MANSFIELD, OH- The Ohio State University at Mansfield and North Central State College announces the upcoming Black History Month events.

This year’s theme is “This is my story, this is my song!” from the hymn Blessed Assurance.

The events are sponsored by The Ohio State University at Mansfield, North Central State College, the City of Mansfield, Mansfield Branch of the NAACP, North End Community Improvement Collaborative, and Area Agency on Aging.

• How I Got Over You – There are many “firsts” that students experience upon entering college. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. Demetraus Jaggers, former director of Multicultural Affairs at Ohio State Mansfield, explains how he learned to overcome anxiety and achieve success. The event will be held Tuesday, January 16 from 12:35 to 1:35 PM in the Student Union located at 1760 University Dr., Mansfield, OH 44906.
• 4th Annual Community Town Hall Meeting: “Real vs. Fake News: How Can You Tell the Difference?” – What can be perceived as fake news? Fake news shapes our perceptions and helps to form harmful biases. Does the responsibility rest upon current news sources or are consumers equally responsible? What are considered credible news platforms? The event will be held Thursday, February 8, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM, Mansfield Senior High School located at 124 N. Liden Rd., Mansfield, OH 44906 as we explore the impact of real versus fake news within our communities.
• The Power of the Negro Spiritual: Make a Joyful Noise – Understanding the significance of the Negro spiritual in expressing pain, providing solace and offering blueprints toward freedom has often been underestimated and misunderstood. Even in the midst of the pains and sufferings of slavery, African Americans have used the Negro spiritual to make a joyful noise. Join Dr. David Tovey and the University Chorus as they share in music and narrative, the power of the Negro Spiritual in the African American experience Thursday, February 22, from 12:35 to 1:35 PM, at 151 Reidl Hall (Conard Performance Hall), 1760 University Dr., Mansfield, OH 44906.
• 17th Annual Soul Food Dinner Celebration: “Behind Every Great Man … Woman!” – Woman have played a critical role in the battle for racial equality. The 17th Annual Soul Food Dinner will be held Thursday, February 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, in the Marketplace, Eisenhower Center 1760 University Dr., Mansfield, OH 44906. Enjoy multi-media presentations accompanied by music and readings drawn from the words of the great women who stood alongside our civil rights leaders. Featuring singer Condrea Webber, we will embark on a powerful journey that highlights the many contributions of great American women to the civil rights movement. Tickets are $5 for students of Ohio State Mansfield and NC State College, $10 for senior citizens (60+), and $15 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased at Ohio State Mansfield Business Office in Riedl Hall and must be purchased no later than noon on Wednesday, February 14. Please call 419-755-4217 for more information. No tickets will be available at the door.