TCC celebrates Black History Month 2023

Tidewater Community College celebrates Black History Month 2023 with a keynote event featuring Tidewater African Cultural Alliance presenting Afro Mania with the spotlight on Ethiopia. The event is a fully immersive cultural experience and will be held on Feb. 11 from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Joint-Use Library on the Virginia Beach Campus.

Tidewater African Cultural Alliance featuring Kenya.

The event will include an address by Beserat Debebe, a graphic novelist and founder of Etan Comics, which features epic stories, African creators and “comics for every fan.”

In building Etan Comics, Debebe has also been building a world of African fantasy and superhero stories. It’s been something he’s wanted to do since coming to the United States in 2004. He spent his early days in libraries and bookstores reading comics and graphic novels. After a few years in the corporate world, he found the courage to launch his dream.

The national theme for this year’s commemoration is Black Resistance: Past, Present and Future. During February, TCC will host Black History Month activities and events on its campuses.

For more information and for accommodations, email vsc@tcc.edu.

Campus events include:

Who Are Your Black History Month Heroes?
All month — Tag @TCCVABEACH on Instagram to be included.
Students have the opportunity to share photos and details about someone who has made an impact on their lives. Send it to the link above to be included in the daily stories.

Feb. 1
ThinkFast Game Show – Black History Month Edition
12:30 p.m. – Chesapeake Campus Student center
Test your knowledge during this in-person trivia game show. Enjoy this interactive game and learn facts related to Black History Month. Compete for a chance to win cash prizes.

Feb. 2
Pop-up library – Reading is Fundamental
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Norfolk Campus Student Center lobby
Check out our books aligned with the Black History Month theme of Black Resistance.
This event is held in conjunction with the Friends of the TCC Library Initiative.

Camaraderie – For Veterans, Military-Affiliated Students and the Community
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Norfolk Campus Student Center lobby
Join history professor Jeff Acosta for a conversation about his life, service, and interests in local Black history. Acosta is a historian with a varied background that includes thirty-eight years of military service. He also spent eleven years as curator for the MacArthur Memorial.

Virtual Leadership Institute – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
6 p.m. – See the Virtual Student Center or Canvas for the link

Feb. 11
Keynote Event – Tidewater African Cultural Alliance Afro Mania: Ethiopia
2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Joint-Use Library, Virginia Beach Campus
Join us for an afternoon of fully immersive cultural experience featuring Tidewater African Cultural Alliance with a focus n Ethiopia. In addition, listen to a keyote address by guest speaker Beserat Debebe, creator and publisher of Etan Comics, home of the African superhero.
Presented in partnership with Tidewater African Cultural Alliance, Hampton Roads Community Foundation and Virginia Beach Public Schools.

Feb. 15
Finding Your Roots: Genealogy Workshop
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Slover Library
Come and research your personal history. This workshop is facilitated by Troy Valos, head librarian and archivist. Registration required – see the Virtual Student Center for the link.

Feb. 16
Virginia African American Cultural Center Information Session
Noon – Norfolk Campus Student Center
Meet Executive Director Tamar Smithers and learn about the work of the center.

Virginia’s Community Colleges hosts HBCU Virtual Transfer Fair
6 p.m. – Visit Canvas for the Zoom link

Feb. 21
Movie and Discussion
11 a.m. – Virginia Beach Student Center
Students will watch a movie related to Black History Month, followed by a round-table discussion with faculty members.

Panel Discussion on Race Relations: Micro-Misconceptions of the Generational Norms in Today’s Society
Noon to 1:30 p.m. – Portsmouth Campus Student Center
The panel discussion will focus on topics including bridging the gap and navigating the misconceptions and cultural biases in education and in the workplace. Also, the group will discuss threatening speech and the native tongue. The panel includes professors from Norfolk State University.

Feb. 22
Black Stories Movie Marathon
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Norfolk Campus Student Center

SGA hosts Rhythmic Resistance: An All-Arts Open Mic
6:30 p.m. – Chesapeake Campus Student Center, Room 3100
This Open Mic event features guest speaker Vera Shinard.

Feb. 23
Movie and Discussion
Noon to 2 p.m. – Portsmouth Campus Student Center TV Lounge
Join us as we screen the film “The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till” by Keith Beauchamp. Discussion to follow the viewing.

