UCO plans black history events, pageant
EDMOND — The University of Central Oklahoma’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion will celebrate Black History Month with a series of events throughout February.
The month’s events will reflect the theme “Then and Now … Looking Back to Move Forward” and will kick off at 2 p.m. Feb. 4 in the Nigh University Center, Ballroom A, with keynote speaker Deborah Jenkins, executive director of the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency.
At the kickoff for UCO’s Black History Month, the African American Faculty and Staff Association will honor UCO employee Damita Kennedy with the Making a Difference Award. The award recognizes community members or employees who have made a positive impact at the school. Additionally, the Black Student Association will recognize their peers with the Barry Lofton Leadership Award and the Dr. Paul Lehman Award. These awards recognize outstanding students who continue to provide outstanding leadership within the Black Student Association, a news release stated.
For a complete schedule of UCO’s Black History Month events, go to www.uco.edu/bhm or contact UCO’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 405-974-3588.
Miss Black UCO to be crowned
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Office of Diversity and
Inclusion will host the annual Miss Black UCO Scholarship Pageant on Feb. 15 in the Nigh University Center’s Constitution Hall. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the pageant will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Winners of Miss Black UCO will be eligible for tuition waivers, with the overall winner receiving $1,600, divided into $800 per semester. Additional awards will include the People’s Choice Award, Talent Award, Lyndale Walls Jr. Director’s Award and Photogenic Award.
Admission is free for students with a valid UCO ID and $7 for all others. Tickets can be bought at the door with cash. No credit cards or checks will be accepted.
For more information about Miss Black UCO, contact Alivia Henry with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 405974-3111 or ahenry12@ uco.edu.