West Virginia University students, faculty and staff will explore and celebrate black history, issues and life with a variety of activities during Africana History Month in February.
“We invite the University and local community to join with us in celebrating the richness and diversity of the African experience,”said Katherine Bankole, director of WVU s Center for Black Culture and Research (CBC&R).
Concerts, documentaries, readings and a childrens heritage program are just some of the activities on tap.
The CBC &Rs renowned Heritage Academy that provides youngsters with cultural awareness activities and strong role models will be held each Saturday in February from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 590 Spruce Street. To participate, call 293-7029.
On Sunday, Feb. 4, the Supremes, starring Mary Wilson, will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Creative Arts Centers Concert Theatre. Tickets are on sale at the CAC Box Office, 293-3020.
Also on Sunday, an African-American reading chain takes place from 2-4 p.m. in the Clarksburg-Harrison County Library. Other read-ins are planned for 2-4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5, in the Bridgeport Public Library and from noon-2 p.m. at the Centers WVU Martin Luther King Library. The concept of the chain is to gather participants nationwide to synchronously read African American authors.
A Faculty Development session,”Challenges Women and Faculty of Color Face in Higher Education and the Classroom,”is set for 3:30-5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, in the Mountainlair Rhododendron Room.
More highlights:
Informational booths, Mountainlair, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., throughout February
Sisterspeak, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m., Mountainlair Umoja Room.
African Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 11, CAC Concert Theatre. For more information, call 293-3020.
“The Moorish Presence in the Americas,”Dr. Jose Pimienta-Bey, WVU assistant professor of history, 2-3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14, Mountainlair Monongahela Room.
“The Tulsa Race Riot of 2001,”Purdue University Professor Kimberly Ellis, 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15, Mountainlair Ballrooms.
Minority Law Day for High Schools, all day, Friday, Feb. 16, WVU College of Law.
“Cross Cultural Teaching and Learning Events in Service to Communities,”Dr. Bankole, CBC &R director and assistant professor of history; and Robert Jones, program coordinator, School of Social Work; 1-4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23, Mountainlair Monongahela Room.
“History, Theory and the Liberatory Code of Conduct for Africana Womanhood,”Dr. Bankole, 11:30 am.-12:45 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27, 106 Woodburn Hall.
Kuumba performance and African cuisine, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, Eiesland Hall auditorium; dinner to follow, 5 p.m., E. Moore Hall.
“Martin Luther King: The Legacy,”a documentary, 2-3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28, CBC &R.
For more information, call the Center at 293-7029, or visithttp://www.wvu.edu/~cbcrAll events are open to the public.