Feb. 27
Agency and Empowerment with Guest Speaker Kim Sudderth
11 a.m. – Norfolk Campus Student Center
Come and learn about Black resistance and social movements through a facilitated conversation.

Feb. 28
Movie and Discussion
Noon – 2 p.m. – Portsmouth Campus Student Center TV Lounge
Join us as we screen the film “Underground Railroad” by Susan Michaels. Discussion to follow the viewing.

Black History Month Celebration
5:30 p.m. – Virginia Beach Student Center
Celebrate Black History Month with fellow students, faculty, staff and members of the community.

Leaders with purpose highlight TCC’s Black History Month virtual celebrations

Tidewater Community College celebrates Black History Month 2022 with a virtual presentation featuring Gina Paige, president of African Ancestry, Inc. The interactive conversation will be held on Feb. 23, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. To register for the event, visit here.

Paige co-founded African Ancestry, Inc. and in doing so, pioneered a new way of tracing African lineages using genetics. She created a new marketplace for people of African descent looking to trace their roots more accurately and reliably.

An industry pioneer, speaker and entrepreneur, Paige resides in Washington, D.C. and holds a degree in economics from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Paige was honored with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Global Oved Dei Seminary University.

The program will be followed by a question-and-answer session, moderated by ClauDean Kizart, TCC’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The national theme for Black History Month 2022 is “Black Health and Wellness,” a theme underscoring the rich legacy of Black scholars, medical practitioners, and midwives to more recent initiatives focused on mental health for people of color.

TCC’s Black History Month celebration includes an assortment of virtual events throughout February. All events are open to the public.

Each year, Tidewater Community College honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Black History Month with a distinguished service award to a TCC faculty or staff member and provides a scholarship to a TCC student. To view the 2022 honorees visit here.

For more information about Black History Month events, email Emily Hartman at ehartman@tcc.edu.

Black History Month Events

Feb. 2

Trivia Stream—Black History Month Edition
7 p.m. – Location: Virtual
Join us for a game show night streamed via Twitch TV complete with fun trivia questions, chat room engagement, secret words and up to $300 in prizes.

Feb. 9

Black History Month Movie: “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges & Universities”
Noon – 1:30 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student Center
Black colleges and universities have educated the architects of freedom movements and cultivated leaders in every field. They have been unapologetically Black for more than 150 years. For the first time ever, their story is told.

Feb. 15

Financial Management and Wealth Building Session
5:30 – 7 p.m. – Location: Virtual
TCC’s Student Resource and Empowerment Center and TowneBank present a teaching series about budgeting basics. Learn about predatory loans, common financial mistakes and top budgeting tips.

Feb. 16

Black History Month Movie: “Black America Since MLK and Still I Rise”
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (several showings) – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student Center
This movie looks at the last five decades of African American history through the eyes of Henry Louis Gates Jr., exploring the tremendous gains and persistent challenges of these years. Drawing on eyewitness accounts, scholarly analysis, and rare archival footage, the series illuminates the past, while raising urgent questions about the future.

VCCS HBCU Virtual Transfer Showcase
6:30 p.m. – Location: Virtual
The VCCS Transfer Peer Group is hosting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) at this virtual transfer showcase. Attendees will engage with an alumni panel and representatives from Bowie State University; Elizabeth City State University; Hampton University; Howard University; Morgan State University; Norfolk State University; North Carolina A&T University; and Virginia State University.

Feb. 17

“Trivia Stream”—Black History Month
Noon – 1:30 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student Center
Answer trivia questions pertaining to African American History and earn prizes.

Financial Management and Wealth Building Session
5:30 – 7 p.m. – Location: Virtual
TCC’s Student Resource and Empowerment Center and TowneBank present a teaching series about mortgage basics. Learn about home loans, managing credit and how to prepare for today’s housing market.

Feb. 22

“Mental Health First Aid with Chief Tyran Payne”
12:30 p.m. – Location: Virtual
Chief Payne is the police chief at Yavapai College in Arizona. He is a mental health first aid instructor and a dynamic leader. Payne is also a military veteran with PTSD who will be speaking about the personal and professional challenges of addressing mental health concerns

Feb. 23

Black History Month Movie: “Red Tails”
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student Center
The movie highlights a squadron of Black pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen who were finally given the chance to prove themselves during World War II as they battled discrimination on the ground.

