Miami, Feb. 1, 2021 – This year, Miami Dade College (MDC) once again proudly celebrates Black History Month with an array of virtual community and educational activities that highlight The Black Family.
Learn about the contributions made by Black Americans throughout this country’s history, both past and present. Below is a sampling of some of the dynamic and thought-provoking Black History Month activities presented by MDC’s various campuses.
To view the complete Black History Month calendar and join an event, visit https://calendar.mdc.edu/black_history.
Celebration of Black Families
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 12 – 1 p.m.
Come celebrate the opening of Black History Month with Out Loud Artistry (OLA)! Founded in 2009, Out Loud Artistry (OLA) is a performing arts training and mentorship program with a mission to use the arts to inspire social change. Through their signature blend of performing arts training and mentorship, OLA trains artists to engage, educate, and empower communities within their context. OLA equips artists of every level with the skills necessary to become arts practitioners and activists.
Disparities in Minority Communities
Thursday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m.
Health disparities, food injustice, social injustice and environmental racism in the United States of America have disproportionately impacted African American and Latino communities. In partnership with the Sustainability Committees, the panel will explore the intersection of these critical socio-economic factors to understand the fragile state of these communities. Where do we go from here now that the pandemic has revealed the truth? Panelists include Asha Walker, founder of Health in the Hood; Dr. Kilian C. Ashad-Bishop, director of College Access for Breakthrough Miami; and Zelalem Adefris, VP of Policy & Advocacy at Catalyst Miami.
Mental Health and Black Americans
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This wide-ranging conversation discusses how structural inequalities in the field of mental healthcare have had a tangible impact on Black Americans for generations. Hosted by Prof. Ryan Adams-Barton
Soul Food from the Home
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m.
Join Chef Patrick Syka as he explores the connection between “soul food” and the African Diaspora. He will walk you through a cooking demonstration to teach how to make southern fried chicken, collard greens and cornbread. You will leave this program with a deeper appreciation for the “soul food” connection to the African American community able to make this delicious meal for your loved ones. Chef Syka attended the Ecole Hôtelière of Paris for five years and graduated with a baccalaureate in hotel and restaurant management, and a B.T.S. in culinary production.
COVID-19 Health Disparities in the Black Community
Thursday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. – 12: p.m.
Join us as we discuss how long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put many people from racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19. There is increasing evidence that the Black community is being disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Inequities in the social determinants of health, such as poverty and healthcare access, affecting these groups are interrelated and influence a wide range of health and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. To achieve health equity, barriers must be removed so that everyone has a fair opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Hosted by Jamicka Hicks and Dr. Alison Davis
Black College & Transfer Fair
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 12 – 1 p.m.
Higher education has long been a vehicle for changing the socio-economic status of minority populations. In featuring a college and transfer fair, this event will focus on the impact of degree attainment on income and ways for students to continue their educational pursuits. Hosted by Jasmine Johnson and Cheryl Rivera.