Southeast Missouri State University will celebrate Black History Month this month with events specifically designed to recognize African-American heritage and history.

"It's important that the campus community is aware of the upcoming events and become involved in the success of each," Sean Spinks, the retention coordinator in Academic Support Centers, said. "Society has progressed through the years, but looking at recent events that have occurred there still is a long way to go in the area of social justices and equality."

The events, varying from the film screening of "Dark Girls" to a speech from Hill Harper, showcase how far society has come and where society still has to go.

"Perceptions are often hard to change, but we have to initiate the conversations on what we can do as students, faculty, staff and administrators to bring about change in our communities," Spinks said.

Spinks added that the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee and Academic Support Center is asking for student volunteers and that those interested can find contacts on the Southeast website.

"I feel Black History Month is important because it gives people the opportunity to learn something new every year about their culture and ancestors," Southeast student Timaya Bills said.

She then went on to say that it makes her more thankful and grateful to be a part of such an influential ethnic background, and knowing where she came from and how her ancestors have paved way for her allows her to be proactive in making positive decisions in her life.

"Personally, I am preparing for these events by assisting my colleagues and making sure we are creating a platform for students to voice their thoughts on relevant topics," Spinks said. "This allows an opportunity to reflect on the past and what we as a united group can do to move towards a brighter future."

Black History Month activities and discussions at Southeast will include:

· The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Read-A-Thon which will take place throughout the entire month of February. It will allow elementary students in the area the opportunity to discover works of literature. Volunteers will help students engage in activities and readings.

· "Dark Girls" -- A Dialogue at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 3 in the University Center Redhawks Room. "Dark Girls" is a film that explores the lives of women of color in society. The film examines their lives and the struggles they face while trying to overcome adversity and stereotypes. The film will lead students into discussion about how discrimination can impact individuals based on their skin color, ethnic background and social class.

· Connection Through Cultural Competence will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 5 in the University Center Ballroom B. Participants will engage in discussion about cultural experiences to help understand culture competence. There will be an open discussion that will address stereotypes and include the entire campus. Participants in this discussion are strongly advised to come with an open mind in the hopes of sharing personal experiences and reactions to all conversations.

· The Etiquette Advantage will take place at 5 p.m. Feb. 11 in the University Center Ballroom B. Participants will learn how to present themselves professionally when meeting with potential employers through an interactive dinner covering how to be professionally dressed and maintain good social skills for future job aspirations.

· The Black Evolution will be held from Feb.16-20 at the Black Student Union by the Black Student Union organization. On Monday there will be a dance workout, Tuesday will be a play based on slavery, Wednesday will be a form of open mic night that will closely relate to the Harlem Renaissance, Thursday's topic of discussion is a forum on white privileges and Friday will consist of an all-out feast of soul food.

· University Speaker Series and Michael Davis Lecture "Manifest Your Destiny" by Hill Harper will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 in the Academic Hall Auditorium. Actor, author, and philanthropist Hill Harper created the Manifest Destiny Foundation, which focuses on empowering, inspiring and guiding individuals into a better future. Through the organization, he empowers young people who are serving time behind bars and changing the way they perceive life.