Feb. 24

Black History Month Mental Health & Wellness in the Black Community
Noon – 2 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student Center
Joni Hursey-Wingate, Licensed Professional Counselor with TCC, will explore mental health challenges in the Black community. In addition, interventions will be offered to help students live healthier lives.

Black History Month Movie “Loving”
12:30 p.m. – Location: Virginia Beach Student Center – TV Lounge
“Loving” is a true story about a young couple’s interracial marriage in 1958 that sparks a case that leads to the Supreme Court. Based on the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving.

Feb. 25

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual Awards and Recognition Program
Noon – 1:30 p.m. – Virtual
Featuring William E. Harrell, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit. TCC’s annual distinguished service award winner and a student scholar will be recognized.

Feb. 28

Prominent in Portsmouth with Ambassador Bismarck Myrick
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Virtual
Meet ambassador Bismarck Myrick during a video feature with live a Zoom meet and greet. Ambassador Myrick is the former United States Ambassador to Lesotho and Liberia.

Atumpan: The Talking Drums
7 – 8 p.m. – Location: Virtual
Join us as the Atumpan Dance Theatre Company shares their unique brand of educational entertainment. This fun and interactive experience will engage and amaze you.

National speaker LaTosha Brown to speak virtually at TCC

Tidewater Community College celebrates Black History Month 2021 with a keynote address by LaTosha Brown, a national speaker, professional moderator and owner of TruthSpeaks Consulting, LLC.

Brown has appeared on a variety of media outlets including MSNBC, ZoomwithOprah.com, CBS, HBO and CNN.

Brown will share a message entitled “Can’t Stop: The Movement for Black Lives in America” with students and the community during a virtual event on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. To register for the Zoom event visit here.

Brown is a contributor to the “The New York Times” op-ed page and a fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. She is also co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund organization.

The program will be followed with a question-and-answer session, moderated by Tiffanye Sledge, TCC professor of sociology and chair of the Portsmouth Campus Faculty Senate.

The national theme for Black History Month 2021 is “The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.”

TCC’s Black History Month celebration includes an assortment of virtual events throughout February. All events are open to the public.

For more information contact Alicia Phillips at aphillips@tcc.edu.

Black History Month Events

Feb. 18 at Noon
Live via Zoom – visit here to register
Distinguished Speaker Series: “The Business of Justice – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” with Jordyne Blaise, Esq.

Jordyne Blaise, Esq., is a renowned diversity, inclusion and equity consultant and strategist. She earned her bachelors in English, with a minor in African American studies, and her juris doctor from Georgetown University. She is licensed to practice law in the state of Florida. Jordyne’s expertise in Civil Rights enforcement and diversity change management comes from her work with various organizations including Harvard Law School, NC State University and the District of Columbia Government.

*This event is sponsored by the Business, Computer Science and IT Pathway & the Virtual Student Center.

Feb. 18, 21, 25, 28 at various times
Register here for the live Zoom events
African HEAT (Healthy Energetic Authentic Transformation)

African dancer and Zumba Instructor Rita Addico Cohen presents African HEAT, a one-hour dance fitness class that includes cultural details with every step. Cohen is founder and executive director of the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance.

Feb. 21 from 4 – 6 p.m.
Register here for live Zoom event
“Health Equity, Inclusion & the African American Community”

Award-winning filmmaker and health advocate and educator Terrance Afer-Anderson will screen excerpts from “The Black Walnut,” his film about the alarming prostate cancer disparity impacting African American men.

Afer-Anderson will lead a panel discussion on health equity issues in the Black Community. Panelists include Mark Fleming, M.D., past president, Virginia Oncology Associates; Natalie S. Burke, president and chief executive officer, CommonHealth ACTION; Mekbib Gemeda, vice president, diversity and inclusion, Eastern Virginia Medical School; and Angela Mercer, M.D., vice president, Greater Norfolk Medical Society of South Hampton Roads.

Viewers are encouraged to submit questions and comments via the YouTube comments window.

This event is sponsored by My Thoughts. My Voice. My Art and the Arts & Humanities Pathway.

Feb. 23 from 12:30 -1:30 p.m.
Live via Zoom. Password:23501
Empathy Matters

This event was inspired by questions posed by Tidewater Community College students. In looking for answers, a panel of experts address the subject of empathy and its role in restoring balance and fostering positive change. The discussion centers around the power of empathy to transform relationships, circumstances, context and trajectory. Information about TCC student success and support resources developed in response to changing needs will be provided.

