The Black History Month theme for this year, "Blacks in Cinema," celebrates the profound impact and enduring contributions of Black individuals in the world of film. Throughout history, Black filmmakers, actors, and storytellers have played pivotal roles in shaping the cinematic landscape, enriching it with diverse narratives and perspectives. This theme invites reflection on the resilience, creativity, and transformative power of Black voices within the realm of cinema. From trailblazing pioneers who broke barriers to contemporary visionaries who continue to redefine the industry, "Blacks in Cinema" pays homage to the artistry and cultural significance of Black storytellers, highlighting the profound influence they have had and continue to have on the global cinematic experience.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor
South Central Community Action Program
Black History Month Signature Events
Black History Month Kick-off
The City of Bloomington commemorates National Black History Month with a tribute and celebration to empowerment. The theme for the 2024 Black History Month celebration is “"Blacks in Cinema.” The month’s events will celebrate and explore contributions of Black individuals in film. Recognizing the pivotal roles of Black filmmakers and storytellers, the theme highlights their resilience, creativity, and transformative impact on the cinematic landscape. "Blacks in Cinema" invites reflection on the artistry and cultural significance of Black storytellers, emphasizing their lasting impact on the global cinematic experience.
The kick-off event will feature a talk by Jerald Harkness, the President and CEO of Studio Auteur, LLC, boasts a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in content creation and documentary filmmaking. As a national Emmy award winner, he has directed and produced for renowned networks such as Paramount TV, UMC, ESPN, VH1, A&E, PBS, and CBS Sports Network. Harkness's recent accomplishments include the biographical documentary "The Bright Path: The Johnny Bright Story," nationally broadcast on CBS Sports Network and PBS, earning selections at multiple film festivals. He served as the Executive Producer and Showrunner for the docu-drama series "True First," highlighting forgotten African American trailblazers. Harkness has an extensive portfolio, including the acclaimed documentaries "Steppin’" and "Facing the Façade," as well as projects acknowledged by President Barack Obama. Notable awards include a national Emmy, Best Documentary from the International Academy of Web TV, and the inaugural Spotlight Award from the Indianapolis Black Documentary Filmmaker Festival.
The kick-off will also feature a reception catered by Sahm's Catering.
Jerald Harkness
President and CEO of Studio Auteur
Producer, Director and Writer
Thursday, February 01
Showers City Hall Council Chambers
401 N. Morton St., Bloomington, IN
Reception: 6:00 pm • Free
Program: 7:00 pm • Free
Black Market
This event will feature a coalition of organizations, black-owned businesses, black creators, and artists and create a space that affirms persons of color in the community, and provide a medium for local talent, business owners, and groups to share information and sell goods. The Black History Month "Black Market" pays homage to the original Black Market that was firebombed on December 26, 1968.
Saturday, February 17
City Hall Council Chambers
401 N. Morton St., Bloomington, IN
Event: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm • Free
Essay Contest & Reception
Parents, teachers, siblings, friends, and community members are invited to Fairview elementary as the winners of the 2024 Black History Month Essay Contest are honored. Awards will be presented in the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Join the community in supporting these budding scholars. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, visit the "Essay Contest" page.
Tuesday, February 20
City Hall Council Chambers
401 N. Morton St., Bloomington, IN
Reception: 6:00 pm • Free
Program: 6:30 pm • Free
The Bright Path: The Johnny Bright Story
Film Showing
Community members are invited to the film showing of The Bright Path: The Johnny Bright Story. The movie chronicles the life of Johnny Bright, a record-breaking trailblazer who changed College football forever. This free event will be held at the Waldron Rose Firebay, John Waldron Arts Center (122 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404) on Thursday, February 22 at 6 p.m.
Thursday, February 22
Waldron Rose Firebay, John Waldron Arts Center
122 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404
Doors Open: 5:30 pm • Free
Showing: 6:00 pm • Free
THE BRIGHT PATH - PROMO_30_H264 (1).mp4In partnership with Constellation Stage & Screen, we present an extraordinary collaboration that promises to elevate your experience.
