THE IMPORTANCE OF BLACK GREEK LETTER ORGANIZATIONS
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.
Richardson Ballroom
This event will highlight the history and the importance of Black Greek letter organizations.
Starting with a brief video and then going into a panel discussion on the topic, panelists
will discuss the important roles within our communities and their part in initiatives
to make where we live a better place.
DSU PRESENTS: JUMPING THE BROOM
Friday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
Dina’s Place
The romantic comedy follows a successful lawyer from an affluent family who thinks
she’s found Mr. Right. But when she introduces her fiance’s working-class parents
to her aristocratic ones, class tensions rise.
BLACK HEALTH IN AMERICA: LEADERSHIP, POLICY, AND EQUITY
Monday, Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m.
Dina’s Place
This event explores the historical discrimination faced by Black communities in healthcare
and its lasting impact on public health outcomes today. Through the perspectives of
healthcare and public health leaders, students will learn how Black leadership is
advancing health equity, rebuilding trust, and creating systemic change.
NAACP PRESENTS AFRICAN-AMERICAN INNOVATION
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.
Richardson Ballroom
Winthrop’s student chapter of the NAACP will host a historical education event, teaching
about African-American innovation in adversity. Food and drinks will be provided.
WINTHROP ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND THE BLACK ALUMNI COUNCIL PRESENT: WINTHROP BLACK HISTORY
TRIVIA
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.
Zoom
Celebrate Black History Month with Winthrop Black history trivia, hosted by the Black Alumni Council. Need a refresher on your knowledge of Winthrop's rich Black history? Read the 2025 edition of The Garnet & Gold Book, which holds all of Winthrop's history and traditions, and visit the Integration at Winthrop website.
Reserve your spot by Tuesday, Feb. 17. The Zoom link will be sent to registrants on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
THE SIMRIL(L)S: A FAMILY IN BLACK AND WHITE
Thursday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m.; and 6:30 p.m.; Dina’s Place
Cultural event
Spenser Simrill (Ph.D. in English from the University of Georgia) is descended from
slaveholders; Michael Simril, from people they enslaved.
Together, they have researched their York County, South Carolina, roots to embark upon an extraordinary journey of reconciliation and healing. Their documentary takes many twists and turns, including uncovering the history of their forebear, Reverend Elias Hill, who with his niece Harriet Simril testified in 1871 in federal court against the violence and voter suppression of the Ku Klux Klan, and then led 166 formerly enslaved persons to Liberia to begin new lives. Based on their research, in 2017 the state of South Carolina dedicated an historic marker at Allison Creek Presbyterian Church, York County, to commemorate their courage and that of other family members. The Department of History and the African American Studies Program will co-sponsor showing the documentary and a panel discussion with Spenser Simrill and Michael Simril for local high school students.
4th ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MUSIC
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Richardson Ballroom
A night of musical appreciation!
THE IMPORTANCE OF BLACK EDUCATORS
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m.
G01 Owens Hall
Cultural event
This panelist discussion will focus on the critical role Black educators play as leaders,
mentors, and advocates for positive learning environments and student success through
representation.
VISION OF PRAYZE GOSPEL CHOIR ANNUAL THROWBACK CONCERT
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Dina’s Place
Cultural event
This concert will celebrate the rich heritage and cultural effect gospel music has
had on society by honoring several gospel choirs that have positively impacted the
gospel music industry and the African-American church as a whole.
THEATRE & DANCE PRESENTS: THE ESCAPE; OR, A LEAP FROM FREEDOM
Wednesday, Feb. 25-Saturday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 1, 2 pm.
Johnson Theatre
Cultural event
Tickets: $10 with a Winthrop ID; $15 to the general public
This bold adaptation of the first play published by an African American follows Cato,
a complicit "house slave," and Glen and Melinda, two enslaved lovers, who risk everything
for freedom. Dr. Marvin McAllister brings new life to William Wells Brown's powerful
mix of melodrama, minstrelsy, and anti-slavery oration. Rich with historical insight
and infused with modern music—from bluegrass to bounce, gospel to big beat—The Escape
offers a rare look at slavery and resistance from a contemporary perspective—urgent,
unforgettable, and triumphant.
