"Black at Lewis: Building Community, Honoring Legacy" Second Annual Welcome Reception | Black August at Lewis
"Black at Lewis: Building Community, Honoring Legacy"Second Annual Welcome Reception | Black August at Lewis,
Description:You're invited to the Second Annual Black at Lewis Welcome Reception, a vibrant community-building and networking event that brings together Black students (new and returning), faculty, staff, and alumni. Held as part of Lewis University’s Black August observance, this reception offers a space to build meaningful connections, celebrate Black presence and leadership on campus, and welcome new members of the Lewis community.
While the event centers Black community experiences, all are welcome to join in solidarity, celebration, and support.
Tuesday, August 26th4:30 – 6:00 PMFaculty Dining Room (AS 103C), Romeoville CampusLight refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Dr. Shireen Roshanravan, Vice President for Diversity, at sroshanravan@lewisu.edu.
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Event Name: Black-at-Lewis Welcome Reception. Event Locator: 2025-AATAMK. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Lasallian Belonging.
Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
Faculty/Staff Dining Room AS 103C.
Black August "Confines of Place" Film Screening + Discussion
Join Dr. Tennille Allen, Lewis professor and chair of sociology, for a Black August screening of a documentary on mass incarceration created in collaboration with men incarcerated at Stateville Prison. Directors of the film will be present for a post-screening discussion. This event is part of Lewis's month-long observance of Black August. All are welcome.
Event Name: Confines of Place - Film Screening. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Lasallian Belonging. Event Locator: 2025-AATAMJ.
Thursday, August 28, 2025, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM.
University Dining Room AS 104C.
Black August: Open Mic Night at Embers
Join the Office of Diversity, English and Music Departments, and Jet Fuel Review for a Black August / Welcome Back Open Mic Night at Embers Tap House (933 State St, Lockport). Celebrate the new semester with music, poetry, and community—all are welcome to perform or just enjoy the vibes! Registration Information: Where: Embers Tap House (933 State St) in Lockport. Register: https://www.alumni.lewisu.edu/25-Black-August-Open-Mic-Night.
Event Name: Black August: Open Mic Night at Embers. Event Locator: 2025-AATGBX. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Lasallian Belonging.
Thursday, August 28, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
Off Campus.
One Million Experiments - Film Screening and Discussion
One Million Experiments documentary: Film Screening & DiscussionWhat does safety look like without police and prisons? Join us for a screening of One Million Experiments, an experimental documentary exploring real-world, community-driven approaches to safety, healing, and liberation. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the film’s creators. All are welcome.
Produced by Respair Production & Media, Interrupting Criminalization, and SoapBox Productions and Organizing.
Event Name: One Million Experiments. Event Locator: 2025-AATAML. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Lasallian Belonging.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM.
University Dining Room AS 104C.
Second Annual HSI-Week Keynote Lecture
Please join the Office of Diversity as we host Lewis University's second annual HSI-Week Keynote lecture. This talk will engage the Lewis community in thinking about how we are elevating our capacity to serve all of our students and pushing the boundaries of how we think of student success. All are welcome to join. There will be a facilitated discussion following the lecture.
Each year, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) calls on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to join in observance of National HSIs Week. This week recognizes the 600 HSIs throughout the nation for their work and critical role in educating and empowering Hispanic youth. Lewis is proud to honor this week with greater commitment to our Lasallian values. A Zoom option will be made available.
Event Name: HSI-Week Keynote. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Lasallian Belonging. Event Locator: 2025-AATBAD.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
University Dining Room AS 104C.
Art Reception for Chicago Society of Artists: An Artistic Dialogue
This will be an art reception for the group Chicago Society of Artists. Established in 1887, the Chicago Society of Artists is now into its third century. Much of CSA's renown is due to its members' abilities to express and interpret the human experience via artistic versatility and eclectic styles across a variety of art mediums. CSA members honor the legacy of the past by creating an artistic legacy for the future. The exhibit will be on view August 18-September 19, 2025.
Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Arts & Ideas. Event Name: Art Reception. Event Locator: 2025-AATANH.
Thursday, September 11, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
The Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Reception Room FA 127, The Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Gallery FA 128, Clifford & Rita Berglund Community Room FA 129.
