Black History Month
African Americans and Labor
Week 1: Historical Reflection on Labor in Black History
Title: Speaker Broadcast Showing: President Barack Obama
Day: Monday, 2/3/25
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Campus Center Cafeteria
Description: Join us for a broadcast featuring the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama.
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Title: Reliquary of Blackness: Reclaiming, Retelling, and Reframing the History of Black folks in Holyoke
Day: Wednesday, 2/5/25
Time: 11:00-12:15 p.m.
Location: Learning Collaborative, Frost 265
Description: Join scholar and activist Erika Slocumb for an engaging presentation on the history of Black communities in the 413, with a particular emphasis on labor history. Light refreshments will be provided
Biography of speaker:
Erika Slocumb is the Director of Interpretation and Visitor Experience at the Stowe Center for Literary Activism. She is working together with her team to reinterpret the Stowe House Tour to include stories of the constellation of Black voices who influenced and inspired Stowe, as evidenced by The Key to Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Innovative and visionary, Slocumb strives to broaden and deepen visitor understanding of American history, especially amplifying those who advocated hope and freedom then and now.
Slocumb is a scholar of Black history. She has worked on uncovering the history of Black people in Holyoke, Massachusetts, in conjunction with the Holyoke community and the Wisteriahurst Museum and most recently working at Historic New England on the Recovering New England’s Voices, interpreting and researching the histories of Black experience across New England. Her research “Reliquary of Blackness,” focuses on the use of archival research, oral histories, and community storytelling to retell, reshape, and reclaim history in spaces where Black stories have been obscured, specifically reclaiming the narratives of Blackness in museums and other repositories of history and culture. By joining the Stowe Center, Erika looks forward to continuing to expand the narratives of communities of the global majority in conversation with Harriet Beecher Stowe and her work in social justice and civic engagement.
Slocumb is from Springfield, MA. She is a mother, artist, community organizer, world traveler and advocate for social justice. Slocumb is the co-founder of the community organization the Western Mass Women’s Collective. She received her BA in Social Justice Education, her MS in Labor Studies, and she expects her PhD in African American Studies in the fall of 2026—all from University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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Title: Storytime w/milk & cookies (MALSC)
Day: Wednesday, 2/5/25
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Parent Learning Center, Frost 269
Description: Join us in the Parent Learning Center for a reading of “When Harriet Met Sojourner” while enjoying milk and cookies.
Week 2: Exploring Labor in Black Arts, Music, and Culture
Title: Speaker Broadcast Showing: Trevor Noah
Day: Monday, 2/10/25
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Campus Center Cafeteria
Description: Join us for a broadcast featuring the "The Daily Show" host and best-selling author, Trevor Noah.
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Title: Storytime w/milk & cookies (MALSC)
Day: Wednesday, 2/12/25
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Parent Learning Center, Frost 269
Description: Join us in the Parent Learning Center for a reading of “All Because You Matter by Tami Charles” while enjoying milk and cookies.
Book: All Because You Matter by Tami Charles
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Title: Rhythms Through Time: A Celebration of Jazz with the HCC All Stars band and & Professor Bob Ferrier
Day: Wednesday, 2/12/25
Time: 11:00-12:15 p.m.
Location: Campus Center Cafeteria
Description: Join us for a conversation and celebration of Jazz music featuring an HCC student band, the HCC All Stars and Professor Bob Ferrier. Light refreshments will be served.
Week 3: Focus on Black Women and Labor
Title: Voices of Solidarity: Tiamba Wilkerson on Black Union Participation
Day: Tuesday, 2/18/25
Time: 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Location: Zoom. Join a watch party in El Centro CC248
Description: Join a Zoom conversation with scholar and activist Tiamba Wilkerson highlighting her work on Black union participation.
Biography of speaker:
Tiamba M. Wilkerson is a PhD student in Sociology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst focusing on the intersections of race and gender in the labor market, racial capitalism, neoliberal urban redevelopment and gentrification, as well as race and place in the South. Currently, her dissertation research examines the impact of neoliberal urban redevelopment on Black incumbent workers in Richmond, Virginia, and explores the broader effect of gentrification on Black Southern culture, politics, and historical memory. Her previous research highlighted the role of labor unions in Black worker political engagement, as well as the impact of automation and technology on the future of work. Prior to her doctoral studies, Tiamba worked as a community organizer in her hometown, and as a researcher for a national labor union. Her research and activism are informed by a deep commitment to social justice and the Black radical tradition.
- Zoom Link:https://hcc-edu.zoom.us/j/96264358327 Meeting ID: 962 6435 8327
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Title: Storytime w/milk & cookies (MALSC)
Day: Thursday, 2/20/2025
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Parent Learning Center, Frost 269
Description: Join us in the Parent Learning Center for a reading of “Black is a Rainbow Color” and rainbow themed crafts and activities.
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Title: BHM Trivia
Day: Friday, 2/21/25
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: Campus Center Cafeteria
Description: Celebrate Black History Month with us by testing your knowledge in our exciting trivia challenge! Join us for a chance to learn, reflect, and win amazing prizes.
Week 4: Visioning the Future of Black Labor
Title: Speaker Broadcast Showing: Kevin Hart
Day: Monday, 2/24/25
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Campus Center Cafeteria
Description: Join us for a broadcast featuring the award-winning actor, producer, and entrepreneur Kevin Hart.
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Title: Harambee Celebration
Day: Wednesday, 2/26/25
Time: 11:00-12:15 p.m.
Location: Campus Center Cafeteria
Description: Join us for a vibrant and exciting Harambee Celebration event, where we come together to celebrate culture, community, and unity! This lively gathering will feature delicious food, soulful music, and an open mic session for everyone to share their talents.
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Title: Storytime with milk & cookies (MALSC)
Day: Wednesday, 2/26/25
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Parent Learning Center, Frost 269
Description: Join us in the Parent Learning Center for a reading of “Sulwe by Lupita” while enjoying milk and cookies.
Book: Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
