Black History Month: Programs + Harvey B. Gantt Museum Trip! GET INVOLVED!

Community Catalyst InitiativeJoin Student Engagement’s new Community Catalyst Initiative (CCI), a student-focused series designed to ignite a passion for service and civic engagement while empowering students to become catalysts for positive change in their communities!

February Black History Month Events:

“Black & Queer: Yes, We’re Here!” – Are you passionate or curious about differing identities in the black community? Participate in our panel discussion delving into the intersection of Black & queer realities.

“Harvey B Gantt Museum for African American Art + Culture Tour & Workshop” – Join us for a guided tour of the Harvey B Gantt Museum, its history, and a discussion of artists and exhibitions! There will be a Hands-On Workshop after where students can learn about a Black artist & create their own art. Transportation from Central Campus & lunch will be provided!

SIGN-UP! Spots are limited, so secure your spot TODAY! We look forward to engaging with you!

Student Equity Council – Celebrate Black History Month with Paint & Sip

sip and paint flyerThis February, immerse yourself in the vibrant celebration of Black History Month with the Central Piedmont Community College Student Equity Council’s Paint & Sip event. Mark your calendars for an afternoon filled with creativity, conversation, and community.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thurs., Feb. 22
  • Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Location: Central Campus, Parr Center, Room 1010
  • Register now

An Invitation to Create and Connect:
Join fellow students, staff, and faculty for a memorable gathering designed to honor and celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of Black Americans. Whether you’re an experienced artist or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, this event promises an inclusive space for everyone to express themselves.

What to Expect:

  • Artistic Expression: Dive into painting with all supplies and templates provided, ensuring you have everything you need to bring your vision to life.
  • Engaging Conversations: Enjoy open floor discussions on a variety of topics, offering a platform to share insights, experiences, and perspectives.
  • Musical Vibes: Get inspired by a selection of music that complements the creative atmosphere and celebrates Black culture and history.
  • Refreshments on Us: Delight in complimentary snacks and refreshments, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your afternoon.

Dress for the Occasion:
Remember to wear clothes that you won’t mind getting a little paint on, as creativity can sometimes be a messy process!

A Community Gathering:
The Student Equity Council is excited to welcome you to this special event. It’s more than just an art session; it’s an opportunity to connect with our community, reflect on the significance of Black History Month, and contribute to a tapestry of shared experiences and expressions.

Don’t miss out on this unique way to celebrate Black History Month at Central Piedmont Community College. We look forward to seeing you there, brush in hand, ready to paint, sip, and share in this collective experience.

Celebrating Black History: Upcoming Events at Central Piedmont Library

Black history month graphic

Black history month graphic designed by alum Bruce Maxwell, illustrator for The Spark student publication in 1994.

Central Piedmont Community College is set to host a series of compelling library exhibitions and events throughout February, celebrating cultural diversity, literature, and the arts. These events, spread across multiple campuses, offer a unique blend of educational and inspirational experiences for students, faculty, and the wider community.

 Library Exhibitions

  • John H. White Photograph Exhibition (All Campuses): This exhibition showcases the evocative work of celebrated photographer John H. White, known for his poignant captures of urban life and African American communities. It’s a rare opportunity to delve into the visual narratives that have shaped societal perspectives.
  • African Americans in Graphic Novels (All Campuses): This exhibition explores the representation of African Americans in the world of graphic novels. It’s a thought-provoking display that highlights the influence of African American culture in this dynamic literary form.

 Library Events

“Inspired to Write! An Author Talk” with Dr. Beth Kara Dawkins

    • When: Tues., Feb. 6, noon–1 p.m.
    • Where: Harris Campus, Library
    • Details: Join novelist Dr. Beth Kara Dawkins for an insightful discussion about the creative writing process and the journey of bringing stories to life.

“African American Culture, Identity, and Representation in Graphic Novels” with Stephanie Williams

    • When & Where:
      • Wed., Feb. 7, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Cato Campus, Cato II, Auditorium, Room 020
      • Wed., Feb. 14, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Merancas Campus, Merancas IV, Room 122 (inside the library)
      • Wed., Feb. 21, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m., Levine Campus, Levine III, Auditorium
      • Wed., Feb. 28, noon–1 p.m., Harper Campus, Harper IV, Room 310 (inside the library)
    • Details: Stephanie Williams delves into the world of graphic novels, discussing the cultural and social significance of African American representation in this genre.

“Crafting a Narrative for Your Family History” with Rose Parkman

  •     When & Where:
    • Thurs., Feb. 8, 11 a.m.–noon, Central Campus, Parr Center, Library, Room 3220
    • Thurs., Feb. 15, 1–2 p.m., Harris Campus, Harris I, Auditorium
    • Details: Discover the art of tracing and narrating your family history in this engaging workshop led by Rose Parkman.

“What is it Going to take: African American Arts in Charlotte”

  • When: Thurs., Feb. 15, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
    • Where: Central Campus, Overcash, Tate Hall
  • Details: A panel discussion featuring Arsena and Jermaine Nakia Lee, moderated by Dr. Corlis Hayes, focusing on the evolution and impact of African American arts in Charlotte.

