01/24/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/24/2025 11:35
University of Detroit Mercy is celebrating Black History Month with a series of programs on the McNichols, Riverfront and Corktown Campuses throughout February.
Below are the event details. Stay up to date with this and other programming by visiting Detroit Mercy Live.
All event dates and times are subject to change.
Feb. 2-28
Black Saints Exhibit
Location TBD
See portraits and read about Black Catholics who are undergoing the process to be made saints in the Catholic Church.
Feb. 5
Interfaith Dinner
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom
https://udmercy.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10760475
Celebrate our religious diversity with fellow Titans over a free meal at the Interfaith Dinner. A guest panel - representing Sikh, Hindu and Native American cultures - will speak on the topic of Radical Hospitality.
Halal, kosher and vegetarian options are available. The first 25 attendees will receive a free T-shirt.
This event is hosted by University Ministry.
Feb. 6
Book talk with Kidada Williams
7 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom
https://udmercy.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10752819
Wayne State University professor Kidada Williams will discuss her book I Saw Death Coming, which chronicles the racial violence against African Americans during Reconstruction and how they responded with resistance and resilience. This volume was long-listed for the National Book Award for Nonfiction.
A reception sponsored by Alumni Relations will precede the event from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Ballroom lobby.
A Q&A and book signing will follow Williams' talk.
This event is co-sponsored by the African American Studies program, the Black Abolitionist Archive and Alumni Relations, with support from the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences.
Feb. 12
6 Mile Meetup
12:45 p.m.
Zalke Lounge, Lower Level, Student Union
https://udmercy.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10845206
Support Black-owned businesses and enjoy some free food by Fork in Nigeria while learning about the African American Studies Program.
This event is sponsored by the African American Studies program.
Feb. 14
Love Stories from the Underground Railroad
Noon
Student Union Ballroom
https://udmercy.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10752851
Professor of History Roy E. Finkenbine will discuss the story of Adam and Sarah Crosswhite, who made their way from enslavement in Kentucky to Marshall, Mich., then faced possible recapture before the community rallied to their defense.
The University Chorus will perform a couple of songs from the African American experience. Lunch will also be provided for attendees.
This event is co-sponsored by the Black Abolitionist Archive and Student Affairs.
Feb. 16
Faith and Freedom Tour
8:30 a.m.
University Ministry Office
https://udmercy.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10908675
This informative excursion includes Sunday service at the Second Baptist Church, a tour of the worship space and history of their association with the Underground Railroad and culminates with lunch at a local restaurant in the city.
Lunch and transportation are provided at no cost.
This event is co-sponsored by University Ministry and the African American Studies Program with support from the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences.
Feb. 18
Book talk with Edda Fields-Black
7 p.m.
Virtual
https://udmercy.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10752979 (this link will contain Zoom link at later date)
Edda Fields-Black, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, will discuss her book Combee, which explores the work of Harriet Tubman as a spy and a scout in the Carolinas during the Civil War.
A Q&A will follow Fields-Black's virtual talk.
This event is co-sponsored by the African American Studies program and the Black Abolitionist Archive, with support from the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences.
Feb. 19
Student Life treat day celebrating Black-owned businesses
Noon-4 p.m.
Zalke Lounge, Lower Level, Student Union
https://udmercy.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10875219
Stop by the Student Life Office to enjoy a delicious treat as we celebrate local business Good Cakes and Bakes!
Feb. 20
Movie night: The Princess and the Frog
7 p.m.
Zalke Lounge, Lower Level, Student Union
https://udmercy.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10875210
Grab your friends and be transported to the bayous of New Orleans during this movie night featuring Disney's animated musical.
Feb. 24
Panel discussion, "The Talk"
Noon
Bargman Room, McNichols Campus Library
https://udmercy.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10787962
A panel of professors, police, parents and local journalist Greg Bowens will discuss "The Talk" that African American parents have had for generations with their children - especially their sons - in an effort to keep them safe when confronted by law enforcement or other authority figures.
A box lunch will be provided to those who RSVP.
This event is co-sponsored by the African American Studies program, the Black Abolitionist Archive and McNichols Campus Library, with support from the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences.
Feb. 25
Soul food cooking class
6 p.m.
Eastern Market
Further information will be forthcoming.
Feb. 28
Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) game night
5 p.m.
Commerce & Finance Building, Room TBD
Head over to Commerce & Finance for some friendly competition and camaraderie with your fellow Titans and UDM neighbors at the TENN game night. Snacks and prizes will be available amidst the fun!
This event is sponsored by TENN.