LANSING, Mich. — LCC will join the national act commemorating four centuries of African-American history in the United States, beginning with the arrival of Africans in the English colonies at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619. The year-long commemoration established by Public Law HR 115-102 was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Jan. 10, 2018.
LCC will commemorate, educate and celebrate the contributions and rich history of African-Americans throughout a year-long journey; from the abhorrent slave trade, to the Civil War, to Jim Crow segregation, to the civil rights movement and beyond, we will recognize the many accomplishments achieved in the face of mighty oppression.
The Planning Committee, led by Chief Diversity Officer Tonya Bailey, is comprised of faculty, staff, students and LCC Trustee Angela Mathews serving as committee advisor. This team is dedicated to and passionate about educating and celebrating the uniqueness and resilience of African-American culture from 1619 to the present and beyond.
Our initiative will include events, guest speakers, films, cultural awareness activities, art exhibits and more. The kick-off event from LCC’s Downtown Campus will be held 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Michigan Room of the Gannon Building. This event will set the tone with the unveiling and formal dedication of an oil portrait of Malcolm X, exclusively commissioned for LCC. Born Malcolm Little and residing in the Lansing area from 1928-1940, he became one of the most prominent and influential African-Americans in history. The spirited event will feature remarks from the artist, LCC President Brent Knight, state Rep. Sarah Anthony, Dr. Ernest Emenyonu from the University of Michigan-Flint, music from area choirs including Pam’s Academy of Champions, and a dance presentation by ChiFit Dance & Co. featuring LCC students.
Other signature events throughout the year include History Makers Luncheon and Awards; MLK Day of Service; Student Summit; Black Business and Entrepreneur Expo; Arts, Artists and Advocates Lecture Series; and an Inspirational Concert and African-American History Story Telling celebration to close out the year.
LCC invites the entire Lansing community to learn more about our commitment to recognize and elevate the African-American experience and the significant contributions made, view the event schedule, or RSVP for any events by visiting lcc.edu/400years.
About Lansing Community College
Lansing Community College, founded in 1957, is the fifth-largest community college in Michigan, serving more than 25,000 students across a six-county area each year. LCC offers courses in general education for those interested in transferring to a four-year institution, career and workforce development, developmental education and personal enrichment. To meet the professional development and training needs of regional employees, the college offers customized programs for credit, non-credit and continuing education. The University Center at LCC offers students the opportunity to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from five partner universities on the downtown LCC campus. For more information, visit lcc.edu.
