Black Joy at 911��

Pop-up exhibits, a cultural fashion show, and a talent show were among the highlights of Black Legacy Month.

2/28/2023

911�� in February celebrated Black Legacy Month with events organized around the theme of Black joy.

A wide variety of activities included a keynote speech by actor DeWanda Wise, who starred in Spike Lee’s Netflix comedy-drama series She’s Gotta Have It.

DeWanda Wise and a student interviewer laughing at Wise's keynote

DeWanda Wise, left, who starred in “Jurassic World Dominion” last summer, gave a keynote talk on Black joy in the media. Fiona Stawarz ’25 moderated the discussion. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)

Two women, one in a long blue and green dress, standing in front of a colorful mural

Black Legacy Month committee member Hawa Hamidou Tabayi ’26, left, and co-chair Rawan Hashim ’26 speak at the fashion show. (Photo by Julia Levine ’23)

Student dancing down makeshift runway wearing a green button up

Shayne Miller ’22 dances down the runway at the fashion show at the Onion, where the attire depicted the Black diaspora at 911��. (Photo by Julia Levine ’23)

Student with an afro and yellow tunic walks down the the runway

Ian Scott ’24 walks the runway at the brunch and fashion show event. (Photo by Julia Levine ’23)

Collis Center lighted up in green, gold, and red, for Black Legacy Month.

Collis Center was illuminated in green, gold, and red for Black Legacy Month. (Photo by Julia Levine ’23)

Students examine Kpokpo textiles from Sierra Leone.

Students and community members could see Kpokpo textiles from Sierra Leone during an African fashions pop-up at the Hood Museum of Art. (Photo by Katie Lenhart)

Students pose for photos during a Black Legacy event.

Three students hold flags marking Black Legacy Month during the opening ceremony. (Photo by Julia Levine ’23)

Victoria Jones, a pathology resident at 911�� Hitchcock Medical Center, shared her singing talents at Collis One Wheelock. (Photo by Julia Levine ’23)