ROCHESTER, Mich. – Oakland Athletics is proud to announce its month-long honoring of Black History Month starting Tuesday, Feb. 1. The campaign is driven by student-athletes and will celebrate historical cultural figures and events Oakland Athletics history. The athletics department, in conjunction with campus partners, will hold events throughout the month as well to promote diversity, unity and inclusion.
Â
Throughout the month of February, the Golden Grizzlies will release content on all social media platforms that highlight the achievement of some of our great student-athletes and coaches, both past and present. In addition, the department will be highlighting special events and facts each week.Â
Â
Some of the campus events include:
February 1
Black Physical Therapist Pioneers: Paving the Way!
Noon – 1 p.m.
Virtual (Email pt@oakland.edu to receive the zoom link)
Hosted by: School of Health Sciences, Physical Therapy Program
Join us for a panel discussion with Black physical therapists (PT 's ) who've broken down barriers at metro Detroit PT schools (Wayne State University, Oakland University, Western Michigan University) and paved the way for generations of black PT's to become successful in the field. Each panelist will give a brief overview of their PT journey. The targeted audience will include students from Oakland University's current PT program, Pre PT students, other students/staff, and general community. A moderator (Dionne Shell, PT, MPT, a graduate of OU PT Program and current doctoral student in the PhD Program in Human Movement Science) will facilitate the Q/A session.
February
Race Relations in Metro-Detroit: Past Decades to Present Day
A Panel Discussion
Noon – 1 p.m.
Virtual
Join Zoom Meeting
https://bit.ly/KresgeLibrary
"Even in a country shaped by race relations, Detroit stands out. The story of race in the city has its own complexity beyond that of many others," Will Greenberg, The Michigan Daily.
OU Libraries welcomes Prof. Melba Joyce Boyd (U of M and Wayne State University) and OU Profs. De Witt Dykes (History), Watoii Rabii (Criminal Justice) and Graham Cassano (Sociology) to discuss race relations in Metro-Detroit. Omar Brown-el (CMI) will moderate.
February 4
Taste of Africa
4 p.m.
Virtual Cooking Demo
Join Zoom Meeting
https://bit.ly/3AKHseg
Join us for a virtual cooking presentation highlighting foods traditionally found in African, Southern and Soul Food influenced kitchens!
Guests who would like to cook along can request a care package containing non-perishable ingredients for the dishes that will be highlighted during Taste of Africa courtesy of the Golden Grizzly Food Pantry. Submit your request here by3 p.m. on Friday, February 4th. Packages are available while supplies last.
February 8
Blood Drive
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Oakland Center, Rooms 128-130
Hosted by: Versiti and Office for Student Involvement Leadership and Volunteer Center
This event is a blood drive through Versiti Blood centers of Michigan. The OSI Leadership & Volunteer Center is partnering with Versiti to run this African American Celebration Month blood drive as a way to give back and awareness. Some African Americans may need special accommodations when receiving donated blood that they can only get from other African Americans. This event is welcome to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. There will be a pre-registration link and appointment times that can be sent out prior to the event.
February 15
Exploring Inclusion in the Workplace: Diversity Workshop and Mixer
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Oakland Center, Gold Rooms
Hosted by: Career Services and Rocket Companies
Learn from companies passionate about creating inclusive workplaces that celebrate employees from all backgrounds at this workshop and mixer event. Hear from company representatives about company culture, employee resource groups. their passion for breaking inclusion barriers, support and accommodations, and more. This learning and networking event is a safe and inclusive space for students and alumni to explore companies that offer support and celebrate various diverse identities in race, culture, veteran status, religion, gender and sexuality, and disability and accommodation status.
February 17
Black Women Rock Awards (Closing Ceremony)
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Oakland Center, Ambassador Rooms A&B
Come celebrate the accomplishments of Black Women from OU's campus, community and alumn as well as give thanks to the many sponsors and supporters of African American Celebration Month. This event will serve as the Closing Ceremony for the 2019 African American Celebration Month. Light refreshments will be provided.
Â
In addition to the scheduled events above, Oakland Athletics will celebrate Black History Month at the women's basketball game on Feb. 10 and the men's basketball game on Feb. 13 and on official social media accounts.
African-American History Month at Oakland University kicks off each year on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This month long celebration reflects OU's ongoing commitment to celebrating the historical and cultural contributions that African Americans have made in the past, present and future.
Articles
