Celebrating Black history on the 23rd day of its month

Happening in the World: Athi-Patra Ruga, a South African artist, won the grand prize at Rencontres de Bamako, a pan-African photography exhibit, with his series “The Future White Women of Azania.” His work centers Azania, a promised land that was adopted by Black nationalists in apartheid-era South Africa. See the full gallery here. (CNN)

Happening in the US: Black Panther has broken record after record, after its weekend debut – including the highest grossing film with a February debut, the fifth highest-earning film in Disney history, and the highest grossing film by a Black director. The film has inspired an active, participating fanbase with movie-goers dressing for the occasion. With a 97 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, fans are eagerly awaiting any return of Wakanda. (NPR)

Happening in NYC: NYU came under fire recently for serving a “racially insensitive” lunch, for which the administration has recently apologized. NYU sophomore Nia Harris wrote a letter to the university for serving watermelon water and collared greens as a Black History Month-inspired meal. NYU has just a 4.8 percent Black student population, though insists on its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Aramark, also a food provider at Barnard College, has assumed responsibility for the mistake and has since suspended the director of dining. (Independent)

Happening on Campus: The Barnard Writing Fellows will be hosting their second Grammar Workshop today from 10:30-11:30 AM in Milbank 324. They ask that RSVPs and questions be sent to writing@barnard.edu, but welcome all walk-ins. Free coffee will be provided!

Bop of the Day:

Black Liberation flag via Wikimedia Commons