Refusing Silence: A Black Film & Dialogue Series on Resistance and Reclamation
Join the Office of Diversity, Sociology Department and African American Studies Program for a film screening and discussion of Judas and the Black Messiah. In this 2021 award-winning, long-awaited film focused on Fred Hampton, founder of the Rainbow Coalition and the Illinois State Chair of the Black Panther Party, the work and legacy of the Black Panther Party in general and that of Fred Hampton, Deborah Johnson, and other Panthers in refusing state violence through political education, organizing, survival programs, and revolutionary actions are explored.
This film screening is part of Lewis University's Fall 2025 "Refusing Silence: A Black Film & Dialogue Series on Resistance and Reclamation."
“Refusing Silence” is a three-part co-curricular film and dialogue series inspired by Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson’s powerful work, We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance. All are welcome to join this intentional space for collective engagement, healing, and intellectual empowerment through the lens of…
Event Name: Black Film Series. Event Locator: 2025-AATAZP. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Lasallian Belonging.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
DL 250 Damian Auditorium.
Bryan and Mary Durkin Family Finance & Trading Lab Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
You're Invited to celebrate the opening of the Bryan and Mary Durkin Family Finance & Trading Lab, a state-of-the-art space providing students with hands-on experience in the financial markets and trading. Join us as we honor Bryan and Mary Durkin for their generous support in creating this transformative learning environment for Lewis students. A brief program and ribbon cutting will be followed by tours of the new lab. We look forward to celebrating with you.
RSVP to Shannon Gerry at sgerry@lewisu.edu.
Event Name: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Durkin Lab. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: College of Business. Event Locator: 2025-AATGMN.
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Bryan and Mary Durkin Family Finance & Trading Lab SB 156.
Linguistic Justice Series Launch
The Office of Diversity will launch the Linguistic Justice Series, a new initiative celebrating bilingualism and social justice. Through panels and dialogues, the series will explore how language intersects with power, identity, and equity. Topics include translanguaging, language norms, and culturally responsive teaching. The series aims to empower educators and professionals to serve diverse communities with respect and understanding. All welcome! Registration Information: This event will be in person and via Zoom. Please register to participate via Zoom: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EAFAF2FA0FBCE9-57584860-linguistic.
Event Name: Linguistic Justice Series Launch. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Lasallian Belonging. Event Locator: 2025-AATGCM.
Monday, September 22, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
Faculty/Staff Dining Room AS 103C.
"Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress
Event Name: "Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATAXW.
Friday, October 3, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.
"Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress
Event Name: "Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATAXW.
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.
"Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress
Event Name: "Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATGHN.
Sunday, October 5, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.
Hispanic Heritage and LGBTQ+ History Month Speaker
The Office of Diversity is proud to host Dr. Ernesto Javier Martínez (he/him/el), an award-winning writer, literary critic, and professor at the University of Oregon, as our LGBTQ+ History and Hispanic Heritage Month speaker. Dr. Martínez’s work explores how marginalized communities use storytelling to reclaim their narratives through literature, film, and art. He is the author of On Making Sense and co-editor of Gay Latino Studies. His creative projects include the bilingual children’s book When We Love Someone We Sing to Them and the acclaimed short film La Serenata, licensed by HBO Max. A leader in both academia and media, Dr. Martínez brings a powerful voice to conversations about identity, justice, and representation. Join us for an inspiring event celebrating the richness of LGBTQ+ and Latine experiences.
Event Name: LGBTQ/Hispanic Heritage Speaker. Event Locator: 2025-AATBCX. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Lasallian Belonging.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
Virtual - Online.
"Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress
Event Name: "Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATAXW.
Thursday, October 9, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.
"Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress
Event Name: "Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATAXW.
Friday, October 10, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.
"Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress
Event Name: "Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATGHN.
Saturday, October 11, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.
"Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress
Event Name: "Trouble in Mind" by Alice Childress. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATGHN.
Sunday, October 12, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.
Refusing Silence: A Black Film & Dialogue Series on Resistance and Reclamation
Join the Office of Diversity, Sociology Department and African American Studies Program for a film screening and discussion of Harriet. The film explores resistance led by Black women, echoing Carter Jackson’s framing of Black women’s central role in historical rebellion.
This film screening is part of Lewis University's Fall 2025 "Refusing Silence: A Black Film & Dialogue Series on Resistance and Reclamation."
