Black History Month
In recognition of Black History Month during February 2024, COCC is honored to welcome speakers and programs that highlight Black triumph. We will celebrate the past and present triumphs of the Black community while continuing our efforts to challenge oppressive systems and strive toward a more equitable future.
For a full line up of events please visit Season of Nonviolence 2024
Drum-Making Class:
Celebrating the Work of Frederick Douglass and Bob Marley
February 6, 4-5:30 p.m.
COCC Redmond Campus, Student Commons (RTEC)
Black History Month is celebrated in part because of the contributions of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and activist Bob Marley, who exposed racism, poverty, and violence in the world while teaching us all to passionately advocate for humanity. Come celebrate their contributions by creating your own joy with this drum making event.
Space is limited. RSVP to Marcus LeGrand at
mlegrand2@cocc.edu or call 541-330-4376
Blend: On Being Black in Bend
Film Screening
Friday, February 23, 6-8 p.m. PST
COCC Bend Campus
Hitchcock Auditorium-Pioneer 201
"Blend" is a documentary filmed and edited in Central Oregon that asks 10 Black Central Oregonians about their experiences living, working, and playing on the High Desert. Film Creator Kenny Adams uses the film to explore and share uncensored lived experiences.
Author Event with Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts
Black Joy: A Strategy for Freedom, Healing, and Reckoning
Tuesday, February 20, 6 p.m.
COCC Bend Campus
Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center
Livestream also available.
As the author of the 2023 NAACP Image Award winning book, Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration, Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts will present a blueprint for how we all can intentionally make space for Black joy in the world, workplace, the classroom, and our neighborhoods. She will highlight how this is a form of wellness and liberation work that can and should be a core value in any and all diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Registration required for in-person and livestream.
Register Here!
Student Only Event
A Conversation with Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts
Tuesday, February 20, noon-1 p.m.
Multicultural Center, Coats Campus Center
Bend Campus
Students are invited to join an informal conversation and Q & A with author, speaker, and thought leader Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts.
The Hate U Give
Film Screening
Friday, February 3, 6-8 p.m. PST
COCC Bend Campus
Hitchcock Auditorium-Pioneer 201
Short discussion after event
Starr Carter is constantly switching between two worlds – the poor, mostly black neighborhood where she lives and the wealthy, mostly white prep school that she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is soon shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. Facing pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and decide to stand up for what's right.
Black Excellence Talent Show
Saturday, February 11, 6-8 p.m. PST
COCC Bend Campus
Pinckney Performing Arts Center, Pence Hall
COCC students and community will be able to showcase their many talents through monologues,
spoken word, poetry, performance art, comedy, singing, and dancing, in celebration
of Black History Month. There will be a spoken word performance by Mosley Wotta as
well and other community members. If students or the community want to participate
please contact Marcus LeGrand, at mlegrand2@cocc.edu or call (541) 330-4376
Virtual Conversation with Kim Johnson, author of This is My America
Tuesday, February 21, 5-6 p.m. PST
Zoom Webinar
Join author Kim Johnson and Afrocentric Program
Coordinator Marcus LeGrand in a conversation on
this year’s Season of Nonviolence book discussion
selection, This is My America.
Participants will have an opportunity to engage in Q & A with the author.
Registration required (EVENT CLOSED): Conversation with Kim Johnson
Also view our archive of Black History Month speakers and videos of their presentations.
For more information, contact Marcus LeGrand, COCC's Afrocentric Program Coordinator at mlegrand2@cocc.edu.