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East Tennessee State University is celebrating Black History Month with a variety of events and the announcement of a new memorial dedicated to the five students who first desegregated the university.  

The ETSU Office of Equity and Inclusion is working to erect a bronze statue at Borchuck Plaza that is in addition to the memorial fountain and historical marker that honors the five students known for desegregating ETSU: Eugene Caruthers, Elizabeth Watkins Crawford, Clarence McKinney, George L. Nichols and Mary Luellen Owens Wagner. 

The new statue is set to be finished by August. More information can be found about the memorial’s history here. 

The Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center and the Black Affairs Association have also planned multiple events throughout the month of February: 

 

Black History Month Speaker Series: Bettie Mae Fikes 

February 3, 5 p.m. – Martha Street Culp Auditorium, D.P. Culp Student Center 

Bettie Mae Fikes, known as “The Voice of Selma,” is a celebrated Civil Rights icon who inspires audiences through powerful performances, speeches and her legacy as a Freedom Singer. 

 

Red, Black and Green Ribbons Giveaway 

Feb. 3-4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Main Street, D.P. Culp Student Center 

The Black Affairs Association will be handing out red, black and green ribbons commemorating Black History Month, along with information on the meaning of the colors. 

 

Black History Month: Jason Flack 

February 5, 7 p.m. – East Tennessee Room, D.P. Culp Student Center 

Award-winning Johnson City artist Jason Flack will provide valuable insights and practical advice in a motivational talk in conjunction with Black History Month. 

 

Black History Month Performance Workshop: Kotchegna African Dancers 

February 7, 5 p.m. – The Cave, D.P. Culp Student Center 

The Kotchegna corps of dancers and drummers will bring the thrill of joyful drumming and the vibrant color of traditional African dances to campus. The workshop includes a demonstration and teaches participants dance steps with the drums. 

 

Black History Month Film Screening 

February 7, 7 p.m. – Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center, D.P. Culp Student Center 

This event features inspirational film screenings and refreshments. 

 

From Africa to Appalachia: The Tie That Binds 

February 27, 6-8 p.m. – The Reece Museum  

Meet the curator of this new exhibit, Dr. Althea Fain Ali, at this art reception and program.