Iconic activist, writer and educator Angela Davis, National Book Award-winning author Colson Whitehead and rapper and Public Enemy member Professor Griff will visit Virginia Commonwealth University in February as part of the university’s celebration of Black History Month.

The month’s events will also feature discussion panels, arts and cultural events, and public lectures, all designed to spark thought and conversation related to the history of the black experience in the United States. 

Most events will be free and open to the public although seating may be limited.

Whitehead is the author of two works of nonfiction and six novels, including The New York Times Best Seller The Underground Railroad, which won the 2016 National Book Award for fiction. He will deliver the 15th annual VCU Libraries Black History Month Lecture on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at James Branch Cabell Library. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and registration is available at The Underground Railroad event page.

“Over 15 years of Black History Month programs, VCU Libraries has explored a wide range of issues related to African-American history and to race relations, from the courage and activism of local civil rights leaders to presentations by national leaders such as commentator Melissa Harris-Perry and Innocence Project co-founder Peter Neufeld,” said University Librarian John E. Ulmschneider. “This year, VCU Libraries highlights the intersection of literature, scholarship and black history in a reading and talk by Colson Whitehead.”

Other VCU Libraries sponsored events are: 

African American Read In
Date: Feb. 9
Time: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Common Ground in University Student Commons
Sponsors: Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, VCU Libraries 

Real Life Film Series: “Soul Food Junkies”
Date: Feb. 16
Time: 12–1 p.m.
Location: The TML Learning Center @ Hunton, Room 209
Sponsors: VCU Libraries and University Student Commons and Activities
Register here

Questioning Cinema: “Loving”
Date: Feb. 16
Time: Film screening at 5 p.m., Discussion at 7:15 p.m.
Location: James Branch Cabell Library, Lecture Hall (Room 303)
Sponsor: VCU Libraries
Register here

The complete article by Brian McNeill from VCU News and list of events.