Black History Month 2023
SPC Black History Month Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speaker
This year's theme: Black Resistance
"African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial programs, and police killings since our arrival upon these shores. These efforts have been to advocate for a dignified self-determined life in a just democratic society in the United States and beyond the United States political jurisdiction." - ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History
St. Philip's College is celebrating Black History Month (BHM) beginning February 1, 2023. The 2023 schedule features events for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community. The diverse schedule of programs and events strives to motivate, inspire and enlighten the SPC community in honor of National Black History Month.
Black History Month Guest Speakers
Akeem Brown
Mr. Brown has dedicated his career to serving students living in San Antonio’s Eastside. By founding a school, he seeks to provide his students with the pathways to opportunities he feels are lacking in many areas of the city. His proposed school will utilize a project-based learning model focusing on public policy. He is a graduate of Leadership San Antonio and was named the 2021 Man of the Year by the San Antonio Business Journal. Mr. Brown serves on numerous boards and committees in the San Antonio area, including as Secretary for the Board of Trustees to VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority, San Antonio, and Bexar county public transportation agency. Mr. Brown received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from South Carolina State University, a Master's of Public Policy from New York University, and most recently, a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University.
Elizabeth Eckford
Elizabeth Eckford was the first member of the Little Rock Nine to arrive at Central High in Little Rock, Arkansas to desegregate the school in 1957. She faced an enraged, racist, mob alone.
Ms. Eckford is recognized worldwide as a Civil Rights Icon and was presented with an honorary doctorate from Knox College for her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in 2018.
Last September, the city of Little Rock held a week-long celebration recognizing the 65th anniversary of the desegregation of Central High, including the renaming of the street in front of the school “Little Rock Nine Way.” The sacrifices made by trailblazers such as Ms. Eckford and the Little Rock Nine were immense
Black History Month Events
Guest Speaker: Akeem BrownJoin us as we kick off Black History Month with guest speaker Akeem Brown, Superintendent of Essence Preparatory Public School. Date: February 1, 2023 |
Tell Them We Are Rising, the Story of Black Colleges and UniversitiesBlack colleges and universities have educated the architects of freedom movements and cultivated leaders in every field. This award-winning documentary examines the impact Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have had on American history, culture and national identity Date: February 7, 2023 |
Walk on the River: A Black History of the Alamo City“Walk on the River- A Black History of the Alamo City” documents both the history and the contributions African Americans have made to the fabric of San Antonio from emancipation to the present time. The path of freed Blacks establishing communities, churches and schools in the 1800’s to thriving Black owned businesses that flourished during the Jim Crow era is documented. The film touches on religion, politics, education, social organizations and community all in an attempt to paint a vivid picture of life for Black San Antonians in the past to help create a knowledge base, a sense of pride and a blueprint for the next generations moving forward. Produced by Meleneyes Media. Date: February 15, 2023 |
Guest Speaker: Elizabeth EckfordJoin us as we continue celebrating Black History Month with Elizabeth Eckford as she speaks on Black Resistance. Elizabeth was the first member of the Little Rock Nine to arrive at Central High to desegregate the school in 1957. Date: February 16, 2023 |
Disparity, Discrimination and DiseasesPlease join the St. Philip’s College Health Centers as we present Disparity, Discrimination and Diseases. The Black History Month theme for 2023 is “Black Resistance”. We will explore how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression in the medical field. Topics will include six different medical diagnoses that disproportionately affect African Americans more than others. Included will be a small history of pioneers in medicine and their accomplishments; such as Vivien Thomas. Date: February 20, 2023 |
Walk on the River 2.0: The African Influence in San AntonioIn this second installment, Walk on the River 2.0 The African Influence in San Antonio, TX we speak about the presence and influence people of African descent have had in this area before and during enslavement. Produced by Meleneyes Media. Date: February 23, 2023 |