“Dreaming Beyond What You See” Black History Month Celebration

Olivet College invites community members to “Dreaming Beyond What You See,” a Black History Month celebration on Feb. 16 from 6-8 p.m. in the Mott Academic Center Auditorium. State Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) will be the keynote speaker.

The celebration will include the Nano Dijapo African Drum and Dance Troupe, flutist Brandon Marceal, Michigan poet Nyshelle Lawrence, the Olivet College Gospel Choir, a Black History wax museum, a sampling of soul food and more.

Keynote speaker Sen. Anthony’s district includes Olivet, Michigan. She has always fought for equity and opportunity for all Michiganders, including the most vulnerable among us. The daughter of UAW (United Autoworkers) retirees and the first Black woman to serve as state representative in Lansing’s history, Anthony is a champion of working families and marginalized communities. She is serving her first term in the Michigan Senate and is the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, a first for a Black woman.

“Black History Month is a time to celebrate Black achievement and excellence. It’s a time to honor our history and reflect on our history-makers,” Anthony said. “But that’s not all — Black History Month is also a celebration of the emergent Black history we are living through every day and a reminder to recommit ourselves to the pursuit of equality and justice.”