Black History Month Gala
Join us for an evening of fine dining, great music, and dancing, as we recognize the 2024 Living Legend Recipients, and the Commission on the Status of Black Males’ Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow recipients. Reception and Silent Auction will begin at 6:00 p.m., program will begin at 7: 00 p.m. Tickets: $60 each ~ Available February 1st at the Buskirk-Chumley Box Office, BCTboxoffice.org, or by phone at 812-323-3020.
Saturday, February 24
Woolery Mill
2250 W. Sunstone Dr., Bloomington, IN
Reception: 6:00 pm
Program: 7:00 pm
Ticketed Event • $60 in advance
The Kick It... Black Cinema, Black Love, and Food
The Kick It is a curated space to chill. We’ll feed you good food, screen clips from some of your favorite films, and have activities inspired by the Black Film Center & Archive’s zine. The newest issue is themed Black love so bring your boo, or your closest friends! The RSVP link goes live February 1.
Wednesday, February 28
Indiana Memorial Union
900 E. 7th, Bloomington, IN
Program: 7:00 pm
2024 Black History Month Calendar
The City of Bloomington 2024 Black History Month Calendar is a free publication of the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department. The City of Bloomington 2023 Black History Month Calendar lists events sponsored by the City of Bloomington Black History Month planning committee and community partners to share events. Members of the community are encouraged to submit events for inclusion in the calendar related to Black History Month. Please review the following information for usage.
All events are reviewed, edited, and added to the calendar at the discretion of the calendar administrator. For questions, contact Shatoyia Moss, Director of the Safe and Civil City Program, at 812.349.3559 or by email at safeandcivil@bloomington.in.gov.
If you need to change information associated with a submitted event (updates, cancellations, etc.), please email Shatoyia Moss your requested updates.
Deadline For submissions is Monday, January 23, 2023
Disclaimer: City of Bloomington 2023 Black History Month Calendar has been designed to share information about events and happenings of interest to the Bloomington Community. Events that appear do not constitute official endorsements of The City of Bloomington Black History Month committee
2024 Black History Month Awards
Visionary Leader Award
The Black History Month Visionary Leadership Award is presented to a person or persons who inspire others through their long-term vision for the betterment of the community. Visionary leaders are innovative, persistent, willing to take risks, enthusiastic, focused and willing to listen to others. Visionary leaders are not afraid to get their hands dirty but but bring others on board through their goal setting and communication.
Past recipients:
2024: Dr. Gloria Howell & James Sanders (Pictured)
2023: Michelle Gilchrist & Leon Gordon
2022: Jaquita Joy Roberts
2021: Jim Sims
2020: Donald and Nicole Griffin
2019: Jennifer Crossley
Living Legend Award
Betty Bridgwaters
2024 Living Legend
Elizabeth Ann Bridgwaters, affectionately known as "Betty," has had a distinguished career spanning several decades, marked by a profound dedication to service and leadership. With twenty-two years of unwavering commitment, Betty retired from Indiana University on June 1, 2014, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. Her tenure included eleven and a half years of invaluable contributions to the Health Professions and Prelaw Office. Prior to her return to IU, Betty spent ten years at Digital Equipment Corporation (dba Hewlett Packard Corporation), a Fortune 500 Corporation, serving in various capacities, ultimately as a Senior Project Manager and Technology Analyst in Engineering and Development alongside patent engineers in Massachusetts. Earlier in her career, she spent eleven years in the IU President's Office, Bursar's Office, and Business Manager's Offices.
