Black History Month events at UAF

Graphic illustration of author bell hooks
Graphic by NDAC
UAF"s Black History Month activities are dedicated to author bell hooks.

The Nanook Diversity and Action Center invites you to 2022 Black History Month festivities!

This year UAF’s Black History Month celebration is dedicated to bell hooks and her legacy. Her work continues to inspire generations of artists, activists, and scholars across the globe. A cultural critic, feminist theorist, and scholar on race and gender, bell hooks authored more than 30 books, including the poetry collections “Appalachian Elegy: Poetry and Place” (‎University Press of Kentucky, 2012), “When Angels Speak of Love,” (Atria Books, 2011), and “And There We Wept” (Golemics, 1978).

Celebrate Black is about embracing the richness and beauty of Black culture in all of its expression. Throughout this month, we will host events that center Black joy, art and experiences. Here are the events NDAC will be hosting:

  • First Friday: Black Artist Showcase, Feb. 4, 6 p.m., Arctic Java. The First Friday Black Artists Showcase seeks to highlight the contributions of Black creatives to the visual arts. During this event, attendees will be able to view various pieces produced by local Black artists, interact with them regarding their art, and purchase their pieces.
  • bell hooks Poetry Night, Feb. 17, 6 p.m., Arctic Java. As we dedicate this month to her and her legacy, we invite you to our bell hook Poetry Night! Attendants will have the opportunity to read original poetry inspired by bell hooks or what she stood for, as well as read some of her work. Copies of her poems will be provided.
  • Black History Timeline, Feb. 20-March 1, Wood Center Multilevel Lounge. This timeline will be displayed at the Wood Center Multilevel Lounge in the UAF Troth Yeddha’ campus starting Feb. 20. A virtual interactive display is available at http://bit.ly/uaf-blackhistorymonth. The Nanook Diversity and Action Center is hoping to compile the community's Black history and expand this timeline. If you have any history you would like to add, please submit the form on our website http://bit.ly/uaf-blackhistorymonth. We will continue to update our Black History Timeline throughout the week.

Please contact jhmalbertnarvaez@alaska.edu if you have any questions.