This event is sponsored by My Thoughts. My Voice. My Art and the Arts & Humanities Pathway.

Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. – Noon
Live via Zoom
Martin Luther King Jr. Recognition Program

Tidewater Community College honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Black History Month with a distinguished service award to a TCC faculty or staff member and provides a scholarship to a TCC student. This year’s virtual event includes remarks from featured speaker Ruth Jones Nichols, president and chief operating office, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Since 1998, Tidewater Community College has presented these awards to faculty, staff and students whose lives best exemplify Dr. King’s visionary legacy.”

For information on additional events celebrating diversity and inclusion visit here.

MLK honorees Professor Gabriela Toletti and student Tomelade Aigbokhan.

Black History Month 2020

Tidewater Community College celebrates Black History Month 2020 with a keynote address by Vernon J. Hurte, associate vice president and dean of students at Iowa State University, on Feb. 28 at noon in the multi-purpose room at the Portsmouth Campus Student Center. Pre-registration is required. To save your spot click here.

Vernon Hurte is the keynote speaker for TCC’s Black History Month celebration.

Hurte formerly directed the Center for Student Diversity at William & Mary. He was senior pastor of the historic New Light Baptist Church in Richmond for nearly a decade. Hurte was awarded William & Mary’s Chambers-Reid Award for Professional Excellence and named one of Inspire Magazine’s Top 40 inspirers in America.

The national theme for Black History Month is “African Americans and the Vote.”

At TCC, the month includes an assortment of free, public activities throughout February with speakers, discussions and entertainment at campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

For more information, contact intercultural@tcc.edu or 757-822-7296.

Events, which are subject to change, are on a first-come, first-served basis. For the most up-to-date listing of events, visit www.tcc.edu/black-history.

Each year, Tidewater Community College honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Black History Month with a distinguished service award to a TCC faculty or staff member, and provides a scholarship to a TCC student. To view the winners of the 2020 awards visit www.tcc.edu/black-history.

Campus Events

Chesapeake Campus

Feb. 5

Black History Month Movie: “Get Out”
12:30 – 2 p.m., Chesapeake Campus Student Center, Veterans Lounge
“Get Out” is written and directed by Jordan Peele. This story about racism isn’t a drama or comedy. Instead, it’s a horror film.

Black History Month Movie: “42 – The Jackie Robinson Story”
2:30 – 4 p.m., Chesapeake Campus Student Center, Veterans Lounge
The film chronicles the life of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play Major League Baseball.

Feb. 13

Thinkfast Gameshow Black History Month Trivia
12:30 – 1 p.m. and 1-1:30 p.m., Student Center, Chesapeake Bay Room
Test your knowledge of black history and pop culture for a chance to win up to $200! Student ID required to participate.

Feb. 19 & 20

Black History Cultural Festival – Day
12:15 – 1:30 p.m. – Student Center, Chesapeake Bay Room and Academic Building
Explore cultural dance, fashion, arts, storytelling, music, food and education as it relates to black history.

Black History Cultural Festival – Evening
6 – 7 p.m. – Student Center, Chesapeake Bay Room and Academic Building
Explore cultural dance, fashion, arts, storytelling, music, food and education as it relates to black history.

Feb. 26

Black History Month Movie: “House Party”
12:30 – 2 p.m., Chesapeake Campus Student Center, Veterans Lounge
The comedy “House Party” stars the rap duo Kid ‘N Play.

Black History Month Movie: “A Wrinkle in Time”
2:30 – 4 p.m., Chesapeake Campus Student Center, Veterans Lounge
After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, her brother and her friend into space to find him.

Norfolk Campus

Feb. 6

African American Artist Showcase
Noon – 1 p.m., Norfolk Campus Student Center, lobby
Meet student artists and view their work.

Feb. 19

The Divine 9 Greek Fest
Noon – 1:30 p.m., Norfolk Campus Student Center, 5^th floor
Join us for a conversation about the history and significance of black Greek fraternities and sororities.

