Goodman South Campus, Rooms 201 and 203. 

Week two of the series features the acclaimed “Just Mercy” (2019), a biographical legal drama about Bryan Stevenson. He’s a Harvard law graduate who travels to Alabama to fight against the unjust system that incarcerates an inordinate number of African Americans. 

• “The Hate U Give” (2018), Thursday, Feb. 16, 2 p.m., Truax Campus, Intercultural Exchange, Room C1430. 

The following week brings the award-winning film, “The Hate U Give” (2018), which was adapted from the best-selling young adult novel by Angie Thomas. The film tells a story of police violence against the Black community and the system that protects it through the eyes of a 16-year-old African American girl. 

• “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022), Thursday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m., Truax Campus, Mitby Theater. 

The film, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022), delves into the visually stunning Marvel Comics universe, featuring the superhero Black Panther on a quest to save the mythical land of Wakanda. 

• Intercultural Exchange Black History Month Fashion Show, Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Truax Campus, Room D1630. 

To conclude Black History Month, the Intercultural Exchange will host a fashion show where African cultural clothing and Black cultural fashion are the featured themes of the event. Students who attend the films throughout the month can collect their tickets and bring them to the fashion show for a chance to win prizes. 

Student participation in the fashion show is highly encouraged. Models are needed to walk down the runway and have a description read of their clothing. 

Students who want to bring clothing to display on a table or mannequin are also welcome to participate. All are invited to wear their African or Black cultural clothing and participate by simply being a member of the fashion show audience. Food will be provided at the event. 

To register, students can stop by the Intercultural Exchange Center, Room C1430 on the Truax Campus, or fill out the registration form online: https://forms.office.com/r/GJCSA2smW2.  

For additional information, students are encouraged to stop by the Intercultural Exchange Center, Room C1430 on the Truax campus, or reach out via email to Olivia Lemke at [email protected]. 

To read more about the theme of this year’s Black History Month, visit ASALH online: https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/.