Marquette University to feature new unique programs to engage community for Black History Month

Jan. 31, 2023


Black-Brown Get Down logoMILWAUKEE — Marquette University’s first Black-Brown Get Down and a tasting event that highlights African American contributions to American cuisine are among the events being organized to celebrate Black History Month.

Programming for Black History Month is coordinated through the Center for Engagement and Inclusion and the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. A complete list of Black History Month events, conversations, wellness events and movie screenings is available online.

  • The inaugural Black-Brown Get Down, will be held Wednesday, Feb. 1, beginning a monthly student-led gathering designed to build community, cultivate cultural awareness, and foster solidarity among students across racial and ethnic boundaries. Sessions will explore the challenges and joys of being a student of color and the ways we are all connected, in addition to featuring food from local Black- and brown-owned businesses. The program is designed with students of color in mind but is open to all students to participate.

This first meeting will feature a conversation facilitated by student leaders based on the 2018 student-created documentary, “I, Too, Am Marquette.” The discussion will focus on topics such as finding a sense of belonging at Marquette, navigating identities, the challenges of campus climate, and moving forward in a spirit of connection and collaboration across cultural boundaries.

  • Derek Mosley, director of Marquette Law School’s Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education, will host a “For the Soul: A Narrated Food Tasting and Conversation” on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Turning Tables Tavern and Eatery in historic Turner Hall. Though a partnership between the Lubar Center, American Black Holocaust Museum, Black Lens and Milwaukee Film, the event with explore the rich history of African American food culture in American cuisine. Food for the event will be prepared by local chefs. “For the Soul” is SOLD OUT and will not be able to accommodate media attendance. To set up an interview with Mosley to discuss the event, contact Kevin Conway, associate director of university communication at m.conway@marquette.edu.
  • Holly Burgess, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of English, will give an invited lecture, “The History of Hip-Hop,” on Monday, Feb. 6, at 5 p.m. at Graham Public Library in Union Grove. Her talk will be about the history of hip-hop music (and culture) and its role in political activism from The Black Power Movement to the present day. The event is open to teens and adults and no registration is needed.

About Marquette University

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.


About Kevin Conway

Kevin Conway

Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of University Relations. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu