Linn-Benton Community College is celebrating Black History Month with weekly talks on its main Albany campus. The series of events, which focus on the importance of African Americans in government with a spotlight on Oregon, kicked off last week and will continue the rest of the month with talks on Feb. 6, Feb. 15 and Feb. 22.
The talks will take place on the Albany campus in the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Center, Forum 220. They can also be attended virtually.
“It’s important that we continually recognize the contributions that African Americans have made in this country specifically around the political arena as we think about how to move our country forward in a more inclusive diverse and equitable way,” Ramycia McGhee, professor of English & Literature at LBCC, said in a press release.
Upcoming talks include:
• Monday, Feb. 6, 1-2 p.m. — Briae Lewis, recently elected as the first Black woman to serve on the Corvallis City Council.
• Wednesday, Feb. 15, noon-1 p.m. — Mayor’s panel featuring Alex Johnson II (mayor of Albany) and Tim Hall (mayor of Garibaldi).
• Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2-3 p.m. — Fatuma Ali, former policy director to Oregon State Sen. Akasha Lawrence-Spence.