02/05/24
Gadsden State to observe Black History Month
Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College is hosting events during the month of February in recognition of Black History Month, including a program featuring Miss Alabama 2023 Brianna Burrell.
“Our campuses are planning events that will recognize the amazing achievements of Black Americans,” said Pam Clough, Gadsden State’s ADA coordinator and liaison of the Equity and Inclusion Committee. “We are excited to bring our communities to our campuses in celebration.”
The main event for Black History Month is a program that will take place on Feb. 26 at the Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center. The event will kick-off at 10 a.m. with a Meet-and-Greet with Burrell. At 10:30 a.m., the Gadsden State Show Band and the A Cappella Choir will perform. Burrell, a vocalist, will also perform and speak on her platform, SAVE-A-STEM.
“Brianna’s community initiative encourages students of color and underfunded schools to engage in programs focused on STEM,” Clough said. “It is important to promote engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
Burrell, a graduate of University of South Alabama with degrees in political science and philosophy, served as the STEM Sports USA Influencer of the Month and the Boys and Girls Club of Alabama Mentor of the Year for her work in STEM fields. She has written a children’s book titled “Investigation Nation: Who Made It? Exploring Diversity in the World of STEM.”
Following the performances, Burrell will be available for photographs from noon to 12:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Area schools are encouraged to attend.
Gadsden State’s Ayers Campus will be hosting a month-long showing of movies, television shows and documentaries mixed with history, culture and entertainment. Showtimes are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday in the Learning Resource Center. Attendees are welcome to bring food and drink. For more information contact Michael Gibson at mgibson@gadsdenstate.edu.
Gadsden State’s Valley Street Campus, the area’s only HBCU, will host Financial Literacy Lunch and Learn events Feb. 7 for Dental Assisting and Construction Technology students; Feb. 12 for Certified Nursing Assistant students; Feb. 14 for Licensed Practical Nursing students; and Feb. 19 for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.
On Feb. 28, the Valley Street Campus is partnering with Gadsden Job Corps for its second annual Black History Month Celebration. The keynote speaker is Dr. Charlie Parker, principal of Litchfield Middle School. The Gadsden State Show Band and Litchfield Middle School Choir will perform. The event is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. It is open to the public and will take place in the Job Corps Gymnasium located on the Valley Street Campus.
For more information about events at the Valley Street Campus, contact Keana Howze at khowze@gadsdenstate.edu.