“Refusing Silence” is a three-part co-curricular film and dialogue series inspired by Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson’s powerful work, We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance. All are welcome to join this intentional space for collective engagement, healing, and intellectual empowerment through the lens of Black film. Each session centers a film that echoes the themes of rebellion, refusal, radical love, joy and communal resilience, opening up rich conversations that connect historical Black resistance to contemporary struggles and triumphs.
Anchored in monthly gatherings leading up to…
Event Name: Black Film Series. Event Locator: 2025-AATAZQ. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Lasallian Belonging.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
DL 250 Damian Auditorium.
Art Reception and Gallery Talk for Paul Mitchell
This will be an art reception for Paul Mitchell. Paul Mitchell is an art professor and digital artist living in Illinois. This exhibit selection is from a body of work reflecting his interest in climate change beginning in 2006 with the publication of An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore. This led to the realization that climate change was connected to global warming, ocean acidification, wildlife extinction, and massive migration of life on the planet. Most recently, his focus has been on mitigation of the problems and suffering caused by climate change. The works are meant to work together supporting a context of healing our planet. The exhibit will be on view October 2-26, 2025.
Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Arts & Ideas. Event Name: Art Reception. Event Locator: 2025-AATANJ.
Thursday, October 23, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
The Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Reception Room FA 127, The Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Gallery FA 128, Clifford & Rita Berglund Community Room FA 129.
2025 Signum Fidei
Join us for Signum Fidei as we support Lewis University's Mission Fund. This year we will celebrate the transformative power of Lasallian education. There will be a cocktail hour with open bar, full dinner with reserved seating, and dancing to the music of "Maggie Speaks."
For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to: https://www.alumni.lewisu.edu/2025-Signum-Fidei.
Event Name: 2025 Signum Fidei. Event Locator: 2025-AATBJH. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: University Advancement.
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Off Campus.
Art Reception and Gallery Talk with Devin Ingram
This will be a gallery talk and reception with artist, Devin Ingram. Devin Ingram, a Chicago-area artist, husband, and father, creates artwork reflecting his life experiences encompassing tragedy, love, pain, and joy. His diverse artistic approach, utilizing acrylics, oils, ink, pastels, and pencils, demonstrates his commitment to employing readily available materials to convey his artistic vision. Dev intends to convey his concepts visually, creating a presentation that is not only seen but is also felt. The exhibit will be on view November 6-25, 2025.
Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Arts & Ideas. Event Name: Art Reception. Event Locator: 2025-AATANK.
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
The Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Reception Room FA 127, The Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Gallery FA 128, Clifford & Rita Berglund Community Room FA 129.
"Airness" by Chelsea Marcental
Event Name: "Airness". Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATAZA.
Friday, November 14, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.
"Airness" by Chelsea Marcental
Event Name: "Airness". Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATAZA.
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.
"Airness" by Chelsea Marcental
Event Name: "Airness". Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATGHP.
Sunday, November 16, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.
Refusing Silence: A Black Film & Dialogue Series on Resistance and Reclamation
Join the Office of Diversity, Sociology Department and African American Studies Program for a film screening and discussion of Idlewild. This film imagines radically different Black realities, reflecting Dr. Carter Jackson’s analysis of resistance as not only historical but aspirational.
This film screening is part of Lewis University's Fall 2025 "Refusing Silence: A Black Film & Dialogue Series on Resistance and Reclamation."
“Refusing Silence” is a three-part co-curricular film and dialogue series inspired by Dr. Kellie Carter Jackson’s powerful work, We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance. All are welcome to join this intentional space for collective engagement, healing, and intellectual empowerment through the lens of Black film. Each session centers a film that echoes the themes of rebellion, refusal, radical love, joy and communal resilience, opening up rich conversations that connect historical Black resistance to contemporary struggles and triumphs.
Anchored in monthly gatherings…
Event Name: Black Film Series. Event Locator: 2025-AATAZR. Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Lasallian Belonging.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
DL 250 Damian Auditorium.
"Airness" by Chelsea Marcental
Event Name: "Airness". Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATAZA.
Thursday, November 20, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.
"Airness" by Chelsea Marcental
Event Name: "Airness". Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATAZA.
Friday, November 21, 2025, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.
"Airness" by Chelsea Marcental
Event Name: "Airness". Event State: Confirmed. Organization: Philip Lynch Theatre. Event Locator: 2025-AATGHP.
Saturday, November 22, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
Philip Lynch Theatre FA 130.