February 09, 2009
SIUC celebrates Black American History Month
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A theatrical presentation of Lorraine Hansberry’s play “A Raisin in the Sun,” Brown Bag lunchtime discussions and a return of the “Tunnel of Oppression” are among the Black American History Month activities for 2009.
Pamela Smoot, clinical assistant professor in the Black American Studies and coordinator of the February events, noted that this year’s theme is “Quest for Citizenship in the Americas.”
Rachel Griffin, assistant professor in the speech communication department and one of those presenting a brown bag lecture, said she hoped the University community would be aware of Black American contributions year-round and not just during a designated month. But concentrating the focus during a month does highlight the depth and breadth of Black Americans’ contributions.
“One of the most powerful lessons is that we see all the different types of activities and areas of scholarship involved,” she said. “Highlighting it in that way is a wonderful thing.”
“This month was originally created for reflection, celebration and appreciation for those who walked the walk for equality, peace and love,” said Jeff McGoy, who plays a starring role in “A Raisin in the Sun” and works in New Student Programs on campus. “I hope all people attend some of the events scheduled this month, and enjoy the experience. I am sure the experience will be a life lesson learned about those who lived and made a difference in the world.”
Here is the schedule of activities. Unless otherwise designated, all events are free.
Feb. 10
12:30-1:30 p.m., Brown Bag Lecture Series, Leonard Gadzekpo, “From South Carolina to Puerto Rico to Kenya,” Illinois Room, Student Center. Gadzekpo is an associate professor in the SIUC Black American Studies. Sponsored by Black American Studies African Continuities Program, Black History Month Committee, SIUC Study Abroad Program.
Feb. 11
7-9 p.m., Panel Discussion, “Check Your Swag! Discussion of Attire, Conduct and Language,” Student Center Auditorium. Sponsored by Pan-Dash, Black Women’s Task Force, Black Togetherness Organization, and Association of Black Psychologists - SIU Chapter.
Feb. 16
Noon-1 p.m., Brown Bag Lecture Series, Phil Howze, “Reminiscences: Growing Up in the Bronx,” Mississippi Room, Student Center. Sponsored by Black History Month Committee. Phil Howze is a professor and social services librarian at SIUC.
Feb. 17
7-9 p.m., “Are You Smarter Than a Greek?” Game competition: fraternities and sororities v. non-Greeks, Renaissance Room, Student Center. Sponsored by Black Affairs Council, Black History Month Committee, Multi-Cultural Student Programs, and Pan-Dash.
Feb. 19
Noon-1 p.m., Brown Bag Lecture Series, Rachel Griffin and Navotny Lawrence, “Yes We Can, but No, We Haven’t: Marking a Moment but Remembering Reality,” Saline Room, Student Center. Sponsored by College of Mass Communication and Media Arts. Griffin is an assistant professor in the speech communication department. Lawrence is an assistant professor in the radio-television department.
Feb. 19-21
7:30 p.m., “A Raisin in the Sun,” theatrical performance, McLeod Theater. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for senior citizens, $6 for children and students. Tickets are available the night of the performance, or call in advance at 618/453-3001. Sponsored by Africana Theater Lab, Department of Theater.
Feb. 20
7-9 p.m., Guest appearance of Cornel West, Shryock Auditorium. West, professor of Black American religious studies at Princeton University, is the author of “Hope on a Tightrope: Words and Wisdom,” “Race Matters,” “Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations,” and many more publications and books. Sponsored by Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Black History Month Committee, Student Programming Council, Office of the Associate Chancellor (Diversity), Undergraduate Student Government, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.
Feb. 21
1-3 p.m., Gwen Walker Black History Middle School Knowledge Bowl, Student Center Auditorium. Participating schools are: Carbondale Middle School, Elverado Junior High School, and Murphysboro Middle School. Sponsored by Black History Month Committee, Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority Inc., Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society.
Feb. 22
2 p.m., “A Raisin in the Sun,” matinee theatrical performance, McLeod Theater. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for senior citizens, $6 for children and students. Tickets are available the night of the performance, or call in advance at 618/453-3001. Sponsored by Africana Theater Lab, Department of Theater.
Feb. 23-26
5-9 p.m., “Tunnel of Oppression,” Interactive lesson in race relations, stereotypes, perceptions and misperceptions about race and ethnicity, Grinnell Hall basement. Sponsored by Black Togetherness Organization
Feb. 24
7-9 p.m., “The Urban Hush Harbor: Social and Cultural Transformation of Public Housing in Pittsburgh, Penn.,” Pamela Smoot, Kaskaskia/Missouri Room, Student Center. Sponsored by Black History Month Committee and Black American Studies.
Feb. 25
6-7 p.m., “A Tribute to Marian Anderson,” Wilfred Delphin and Valerie Francis, Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall. Delphin, formerly of the SIUC School of Music, brings his piano skills to match Francis’ vocals. Sponsored by the Black History Month Committee, SIUC School of Music, Black Graduate Student Association.
6-8 p.m., “Honoring Your African American Heritage Through Scholarship,” Old Main Restaurant, Student Center. This event is by invitation only. Sponsored by University Honors Program & Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, Office of the Associate Chancellor of Diversity.
Feb. 26
7-9 p.m., “Black Thought Through Time: The Poetic Journey of African Americans,” Big Muddy Room, Student Center. Sponsored by the Black Affairs Council and Underground Arts.
Feb. 27
Noon-1 p.m., Brown Bag Lecture Series, “Unearned Privilege in the Classroom,” Cynthia Sims, Illinois Room, Student Center. Sims is an assistant professor in the SIUC Department of Workforce Education and Development. Sponsored by the Black History Month Committee.
Feb. 28
10 a.m.-Noon, Dr. James E. Walker Black History High School Knowledge Bowl, Video Lounge, Student Center (4th floor). Participating schools are: Cairo High School, Carbondale Community High School and Murphysboro High School. Sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Multi-Cultural Student Programs, SIUC Office of Admissions.
5 p.m., SIUC Hip Hop Jump-Off 2009: When Past Meets Present,” alumni concert featuring Small Change, Quigley Hall Auditorium. Sponsored by Black Affairs Council and Underground Arts.
For more information about any of these events, contact Smoot at 618/453-7147 or Olivia@siu.edu.