Western Sets
February Aside to Honor Black History Month
President Donald Spencer has proclaimed
February as Black History Month. In his proclamation, Spencer
urges "support for the extensive February calendar of events
which is intended to promote African-Americans and to recognize
the continued effort of all who are involved in programs that
enhance the awareness, diversity, and sensitivity of our community."
He asks the WIU community to join him in honoring African-Americans
in "grateful acknowledgement of their outstanding contributions
to the history and perpetuation of our University and nation."
"One Dream, One Movement, All People"
is this year's theme for Black History Month. Throughout February,
various events and activities will take place to celebrate Black
history and culture.
The month-long celebration includes several
highlights that are open to the public. Some activities include
a reggae concert, a performance by noted jazz singer Dianne Reeves,
a soul food festival, lectures, movies and a special night celebrating
African culture.
The Black Student Association has teamed
up with various organizations to offer a series of lectures and
discussions throughout Black History Month. The Brown Bag Series
lectures take place in the University Union from 12-12:45 p.m.
and are open free to the public. Included in the discussions are
African American Studies faculty, S'Thembile West and Alphonso
Simpson Jr.'s, presentation "In the Tradition"
Wednesday, Feb. 7 in the University Union Lamoine Room
and sociology professor Essie Rutledge's presentation,
"Slavery's Unwillingness to Die: Its Badges and Disabilities
Persist" Wednesday, Feb. 28 in the Union Sandburg
Lounge.
The University Union Board Concert Productions
will present "Bob Marley Remembered Featuring the International
Reggae All-Stars" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 in
the University Union Grand Ballroom. This performance is free
to students and staff. Call 298-3286 for more information.
Cinemas One and Two in Macomb will show
Spike Lee's new film, "Bamboozled" at 4:30 and 7
p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 7 and 8. A discussion of
the movie will be held from 3-4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9
in the University Union Fox Room. The discussion is open free
to the public.
Jazz singer Dianne Reeves will perform at
7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 in Western Hall. Tickets are
$20, $18 and $15 for the public. For more information call 298-1254.
On Saturday, Feb. 17 the 13th Annual
Soul Food Festival will include a 5:30 p.m. social and
a 6:30 p.m. dinner in the University Union Lamoine Room.
Admission is $7 for students and $15 for the public. Call 298-2220
for more information.
African Night will take place from 7-9
p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28 in the University Union Heritage Room.
African Night is open free to the public. Call 298-8492 or 298-2220
for more information.
Other events taking place during Black History
Month at WIU include a poetry slam at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb.
22 in the University Union Lamoine Room, discussions, movies
and an African American Studies department open house from 3-4:30
p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28 in Morgan Hall. The WIU Women's Center
will also post daily profiles on its electronic bulletin board
and website (www.student.services.wiu.edu/miwc)
of Black women who have made significant contributions to America's
history, cultural heritage and future for the entire month of
February.
Sponsors of the Black History Month Celebration
include the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center (GBCC), African American
Studies department, Black Student Association, Bureau of Cultural
Affairs, Office of Student Activities, Renaissance Writers, Student
Government Association, University Housing and Dining Services,
University Relations and the University Union Board. For more
information about events or activities contact Belinda Carr,
director of the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center, 298-2220.
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