Upon returning to Bloomington in late 1993, Betty's commitment to preserving Black history became evident as she became a stalwart in commemorating the rich legacy of families in the community and her service on the Black History Month Committee (2005-2013). Notably, she assumed the role of the inaugural speaker at Black History Month celebrations and co-created the Banneker History Project, ensuring that the narratives of Bloomington's past were safeguarded for future generations. Betty spearheaded the Opening Exhibit for the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, which earned recognition with a prestigious Silver CASE award.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Betty tirelessly dedicated her time as a volunteer to both the university and the Bloomington community. As a Founder and Board member of the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club and Past President of the IU Boston Alumni Club, she served on the IU Alumni Council and IU Bloomington Black Faculty and Staff Council. Additionally, Betty's commitment to community engagement extended to serving on the Board of Directors of Monroe County United Way, Liaison to the Mental Health Association Board, Tulip Trace Council of Girl Scouts, Monroe County Girls Club, among others. A proud Life Member of the IU Alumni Association and Sigma Phi Gamma International Sorority, Betty's passion for service and leadership continues to inspire those around her.
Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow
2024 Recipients
Ivenson Dumervil
Adult Male Recipient
Shayla George
Adult Female Recipient
Aidan Woods
High School Male Recipient
Jael Davis
High School Female Recipient
The Commission on the Status of Black Males (CSBM) Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow Award is given annually to two African American men and women, respectively from the following categories: high school and adult. The Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow Award is presented each year at the Black History Month Gala Celebration in February. The CSBM recognizes the importance of highlighting the outstanding contributions made by young African American men and women in our community for their outstanding leadership, scholarship, and involvement.
Thank you for taking the time to nominate someone for this award. The 2024 deadline for nominations is Monday, February 12, 2024.
Past Recipients
2006
Matthew Herndon
2007
Cordero L. Rhyne
Alvin Henry (posthumous)
2008
Gerald Lee Mitchell, Jr.
2009
Eddie Cole
2010
Rayshawn Ray
2011
Adrian D. Land
2012
Aaron Barnes
Myles Adams
2013
Burnell Grimes, Jr.
2014
Landon Jones
Gabriel Jones
2015
Terrance Thomas
Laurence Malik Laffoon
2016
Julius Hanks
Dexter Griffin
2017
Brian Richardson
Caleb Poer
2018
Marvin Q. Jones
David Johnson
2019
Tyler Kelly
Sam Young, Jr
Kira Richardson
Naomi Young
2020
Brandon McGee
Justus Beldon
Maqube Reese
CeAira Waymon
2021
JaQualon "JQ" Roberts
Cherelle Hines
Javanique Roberts
2022
Dedric Dennist Jr.
Marsha Jean-Baptiste
Jaylyn Arthur
Paige Washington
2023
Andrew McKenzie
Tatiana Wheeler
D'Andre Black
Sydney Crossley
2024
Ivenson Dumervil
Aidan Woods
Shayla George
Jael Davis
2024 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP)
Platinum Sponsors
City of Bloomington Office of the Mayor
City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department
City of Bloomington Office of the Clerk
Reach High Consulting and Therapy, LLC
Gold Sponsors
Cook Medical
Silver Sponsors
The IU Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Ivy Tech
IU Credit Union
Bronze Sponsors
IU Health
Monroe County Branch NAACP
Event Sponsors
Bloomington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Constellation Stage & Screen
Hoosier Barber
Indiana University Black Film Center and Archive
Indiana University Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center
IU Credit Union
Maqubè Reese
Order of the Eastern Star
Pizza X
Southern Star #50 Jurisdiction of Indiana
The Prince Hall Masons Stone City Lodge #54
Unveiled
Silent Auction Donors
Beverly Calender-Anderson
Bloomington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Buskirk Chumley Theater
Cardinal Spirits
The Chocolate Moose
City of Bloomington Fire Department
Constellation Stage & Screen
Crumble Coffee & Bakery
Hopscotch Coffee
Indianapolis Colts
Michael Diekhoff & Balloons Over Bloomington
PopKorn Kernels With A Twist
Shia Thompson
That's the Rub
WonderLab Museum of Science, Health, & Technology
The Camisha R. Sims Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund
Contributions to the Camisha R. Sims Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund can be made online at www.cfbmc.org/donate-now/ or by check to the Community Foundation of Bloomington Monroe County, 100 South College Avenue, Suite 240, Bloomington, IN 47404. Checks should be made out to the Community Foundation of Bloomington Monroe County. Please indicate "The Camisha R. Sims Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund" on the memo line of your check.
