University News
WIU to Offer Full Schedule of Events for Black History Month 2011
January 28, 2011
MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University will offer a full schedule of events throughout February focusing on African American history and culture, as well as current issues facing the African American community, for Black History Month 2011. This year's theme is "Sustaining Our Cultural Mecca for a New Era."
All events are open free to the public unless otherwise noted. For more information on any of the following events, contact the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center at (309) 298-2220.
Thursday, Feb. 3
4:30-5:30 p.m. lecture, "Performance, Blackness and the Circulation of Art in the Black Atlantic" by Laurian Bowles, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology department; Malpass Library Garden Lounge
Bowles will examine various aspects of "blackness" as it pertains to performance in society today, as well as African American art and its role in the Diaspora and black Atlantic. His lecture is sponsored by University Libraries and the African American studies and sociology and anthropology departments.
7 p.m. lecture, "How Rhythm and Blues and Rock 'n' Roll Tore Down the Walls of Segregation" by Steve Buckingham, producer; University Union Sandburg Theatre; sponsored by University Union Board
According to stevebuckinghammusic.com, Buckingham is a four-time Grammy winner with 27 Number One singles to his credit. He has been awarded 11 Platinum and 19 Gold albums. He will speak about how music affected the Civil Rights movement during the 1960s and 1970s and will show rare videos and pictures with music.
Friday, Feb. 4
11-11:45 a.m. or 12-12:45 p.m. National Wear Red Day for Women's Heart Health Month luncheon, speakers and resource table fair; Knoblauch Hall 239; sponsored by the WIU Women's Center, Beu Health Center, Campus Recreation, and the Employee Wellness Committee
Dietetics, fashion merchandising, and hospitality students will prepare heart-healthy food.
*Admission is $6/students $8/non-students; reservations and payment are due to the Women's Center by Friday, Jan. 28. Students may charge to their account with Rocky Dollars; checks may be made payable to the Women's Center.
Monday, Feb. 7
7 p.m. lecture, "The Mis-Education of the Black Male" by Alphonso Simpson, African American studies department chair; Malpass Library Garden Lounge; sponsored by University Libraries and African American studies
Simpson's lecture will detail the current state of African Americans in predominantly white institutions, and will address issues of race and gender as they pertain to the African American college experience.
7 p.m. performance by Chinua (pronounced Shin-way) Hawk
University Union Murray Street Café; sponsored by University Union Board
A singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, this New Jersey native spends close to 240 days a year performing concerts at colleges and universities all over the country. He has performed with Celine Dion at Madison Square Garden in New York City, written songs with Wyclef Jean, and worked in the studio with Kanye West on hip hop artist Talib Kweli's song "Just To Get By." Hawk has released three CDs and is currently recording a new project. (chinuahawk.com)
Tuesday, Feb. 8
Noon-1 p.m. V-Day College Campaign brownbag lunch presentation, "NO! The Rape Documentary: Ending Sexual Assault and Violence Against Women," Multicultural Center Board Room; sponsored by the Women's Center
Produced and directed by Aishah Shahidah Simmons, an incest and rape survivor, this feature-length documentary features testimonials from black female rape survivor stories who defy victimization.
6:30 p.m. panel discussion, "The Black Church in Macomb"
University Union Sandburg Lounge; sponsored by Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ and African American studies department
Monday, Feb. 14
7 p.m. discussion, "Why Are We Still Fighting?"
Multicultural Center Multipurpose Room; sponsored by the WIU College Chapter NAACP
This program will focus on why some African Americans are fighting each other rather than fighting for each other.
Tuesday, Feb. 15
7 p.m. panel discussion, "The Black Experience in Macomb;" University Union Sandburg Lounge; sponsored by the African American studies department
Wednesday, Feb. 16
7 p.m. Third Annual Black History Through Fashion Show: "Fashion May Fade but History is Eternal;" University Union Grand Ballroom; sponsored by the Black Student Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Sunday, Feb. 20
Noon-3 p.m. 25th Annual Soul Food Festival, "Sunday Afternoon Jazz Affair;" University Union Lincoln Room; sponsored by the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
*Early bird tickets: $10/students, $18/nonstudents on sale through 3 p.m. Thursday,
Feb. 10. After Feb. 10, $15/students, $23/nonstudents. To ensure adequate seating, participants are encouraged select a seating time (12 noon, 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.) when purchasing tickets.
Menu: Succulent roasted chicken, old-fashioned down home fried chicken, glazed country-baked ham, screamin' mean collard greens with smoked turkey, mouth- watering macaroni and cheese, scrumptious candied sweet 'taters, potato salad, corn bread, rolls, luscious lemon cake with vanilla ice cream, wicked peach cobbler, Southern sweet tea, unsweetened tea, coffee and water
Wednesday, Feb. 23
7 p.m. movie, "Bring Your A Game," followed by panel discussion moderated by J.Q. Adams and Tracy Davis, educational and interdisciplinary studies department faculty; University Union Sandburg Theatre; sponsored by the WIU Center for the Study of Masculinities and Men's Development
According to 21cf.org/agame, "Bring Your 'A' Game" is a film that, through screenings accompanied by community discussions, can act as a catalyst to transform the lives of urban youth. Using cinematic style influenced by popular culture and employing innovative technologies, the film details strategies that have improved the lives of black men and boys. It underscores how essential educational achievement and high school graduation are to survival and success in today's world.
Thursday, Feb. 24
7 p.m. panel discussion, "Educating Children of African Descent in Jamaica and Bermuda;" Morgan Hall 101B; sponsored by African American studies department
Throughout February (Feb. 1-28)
Daily postings, "Women Sustaining Our Cultural Mecca for a New Era" by WIU Women's Center; Women's Center website (wiu.edu/wc) and Facebook Page
8 a.m.-10 p.m. Exhibit showcasing Black History Month Events and Activities; University Union first floor; sponsored by the Black History Month Planning Committee
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. display of artifacts showcasing African American culture; Multicultural Center first floor; sponsored by the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
For more information, contact the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center at (309) 298-2220.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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