Mercer County Community College Celebrates Black History Month
2/2/24
WEST WINDSOR – Mercer County Community College is celebrating Black History Month 2024 with a full slate of enlightening and engaging events.
“Black History Month is a significant annual national observance that highlights the invaluable contributions of African Americans to American culture and society much of which has shaped and enriched it,” said Marvin Carter, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Title IX Coordinator at Mercer County Community College. “While serving as a platform for recognition and celebration it also serves as a space to educate yourself and raise community awareness about the still present struggles and achievements of African Americans. To many, Black History Month is a highlight reel of Civil Rights, history, slavery, and popular cultural figures. Still, it’s more than that. There were countless others who contributed, and their stories deserve amplification and honor as well.”
“Since its inception, Black History Month has been an important time to celebrate the culture, history, and accomplishments of African Americans,” said Dr. Deborah E. Preston, President. “As an educational institution, however, Mercer County Community College strives not only to celebrate, but also to teach, inspire, engage, and advocate. In other words, we want our students and our community to delve into history and to learn important lessons for the future.”
The Black History Month Celebration kicks off on February 1 with a number of special events emphasizing culture, relationships, and education. The events are split between MCCC’s James Kerney Campus (JKC) at 102 North Broad Street in Trenton, NJ and the West Windsor Campus (WWC) at 1200 Old Trenton Road, NJ:
Thursday, February 1 – A spirited opening ceremony will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Saturday, February 3 – Join students, faculty, and staff for a lively and informative BHM Step competition and exhibition at 1 p.m. in Kelsey Theatre on the WW Campus.
Wednesday, February 7 – All are welcome to attend a 3D Communication and Conflict Resolution discussion from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in SC104 on the WW Campus. A second Communication and Conflict Resolution session will be held on Tuesday, February 13 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the second floor Peace Room at JKC in Trenton.
Thursday, February 8 – Students, faculty and staff are invited to test their knowledge of Black History at the “Black History Month Trivia” events at 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. via Zoom (this event is not open the public).
Tuesday, February 20 – Participants will have the opportunity to learn about MCCC’s Bridge to Completion Program and how this state-sponsored initiative is specifically designed to help those looking to finish their college degree or certificate. Support topics such as financial assistance, flexible course schedules, prior learning credit eligibility, and more will be discussed on Zoom ( https://zoom.us/s/7305181386) or in room 229 at JKC in Trenton. Registration is required.
Friday, February 23 – Everyone is welcome to jazz up their day with a “Keeping Jazz Alive” session at 5:00 p.m. at JKC in Trenton. Registration is required.
Tuesday, February 27 – A screening of sports documentary “Black Boys” will play at 6:00 p.m. at JKC in Trenton. The film highlights black identity and opportunity in America’s sports, education and criminal justice systems and will be followed by a courageous conversation.
Wednesday, February 28 – An insightful conversation about “The Black Vote” will take place at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom ( https://zoom.us/s/7305181386).
Thursday, February 29 – Closing ceremonies will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the WWC Faculty Dining Hall (this event is not open to the public).
For more information about upcoming Black History Month events, visit https://mccc.edu/bhm.shtml or email carterm@mccc.edu.
About Mercer County Community College
Established in 1966, Mercer County Community College is a publicly supported comprehensive institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. The scenic 292-acre West Windsor Campus was opened in 1972 to serve the needs of Mercer County residents. MCCC’s James Kerney Campus, located in downtown Trenton, serves as an educational and cultural hub for city residents that meets the changing needs of thousands of students and community members seeking educational fulfillment and personal and career growth. President: Deborah E. Preston, Ph.D.; www.mccc.edu
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