MCC to Celebrate Black History Month with Events on Feb. 22-26

Black History Month poster

Muskegon Community College will celebrate Black History Month with a series of online events from Monday, Feb. 22, through Friday, Feb. 26. The public is encouraged to participate in the discussions and view the presentations.

How Do We Begin Racial Healing?
Monday, Feb. 22

 Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joins a diverse group of clergies, community leaders and politicians in a half-hour panel discussion that was first presented on January 19, 2021, as part of this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. The public is encouraged on Monday, Feb. 22, to watch the original recording, produced by Aviance Watts and Michelle Tyson of A & M Political Views, which is divided into three parts, using the following links:

  1. https://youtube.com/watch?v=PvS8yqUgjGE&feature=share
  2. https://youtube.com/watch?v=hD92kchWcJ8&feature=share
  3. https://youtube.com/watch?v=hD92kchWcJ8&feature=share

Champion Chats: Striving to Win Abundance in God (SWAG)
Tuesday, February 23, at 5:00 p.m.

A Zoom presentation by and discussion with author Morgan Williams-Bryant focuses on setting, pursuing and achieving goals during these difficult times. The chat is designed to inspire participants to move through those valleys into victory and stay focused on Striving to Win Abundance in God (SWAG).

To join the Zoom event, visit  https://muskegoncc-edu.zoom.us/j/99437063271?pwd=Q2QyZnhXVHFQMlhpVFdXS2FuU2RkQT09 Meeting ID: 994 3706 3271 Passcode: 699393

Morgan Williams-Bryant

Morgan Williams-Bryant

Williams-Bryant, who wrote A Champion’s Prayer Journey: A 25-Day Faith Journey, is a recognized voice in leadership development and empowerment. A dynamic motivational speaker, author and trailblazer in her field, Williams-Bryant’s work has transformed the lives of countless individuals and inspired audiences of all ages to embrace a Champion-level mindset.

She founded and is CEO of MWB Ignites, LLC, a global consultancy firm headquartered in Buffalo, NY, that elevates individuals and organizations through leadership development training and workshops, to help awaken untapped talents, gifts and boundless potential.

A leadership strategist with a proven track record of turning teams around, Williams-Bryant increasing performance management, and key methods of engaging conflict. With over 15 years of collective experience sharing her knowledge and expertise with non-profits, educational institutions and colleges, faith-based organizations and Fortune 500 corporations, she has become a strategic force in leading transformational change in organizations and their people.

50 Years of Black Entrepreneurship in Muskegon: It Runs in the Family
Wednesday, February 24, 5 p.m.

The Mose Smith Drug Store, located on Sherman Blvd. near Dyson St., was the first Black-owned pharmacy in Muskegon Heights. The photo of Mose Smith is courtesy Carolyn Patterson.

The Mose Smith Drug Store, located on Sherman Blvd. near Dyson St., was the first Black-owned pharmacy in Muskegon Heights. The photo of Mose Smith is courtesy of Carolyn Patterson.

This virtual program, led by Dr. Pamela Smith, an adjunct instructor at MCC, and Andrew Sims, vice president of Michigan Minority Supplier Development, debuts a permanent display opening in February at the Muskegon Heritage Museum. Smith curated the exhibition recognizing the contributions of African American entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses from 1968 through 2018, a period of economic growth and prosperity in the community. More than 100 African American owned businesses operating for more than 10 years are featured. To join the Zoom event, visit https://muskegoncc-edu.zoom.us/j/95473401305?pwd=OTlMWnBFTllxNG5ybDcyMXVoOFhhQT09 Meeting ID: 954 7340 1305 Passcode: 140122 To connect to audio by phone, dial (646) 558-8656. For more information contact: Kirk Bunke, the director of the Muskegon Heritage Museum, at (231) 722-1363 or at kirk@muskegonheritage.org.

The White Cross: Exploring Race, Politics and Theology among White Evangelicals
Thursday, February 25, 6 p.m.

In this talk, MCC sociologist Nicholas Budimir synthesizes some recent scholarship on white Evangelical Christian practices that drive many to support right wing politics, hold racially conservative positions, and reject racially progressive policies. A discussion will follow. To join the Zoom event, visit https://muskegoncc-edu.zoom.us/j/94591733637 Meeting ID: 945 9173 3637

Spoken Word: Black Excellence
Friday, February 26, 6 p.m.

Muskegon Young Black Professionals in collaboration with Muskegon Community College will host a virtual themed poetry night, “Black Excellence in Industry.” Local poets will highlight prominent black leaders in various industries. To join the Zoom event, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88169912091 Meeting ID: 881 6991 2091 To connect to audio by phone, dial (816) 991-2091.