February 1, 1999 Volume 21, No. 9
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February 1, 1999 Volume 21, No. 9 |
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Black History Month Celebrated with Entertainment and EducationBlack History Month will be celebrated at Ithaca College with a full schedule of activities, highlighted by a slate of performances designed to both educate and entertain. All are open to the public, and all but two are free. Details on some of the events are still being finalized; for the most updated information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 274-1692. Kickoff CeremonyThursday, February 4, 7:00 p.m., Emerson Suites, Phillips Hall Potluck DinnerSunday, February 7, 6:30 p.m., African-Latino Society room, West Tower African-Latino Society Black History Month Film SeriesThursday, February 11, 7:00 p.m., Textor 101 Blues Musician K. J. JamesSaturday, February 13, 8:00 p.m., Coffeehouse, Phillips Hall Poetry Slam with Saul WilliamsMonday, February 15, 7:00 p.m., Emerson Suites, Phillips Hall An Evening with Gregory Hines: Success through Movies, Dance, & DiversitySunday, February 21, 8:00 p.m., Emerson Suites, Phillips Hall American History XSunday, February 28, 6:30 p.m., Park Hall Auditorium "Black History Month is paramount in Ithaca College’s ongoing effort to foster an appreciation of diversity," says Keeon Gregory, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. He notes that many of the events use the forum of entertainment to deliver their important message. "Saul Williams brings a street perspective that is not only popular but provocative. Gregory Hines can talk not only about his own career but also about the history of African-Americans in dance, from the tap of Sammy Davis Jr. to the funk of Savion Glover. "I just wish it wasn’t only for one month that people think about these issues," Gregory adds. "I would like them to take away from this the desire to do more, to think about it 365 days a year." African-Latino Society spokesperson Nigel Greaves, a senior, says it was important to have a number of campus groups involved in programming the month’s activities. "We want everyone to take part in the effort because Black History Month is not just for blacks but for all people to recognize the achievements and significant historical accomplishments of black Americans. We had some ideas of our own for programming and were pleasantly surprised to discover that a number of campus organizations — such as the Residence Hall Association, Student Government Association, Faculty Council, Office of Campus Center and Activities, and Office of the President — had been proactive and already taken steps to plan programs." Sophomore Jerrill Adams, who founded the College’s chapter of the NAACP, says the unity shown by all of those groups is as important as the events themselves. "Working together is a positive sign. It shows that people understand that these issues are bigger than just one person or one group. By combining our resources, we’ve been able to make what could have been separate activities into a much larger and more effective celebration." |
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