"The New Kings of Africa: Sovereign Homophobia," a Lecture by D. Vance Smith
Friday, Feb 20, 2026 3:15p.m. - 4:15p.m. 
Colonialism’s project of “modernizing” both sharpened and undermined the idea of kingship and of the modern secularized state. The medieval theory of kingship has disappeared, but the abstract idea of the king’s body—the mystical representation of the state--has been reanimated in post-independence regimes: a leader who is sacred, messianic, untouchable. The political power of this idea comes partly from the manufactured fear of the body of the homosexual, represented as “un-African,” but framed precisely in the terms of Western homophobic discourse. I’ll contrast the cases of Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Kabaka Mwanga II of Uganda.

Engineers Abroad Student Panel & Info Session
Friday, February 20  12:45p.m. - 2:00p.m  Nord 356
Join the Case School of Engineering and Office of Education Abroad to learn how you can study abroad as an engineering major! Learn about available programs, terms, and locations, and hear from a panel of engineering majors who studied abroad for a semester or summer.


Treasures of Soviet Animation Vol. 2
Saturday, February 21  Cinematheque
This second volume in a series of new restorations of classic & rare Soviet animated gems from the vaults of the legendary Soyuzmultfilm studios, is focused on Soviet-Armenian director Lev Atamanov (1905-1981).  Atamanov was a brilliantly creative artist whose lyrical storytelling and stunning imagery put him on par with masters such as Walt Disney and Hayao Miyazaki, who praised The Snow Queen as “my destiny and my favorite film.”


International Bazaar
Sunday, February 22  5:00pm - 8:00pm The Spot at Leutner
Join UWC for the International Bazaar, a campus-wide celebration of cultures from around the world. Enjoy a multicultural dinner, cultural showcases, and performances throughout the evening. Student organizations and individuals are invited to table and share their cultures, and the program will include a mix of pre-planned performances and open mic slots. Come explore, connect, and celebrate global diversity at CWRU.


Silver, Gold, and Gems: A Spotlight on Jewelry Across Africa
Until Sunday, December 6 Cleveland Museum of Art
For the first time, view a permanent display of gold and silver jewelry from across the African continent on view in the collection galleries of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Admire a selection of glittering ornaments from the Akan states of West Africa, shimmering gemstones from the Maghreb region, hair accessories from ancient Egypt in Northern Africa, and the bold silver of five recently gifted Ethiopian necklaces from East Africa. Spanning thousands of years, these works testify to the depth of African creativity, the skill of jewelers on the continent, and the eternal human desire for adornment.


A Conversation with Kamala Harris
Wednesday, February 25 7:00p.m. - 11:55p.m. Playhouse Square
Join former Vice President Kamala Harris for a night of surprising and revealing insights inspired by her #1 New York Times bestselling book, 107 DAYS. How do we find hope and resilience in the face of adversity? During these special events, Harris will share her powerful and timely message about what it will take to move forward, especially for those feeling disheartened and disconnected from the political process. Harris will talk about her life story, her historic presidential campaign, the experiences that have shaped her personal philosophies, and her path to finding purpose. With nuance, candor, and a unique perspective, Harris will lead a compelling conversation about how we collectively chart a blueprint that sets an alternative vision for our country now. Meet & Greet tickets are available as an add-on to any ticket. Each Meet & Greet ticket includes a photo with Vice President Kamala Harris and a signed copy of 107 DAYS (published by Simon & Schuster), which takes readers inside the race for the presidency as no one has ever done before.