“REVIVAL!” Exploring the Transcendent Nature of Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple” with Dr. Alicia D. Dervin

  • When: Wed., Feb. 21, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
  • Where: Cato Campus, Cato II, Auditorium (020)
  • Details: Dr. Alicia D. Dervin offers a deep dive into Alice Walker’s acclaimed novel,”The Color Purple,” exploring its themes of resilience and transcendence.

“A Citizen of No Nation” with photographer/artist Toni Lovejoy

  • When: Thurs., Feb. 22, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  • Where: Central Campus, Overcash, Tate Hall
  • Details: A captivating session with photographer/artist Toni Lovejoy, examining themes of identity and belonging through visual art.

These events, sponsored by Central Piedmont Library, Arts and Communication, English, Strategy and Organizational Excellence, and Levine Museum of the New South, promise to offer enriching experiences for all attendees. Join us in celebrating culture, art, and education this February at Central Piedmont Community College.

Central Piedmont Black History Month events

Since its conception as National Negro Week in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Wooden, the month of February is a special time for individuals around the world to acknowledge, remember and share the enriching African-American experience as part of American history, to help foster more equity and inclusion, and to embrace America’s diversity. Learn more about the origins of Black History Month and this year’s theme: Black Resistance.

Upcoming Black History Month events

Tangled & Twisted: Understanding the Dynamics of Black Hair

Join us for an engaging and enlightening presentation on the history, social and political stigmas and unspoken implications about ‘black hair’- a double-headed cultural enigma that is too often stereotyped and misunderstood.

This presentation will be facilitated by Ms. LaTika “Tika” Mercer, a former adjunct instructor at Central Piedmont’s nationally recognized cosmetology program and co-owner of Lucky You Salon and Suites.

Wednesday, Feb. 8
10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Central Campus, North Classroom Building, Room 1123 (Auditorium)
Link: http://tiny.cc/tangledandtwisted


Tangled & Twisted: Traveling Exhibition

A rotating visual exhibit featuring educational information and various hair styles designed by creative students in the cosmetology program will also be on display. The exhibit will be featured in each Central Piedmont campus library:

Feb. 6- 10:  Central & Levine Campuses

Feb. 13- 17: Harris & Cato Campuses

Feb. 20- 24: Harper & Merancas Campuses


Black Resistance: Forms of Opposition 1600s-1800s

Through the lens of history, music, psychology, and literature, discussion about forms of opposition from enslaved people from the lens of history, music, psychology, and literature. Join us for this in person and live-streamed event to gain insight on how black resistance from this time period still influences perceptions in today’s world.

Panelists include Central Piedmont faculty and staff:
Nerlynn Etienne, moderator.
Panelists: Dr. Denise Spruill, Kenneth Woodruff and Linteno Savedge.

Thursday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Central Campus, North Classroom Building, Room 1123 (Auditorium)
Link: http://tiny.cc/BlackResistance


All programs are FREE to attend. These programs are sponsored in collaboration with Central Piedmont Library, Behavioral & Social Science Department, Cosmetology Program, Single Stop, and Student Engagement.

Health and Wellness of African Americans – Past, Present, and Future

audience of studentsEvery year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History selects a national theme to bring attention to important developments in the Black narrative that merit emphasis. Medical racism is the systematic and wide-spread racism against people of color within the medical system, including the disparity in health coverage by race, and the biases held by healthcare workers against people of color in their care. This year’s theme focuses on Black Health and Wellness and will consider activities, rituals, and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.

In case you missed it, check out a virtual panel discussion on the Health and Wellness of African Americans in Health held on February 22 by Central Piedmont Library.

Black History Month: “Fates Intertwined” Panel Discussion on February 16

photo of all black students dancing at Queen's Dance in 1963Carver College began as a junior college with a mission to serve as the counterpart of Charlotte College for African-Americans. Opened Sept. 1949 by the Charlotte City School Board, Carver College operated out of a basement of a Second Ward High School and offered courses in liberal arts, business, vocational studies, and an accelerated high school program. In 1957 the General Assembly passed the North Carolina Community College Act. Under this act, the Board of Trustees of the Charlotte Community College System gained control of Carver College which marked the first in a strong of changes.

In 1961, the board changed the name of the institution to Mecklenburg College and by 1962, construction for a new campus was underway. Mecklenburg College combined with the Industrial Education Center to create Central Piedmont Community College in 1963. “Fates Intertwined” follows the creation of Carver College and its metamorphosis into Central Piedmont Community College, and examines the interconnectedness of UNC Charlotte and Central Piedmont. Central Piedmont Archivist Erin Allsop will serve as a panelist during the free event on Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Register for Fates Intertwined today!   The event will be recorded if you are unable to attend.

Black History Month Event Series

students in authentic African attire dancing in quad on Central Piedmont campusJoin Central Piedmont Libraries, Student Life, and Man Up male mentoring program throughout February for a series of Black History Month events to learn about some of the many facets of history and culture that have had an impact in shaping the tapestry of black family life. Black History Month acknowledges and celebrates the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Black Americans and their significant role in the designing of “America’s quilt.” The national theme, developed by Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALAH), highlights The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.

