01/13/2025
Blue Ridge Community College celebrates Black History Month with the following events, all of which are free and open to the public:
Black History Book Display & LibGuide
February; BRCC Library
Kotchegna Dance Company: Traditional Dance of the Ivory Coast
February 4, 1:00 p.m; BRCC Rec Center Gym
Kotchegna is a corps of dancers and drummers who bring the thrill of joyful drumming and the vibrant color of traditional village dances from over 60 different tribal disciplines. Dances celebrate important moments in the villagers’ lives, from births to deaths, rites of passage, festival days, and important visitations. The villagers sing, clap, dance, and play instruments, each person taking a turn in the circle.
The company takes the audience through several high-energy dances that display various functions such as celebration dances, initiation dances, marriage and fertility dances, harvest, and New Year’s Day dances. In between dances, there is teaching of a call and response song, as well as some sharing about the djembe and bass doundoun drums. More dancing follows, finishing off with audience participation onstage, teaching participants a few steps to dance with the drums in an exciting final demonstration.

“It Seemed Like Reaching for the Moon”: Massive Resistance, the Virginia Community College System, and School Integration in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains
February 19, 12:30 p.m.; Zoom (postponed from February 12)
https://vccs.zoom.us/j/86839755672?pwd=4PArLbdIxPRVbZibxKbPwO2ae01fSB.1
This presentation will outline Virginia’s role in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision outlawing segregated schooling, the rise of Massive Resistance through the Harry F. Byrd political machine, the resulting formation of the Virginia Community College System, and the school integration process in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountain region.
Presenter: Zachary Clary, Historian and PhD student at Vanderbilt University
Black History Heroes: Bingo!
February 18, 12:00 p.m.; Rec Center
Discover the rich cultural heritage and extraordinary contributions of African American heroes and enjoy delicious food from Charlotte’s Kitchenette in Staunton.
Embracing Differences with Dignity
February 26, 11:00 a.m.; Zoom https://vccs.zoom.us/j/81806894718?pwd=CoJeVv5lOyLVlkjLAOZeWMTl28RmMY.1
This workshop will focus on the importance of dignity as the foundation of ethical leadership and conflict resolution. Participants will explore how to communicate with respect, even during disagreements, and how to foster collaboration by embracing different perspectives. By practicing these skills, participants will learn how to promote unity and understanding in diverse environments.
Presenter: Justin L. Brown, Founder and Creator of Diversity Awareness Program
These events are sponsored by BRCC Student Activities. For more information, email richardsonc@brcc.edu.