For Black History Month this year the Eureka chapter of the NAACP hosted various events as a chance to engage with and educate the local community of Arcata and Eureka on the Black experience.
The NAACP worked with the Minor Theater in Arcata to get 50 discounted tickets so students from HSU could see Marvel’s Black Panther for free.
Book Drive:
The NAACP hosted a book drive to collect 200 books about Black history, Black culture or by Black authors.
During Feb. 1st – 25th community members could drop off books at one of the locations listed. At the end of February, the books would be donated to a local high school and middle school.
Essay Contest:
There was also a essay contest where HSU as well as College of The Redwood students (the local community college) could win prizes. The first place prize was $300 in addition to $50 prizes and gift certificates to local restaurants including Rita’s Margarita and Grill and Denny’s.
African Dance & Storytelling:
NAACP member and New York native Dionne Fletcher blessed the community with a free, child friendly event to learn African dances.
Film Screenings:
Three documentaries were also shown with discussions to follow at the D Street Neighborhood Center in Arcata.
- “13th”
The powerful documentary by Ava DuVernay outlining how slavery for African-Americans was continued through the Prison Industrial Complex.
- “Unsolved Hate”
Documentary by Sacramento State University Students about the unsolved murders of two, Black, Humboldt State University students in the small college town of Arcata, CA.
- “Whose Streets?”
Documentary following activist and protest after the killing of Michael Brown by police in Ferguson Missouri.
