Published January 31, 2023
The Dodge City Community College (DC3) Library is celebrating Black History Month with events scheduled throughout the month of February.
Up first, at 6 p.m., on Feb. 2, is a Zoom presentation with Dr. Beth Patin titled “Our Story is History: Desegregation in Alabama.” Patin, who is an assistant professor at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies, is the granddaughter of Sonnie Hereford III—the man whose 1960s lawsuit led to the desegregation of Alabama Public Schools.
At 6:30 p.m., on Feb. 17, the Library will show the movie “One Night in Miami,” which is a fictionalized account of Muhammad Ali, Malcom X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown, gathering to discuss their roles in the Civil Rights Movement and the cultural upheaval of the 1960s.
And at 6:30 p.m., on Feb. 22, the Library will host its monthly Read and CONquer program. This month’s book, which was chosen by DC3 Academic Coach/Learning Specialist, Jesse Comeau, is an anthology titled “Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019.” Compiled and edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, the book contains a collection of essays, commentaries, personal reflections, short stories, and poetry.
“I chose ‘Four Hundred Souls’ for this month because I believe it to be an eye-opening collection of stories and analysis at every step of black history, from the first slaves brought to the New World to the modern black experience,” Comeau said. “I don’t think you can properly discuss Black History in America without the full context of what being black has meant for the relatively short history of this country, and this book does an incredible job of providing a comprehensive look at some of the least discussed aspects of Black History.”
Comeau said he hopes that the people who read the book, and participate in the discussion on Feb. 22, will gain a new perspective about what the black community has experienced—beyond what is taught in school about slavery and desegregation.
“This book contains so many stories of resistance, struggle, hope, and courage,” he said. “I hope it inspires readers to continue to push for a better world, rather than settle with what we are given.”
By Lance ZieschDC3 Assistant Director of Marketing and Community Relations