Dr. Russell J. Ledet spoke about the history of slavery, his family and his ancestors’ resistance that led him to where he is today.
Chambliss said he's "often trying to recover stories about Black spaces" and people who have been "hidden in the record."
This year marks the 65th anniversary of MSU’s African Studies Center. Located in room 100 in the International Center, the African Studies Center is home to many events and programs that can help students learn more about Africa in a global context.
James Madison roundtable discussion African American Art and Activism was held on Feb. 25. It was hosted by JMC professor Rashida Harrison and JMC academic and DEI specialist Jahshua Smith, with guests Jasmine Hamilton-Wray and Ozay Moore. They discussed the community, advocacy and legacy of hip hop, particularly in Black culture and activism.
There are resources at MSU for first-generation students, but there were no student-based organizations meant for all first-gen students until biomedical laboratory diagnostics senior Momin Hassan opened a chapter of Tri-Alpha this semester. Tri-Alpha is a national first-generation student honor society and it provides networking and leadership opportunities for these students and recognizes their academic achievement.
MSU seniors and recent graduates discuss the process of finding housing post-graduation, navigating the transition into the “real world.”
For many students, college is the first time they have had to live on their own, making it easy to get homesick. Every student has their own method of dealing with the emotions that come with being separated from their communities, from keeping in touch with friends and family, to decorating dorm rooms, to making new friends.
With the recent rise in book bans nationwide, PRSSA MSU held a Socratic seminar-style discussion on Feb. 24 at the MSU Union to discuss the future of fighting book bans. Spartan Solutions, a team of PRSSA club members, hosted the event.
Through sharing their creativity, experiences and talents, students celebrated Black History Month on Monday, Feb. 24 with Open Mic Night and Storytelling: Black Voices. All students were encouraged to perform and celebrate in the McDonel Kiva with any creative medium. Students enjoyed dinner and discussion with peers while sharing their art through song, spoken word and comedy acts.
Dean of MSU’s graduate school Dr. Pero Dagbovie hosted a discussion for his book “Forever in the Path: The Black Experience at Michigan State University” on Feb. 24. The book, which was released on Feb. 1, details the histories and contributions of Black students at MSU, beginning with the first known Black students to be enrolled in the mid 1890s.
Recent graduates of MSU have founded Safety Straw Inc., a product to prevent non-consensual drink spiking. Their goal is to make the bars in East Lansing safer for students, with the hopes to expand to other college towns. The idea for the Safety Straw, which changes color from yellow to red when it comes into contact with date-rape drugs, was born from co-founder Jack Rushlow's personal experience with this issue.
James Madison College hosted its third annual Black History Month Symposium on Feb. 21, which included voices of students and leaders within the college. The featured guest this year was the first Black Lt. Gov. of Michigan, Garlin Gilchrist II.
Michigan State University Literature Association (MSULA) has a goal is to make reading for pleasure a manageable hobby for college students who are often bogged down by assignments and class readings. The club hosts bi-weekly meetings and reads two books a semester together, digging deep into the cultural relevance of the books they read in their discussions.
On Thursday, Feb. 20, MSU’s UAB hosted the “Stuff-A-Stuff” event at the Engineering Building. In collaboration with the MSU Bug Club, Stuff-A-Stuff presented an opportunity for students to create and take home their own stuffed squirrel, as well as learn more about the club and explore the world of insects.
MSU students discuss the Gen Z dating scene and why "situationships" are a popular form of romantic connection among college students.
On Saturday, Feb. 22, Sphinx Virtuosi will be arriving at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Sphinx Virtuosi, an extension of Detroit’s globally renowned Sphinx Organization, is a self-conducted chamber orchestra that is dedicated to uplifting Black and Latino voices in classical music. They will be delivering a performance called American Form/s: a musical tapestry spotlighting the many sounds of American classical music and composers of color, through infusions of soul, bluegrass, jazz, blues and elements of rag.
After the historic 1989 sit-in in the Hannah Administration Building, its organizers continue to inspire current Black student organizing.
MSU’s chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) conducted a snowman protest in front of Wells Hall on Jan. 27. The protest had three snowmen holding up signs promoting climate change awareness. CCL is looking to promote more environmental awareness in the future.
On Wednesday, Feb. 12, attendees arrived at Michigan State University’s Brody Hall to participate in the “Blockbusters & Bracelets” event. Hosted in collaboration with MSU’s UAB and RHA Campus Center Cinemas CCC, “Blockbusters & Bracelets” aimed to create a welcoming, Valentine’s Day-themed environment to gather and celebrate.
Students and community members gathered for a Caring Through Service event Thursday to give back to the MSU community on the second anniversary of the campus mass shooting.