ITHACA, NY — During February, Ithaca College will be celebrating Black History Month through a collection of culturally rich programs and educational events, honoring heroes and empowering the campus community to reflect on the past while creating dialogue around the present day and future.
All of the events listed below are free and open to the public.
“The Black Power Mixtape”
Monday, Feb. 1
7 p.m., Klingenstein Lounge, Egbert Hall
This documentary film examines the evolution of the Black Power Movement in American society from 1967 to 1975. It features the found footage shot by a group of Swedish journalists (discovered some 30 years later in the cellar of Swedish Television) overlaid with commentaries and interviews from leading contemporary African American artists, activists, musicians and scholars. A panel discussion will follow immediately after the film.
“We Came to Sweat: The Legend of Starlite”
Tuesday, Feb. 2
7 p.m., Textor 103
Founded by an African American for his gay community in 1962, the Starlite Lounge in Brooklyn became a legendary pre-Stonewall safe-haven by catering to multiple generations of every race, creed, color and sexual orientation. This documentary tells the story of what happened when the survival of the Starlite came under threat after nearly 50 years. Sponsored by the Center for LGBT Education, Outreach & Services.
Embracing Pan-Africa
Wednesday, Feb. 3
7 p.m., Klingenstein Lounge, Egbert Hall
Join the African Student Association as members explore Pan-Africanism to encourage the solidarity of people of African descent worldwide in the spirit of “unify and uplift.”
“Renaissance in the Belly of a Killer Whale”
Monday, Feb. 15
7 p.m., Klingenstein Lounge, Egbert Hall
A performance of spoken word poetry, theatre, dance and song that tells the story of three young women coming to terms with the gentrification of the Harlem they grew up in and love. Sponsored by Center for the Study of Culture, Race, and Ethnicity.
Step Fest
Friday, Feb. 26
7 p.m., Emerson Suites, Phillips Hall
Forged from “African boot dance,” stepping made its way to college campuses across America in the early 20th century. The art form combines elements of military drill team moves and the ever-evolving culture of hip-hop. Join the IC Step Team for a night of performance and history as they showcase their talent.
Black History Month Concert
Friday, February 26
8:15 p.m., Ford Hall, Whalen Center
Featuring operatic countertenor John Holiday, the Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers, students from the Worlds of Music class and the African Drumming and Dance Ensemble.
Reclaiming Blackness: Workshops
Sunday, Feb. 28
1–5 p.m., Roy H. Park School of Communications
Reclaiming Blackness: Showcase
Sunday, Feb. 28
6–8 p.m., Emerson Suites, Phillips Hall
This student-led initiative explores topics pertinent to the social of identity of “blackness” in the 21st century through a series of workshops. These workshops will be followed by a showcase of talent from Ithaca College students.
For more information, contact the Office of Student Engagement and Multicultural Affairs at osema@ithaca.edu or (607) 274-3222.