Feb. 20

Financial Empowerment in Black America
Noon – 2 p.m., Norfolk Campus Student Center, 5^th floor
Learn about ways to leverage your cash to build wealth by engaging with black business owners and community leaders. Special guests include Ron Lewis with LTC2 Consulting; Will Randolph with Legacy Banking; and Vivian Oden with Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

Feb. 25

Entrepreneurship in Black America
Noon – 1:30 p.m., Norfolk Campus Student Center, 5^th floor
Join us as we view “BOSS: The Black Experience in Business.” Stay for a panel discussion as black business owners share their experiences of barriers, challenges, successes and key factors that led to their success.

Portsmouth Campus

Feb. 7

First Fridays: Vocalize (open mic)
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Portsmouth Campus Student Center, The Commons
Share your talent and creativity with a focus on black history, heritage, culture and life.

Feb. 13

Race to the ballot – a conversation with faculty and leaders
12:30 -1:30 p.m., | Portsmouth Campus Student Center, E124-126
Join the conversation with a panel of faculty and community organizers to discuss the 2020 elections as they pertain to issues impacting African Americans.

Feb. 20

A stage production of “Abolitionists’ Museum”
12:30 -1:30 p.m. Portsmouth Campus Student Center, The Commons
JuneteenthVA Theater company presents “Abolitionists’ Museum,” a play written by Sheri Bailey about Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Sojourner Truth, John Brown, Nat Turner, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stow and David Walker as wax figures in a museum in a debate moderated by the museum curator.

Virginia Beach Campus

Feb. 4

Black History Month kickoff event
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Virginia Beach Campus Student Center, 2^nd Floor Breezeway
Celebrate Black History Month with food, drinks and activities.

Feb. 6

Black History Month Movie: “Lincoln”
10 a.m., Virginia Beach Campus Student Center, TV Lounge While the Civil War continues to rage, President Lincoln struggles with the continuing carnage on the battlefield as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.

Feb. 10

Black History Month Movie: “Black Panther”
3 p.m., Virginia Beach Campus Student Center, TV Lounge
In the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, T’Challa must step forward to lead his people into a new future and confront a challenger from his country’s past.

Feb. 12

Poetry Slam
2 p.m., Virginia Beach Campus Student Center, Cafe
Step up to the mic and let your creativity flow!

Feb. 19

Black History Month Movie: “13th”
Noon, Virginia Beach Campus Student Center, TV Lounge
The film takes an in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and reveals the nation’s history of racial inequality.

Feb. 20

Make your own “I have a dream” vision board
1 -2:30 p.m., Virginia Beach Campus Student Center, Cafe
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., make your own vision board to reflect the values he held dear.

Feb. 25

Trivia Night
5:30 p.m., Virginia Beach Campus Student Center, 2^nd-floor Breezeway
Test your knowledge of black history.

Feb. 27

Black History Month Movie: “Mudbound”
3:30 p.m., Virginia Beach Campus Student Center, TV Lounge
Based on the story of two men who return home from World War II to work on a farm in rural Mississippi, where they struggle to deal with racism and adjust to life after war.

Original member of Black Lives Matter movement to speak at TCC on Feb. 22

Scholar, activist and playwright Funmilola Fagbamila is the keynote speaker for Tidewater Community College’s 2019 Black History Month celebration. The adjunct professor of Pan African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, is an original member of the Black Lives Matter movement.

She will speak on Feb. 22 at noon in the multipurpose room of the Portsmouth Campus Student Center. Her remarks are titled “Justice Too Long Delayed is Justice Denied: Black History Now.”

Reserve your spot for this free event at www.tcc.edu/BHMkeynote

Dana Singleton in the Portsmouth Campus Student Center. — Dana Singleton

Shanice Mills sitting on the seal in the Portsmouth Campus Student Center. — Shanice Mills

TCC will also honor the recipients of the college’s 2019 Martin Luther King Jr., Recognition Program that afternoon. Dana Singleton, dean of Student Services at the Portsmouth Campus, won the College’s Distinguished Service Award. Nansemond River High School graduate Shanice Mills, who is studying funeral services at TCC, is the scholarship winner.

Both were chosen for exemplifying the teachings and ideals of King.

The national theme for Black History Month, “Black Migrations,” tracks the continuous movement of African Americans from the south to the industrialized north and beyond.

TCC will sponsor an assortment of free, public activities with speakers, films and entertainment at each of its campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

Events are subject to change and are on a first-come, first-served basis. For the most up-to-date listing of events, visit www.tcc.edu/blackhistory.

For more information, contact intercultural@tcc.edu or 757-822-7296.

For maps and directions, visit www.tcc.edu/locations.