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Christopher Newport celebrates Black History Month with a series of events that honor Black history, culture and achievements. Throughout the month of February, students, faculty and staff will have opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations and activities that highlight the impact of Black history.
- “Bricks Without Straw: Women of History Who Built An Empire In Spite of the Odds,” a powerful one-woman show that brings to life the stories of remarkable African American entrepreneurs who built thriving businesses against the odds. Through riveting portrayals of historical figures like Pigfoot Mary, Annie Malone, Maggie Walker and Mary Ellen Pleasant, audiences will journey through tales of resilience, ingenuity and determination. Each character shares her unique path from humble beginnings to remarkable success, offering timeless advice on building an empire and candidly recounting the challenges and triumphs that shaped her journey. The performance features Morgan Avery McCoy, who will lead an interactive discussion after the performance about the valuable lesions these trailblazing women offer, giving students an opportunity to consider their own potential and equip them with a deeper understanding of the historical and economic contributions of entrepreneurship. It is sponsored in part by the Hampton Roads Oral History Project. Feb. 27 in Gaines Theatre.
- Past is Prologue podcast, created by History Professor Dr. Andrew Falk, will release an episode highlighting civil rights in Newport News, specifically the integration of schools, and will make extensive use of the Hampton Roads Oral History Project interviews students have conducted with community members (e.g., Valerie Scott Price is sister of Congressman Bobby Scott and spouse of former Newport News Mayor McKinley Price). The narrative portion of the script is largely the work of three History students and alumni.
- “Armor of God: The Art of Steve Prince” is a new exhibition at the Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center. The exhibition features linoleum cuts and lithographs by Steve Prince, a master printmaker, and explores themes of social justice and divine protection as they pertain to African American history and experience. “Armor of God” is derived from Ephesians 611, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” This body of work reimagines this line of scripture, referencing it through an "AOG" symbol that appears repeatedly throughout the work, serving as a signifier of an omnipotent, omnipresent power that thwarts evil and defends the righteous. Prince is a native of New Orleans and lives in Williamsburg, where he serves as the Director of Engagement and Distinguished Artist in Residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William & Mary. The exhibition is on display through Feb. 23, 2025, in the William M. Grace Community Gallery. Prince will discuss his original linoleum cuts and lithographs during an Artist Lecture from 8 to 10 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2025, at Torggler.
- “Nine A Tribute to the Little Rock Nine.” A commemorative multi-media performance piece featuring the choreography of Artistic Director Leah Glenn. The work seamlessly interweaves the vocabularies of dance, visual arts, poetry, and music into a narrative that celebrates the bravery and fortitude of the Little Rock Nine, the African American teenagers who desegregated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. It is being performed in conjunction with the “The Armor of God” exhibition at Torggler. “Armor of God” artist Steve Prince designed the sets and costumes for “Nine.” It will be performed at Diamonstein Concert Hall at the Ferguson Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2025.
- The Homage Exhibit, currently on display at the Black History Museum, will bring African American history artifacts to campus. The event is sponsored by CNU’s Student Diversity and Equality Council (SDEC) and is open to the CNU community. The Homage Exhibit creates learning opportunities around original historical and cultural artifacts. The exhibit displays select pieces from the private collection of Nia and Morris McAdoo, including artwork by artists such as Romare Bearden and Elizabeth Catlett alongside original documents from Frederick Douglass, Shirley Chisholm, Booker T. Washington, Ralph Bunche and more. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the David Student Union Ballroom.