All events are free and open to all. Check out the event calendar to learn more about how you can celebrate this month.

Top 5 Ways to Plug-In This Coming Week

Central Piedmont offers you a ton of ways to get involved, make friends, do good for others, and have fun. While we offer hundreds of unique experiences on each campus during the semester (calendar of events), here are the Top 5 Ways to Plug-In This Week.

  1. Black History Month: Film and Discussion (Levine Campus)- Wed., Feb. 26, 3pm-5pm: Watch “Selma” and join us for some discussion. Refreshments provided.
  2. It’s Showtime (Central Campus) – Thu., Feb. 27, 5:30pm-7:30pm: Come out to the North Classroom building, room 1123 and watch your favorite shows and movies from the late 1990s and early 2000s with the Central campus Activity Board! Make new friends, have some snacks, and have a lot of fun! Contact justin.knoll@cpcc.edu with any questions or how to get involved!
  3. Service-In-Action Event: Latta Nature Preserve (Off-Campus) – Sat., Feb. 29, 9am-1:30pm and 1pm-5pm: THERE ARE TWO SHIFTS YOU MAY SIGN UP FOR ON THIS PROJECT. First shift: 9am-1:30pm Second Shift: 1pm-5pm Address: The Latta Nature Preserve, 5226 Sample Road, Huntersville NC, 28078. Student volunteers will assist with a variety of stations, including but not limited to: crafts, games, registration, assisting with shuttles, preparing free popcorn, tending fire pits, etc. Please dress according to the weather as this event is outside. Feel free to dress in fairy-themed clothing! **20 volunteers requested for each shift.
  4. Food Pantry Open House (Harper Campus) -Mon., March 2, 2pm-4pm:
    Did you know each campus has an emergency food pantry? During this open house event, faculty, staff, and students can stop by to learn more about the food pantry and how we fight hunger on campus. Contact lindsey.graves@cpcc.edu with questions
  5. Women’s Suffrage/Voter Rights Program (Central Campus) – Tue., March 3, 11am-12pm in Tate Hall: Come out and learn about the 100 year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment that gave women in the US the right to vote! The presentation will also include other voter rights issues and Q+A. Presentation is being facilitated by the League of Women’s Voters – Charlotte. Contact justin.knoll@cpcc.edu to become involved.

Please visit our websites for complete information about the Offices of Student Life & Service-Learning.

Top 5 Ways to Plug-In This Coming Week

Central Piedmont offers you a ton of ways to get involved, make friends, do good for others, and have fun. While we offer hundreds of unique experiences on each campus during the semester (calendar of events), here are the Top 5 Ways to Plug-In This Week.International students sit on ground working

  1. Volunteer Fair (Levine Campus): (Wed., Feb. 19, 11:30am-1pm) Stop by and meet local nonprofits and community organizations! These organizations have multiple opportunities for students to gain service hours and give back to their community. Contact: lindsey.graves@cpcc.edu for more information.
  2. Business Etiquette Lunch Training (Central Campus): (Thu., Feb. 20, 11:30am-12:30pm) Professional work settings may require you to join your future boss for a meal. Do you have the skills to eat while speaking professionally? Wonder which fork to use? Do you need to practice your “small talk” with strangers? Students will have free lunch in the Van Every Culinary building at Central Campus the following week, and this mandatory etiquette training session is required the week before the lunch. Contact jennifer.conway@cpcc.edu for more information.
  3. Service In Action – Reedy Creek Elementary (Off-Campus): (Sat., Feb. 22, 10am-2pm) Students will participate in the festival for parents and students at the school. Volunteers will work in partners to run the exhibits, teachers will be present to guide and explain. Volunteers will be indoors and it is suggested that they wear a t shirt with jeans and sneakers (casual). Please sign up for this event using the following link: CPCC Service-In-Action Website
  4. Recreation Volleyball (Central Campus): (Mon., Feb. 24, 1pm-3pm) Come on out to the Worrell gymnasium and play some volleyball! Drop-in style of play with teams based on who shows up first. Open to all currently enrolled CP students with current semester sticker. Appropriate dress required to participate.
  5. Black History Month Trivia (Harper Campus): (Tue., Feb. 25, 11:30am-1pm) Join us at the Harper 4 First Floor Atrium to show off your history skills and learn some great Black History Month facts!

Please visit our websites for complete information about the Offices of Student Life & Service-Learning.

Central Piedmont Library to Host “Black Migrations: A Town Hall Meeting”

In celebration of Black History Month, Central Piedmont Library is sponsoring “Black Migrations: A Town Hall Meeting – Who, Where, When and Why.”

February 19, 2019; 10:30 a.m.  – noon
Central Campus, Library, Room 302

Discussion moderated by Dr. Jennnifer Dixon-McKnight, assistant professor African-American History and United States History at Winthrop University

Black Migrations emphasizes the movement of people of African descent to new destinations and new social realities. This theme focuses especially on the 20th century through today.

The Library is also hosting an exhibition using Jacob Lawrence, Migration Series. The exhibition is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of The Library.