Event Details

Date: Thursday, February 5
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy, University Park, IL 60484

This special day at GovState features nationally and internationally recognized historians, artists, cultural leaders, and students coming together for an engaging, interactive experience. From a powerful keynote and student panel to dance, stepping, and conversations about food, wellness, and culture, this Symposium offers meaningful ways to connect with Black history—past and present.

• • Attend one session or the entire day
• • Engage with dynamic speakers and performers
• • Celebrate Black history through education, culture, and community

Everyone is welcome. Come for what interests you—and stay for what inspires you.

Schedule of Events

10 A.M. Doors Open, Location: Engbretson Hall

10:15 A.M. Theme Keynote: A Century of Black History Commemorations, Location: Engbretson Hall

Marshaunda Dixon
Historian & Founder, Your ATL Tours
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11 A.M. Food For Your Soul, Location: Engbretson Hall

Jeremy Joyce
Founder, Black People Eats, LLC
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12 P.M. Dancing Through the Great Migration, Location: Center for Performing Arts

Featuring the South Chicago Dance Theatre
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1:15 P.M. Dancing Through the Great Migration: Talk-Back Session, Location: Engbretson Hall

Kia S. Smith
Founder, Director, and Choreographer, South Chicago Dance Theatre
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2 P.M. Student Panel Discussion, Location: Engbretson Hall

GovState Students reflect on Black history, identity, community, and leadership

3:30 P.M. Steppin@GovState, Location: Hall of Governors

Shaun Ballentine
Chicago stepping artist and instructor
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