Southeastern Louisiana University

February is Black History Month at Southeastern

Contact: Christina Chapple

1/29/07

     HAMMOND – An acclaimed storyteller, lectures on African-American history and politics, and a presentation on the history of the Afro-Brazilian fight/dance “capeira” highlight Southeastern Louisiana University's celebration of February as Black History Month.

     "We are excited to coordinate a university-wide celebration of African American culture and heritage," said Eric Summers, director of the Office of Multicultural and International Affairs, which coordinates the month-long event. "This month is always special as it gives us the opportunity the recognize American pioneers throughout history."

     The Southeastern Writing Center will sponsor an appearance on Feb. 13 by Angela Davis. Known as “the Yarnspinner,” Davis uses storytelling to introduce audiences to imaginative literature, history and cultures from around the world. Throughout the month, the Department of History and Political Science will host lectures on topics ranging from the celebrations such as “Juneteenth” to the legacy of bluesman Robert Johnson.

     The Campus Activities Board will sponsor "Yewande -- Bridging the Gap: Rhythms, Rhymes & Race in America" on Feb. 13, while the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures joins the schedule with “Capeira: The Dance of Freedom” on Feb. 28, and the Black Student Union will host a variety of activities from a quiz bowl to a culture night Feb.5-8.

     Sponsoring departments and student organizations also include the Department of Counseling and Human Development’s Family and Consumer Science program, Hammond’s Black Heritage Center, Sigma Gamma Rho, Omega Phi Alpha, the Phellas, the Southeastern Gospel Choir, Project PULL, and the NAACP.

     The Black History Month schedule includes:

     ▪ Feb. 1-28 -- "African American Quilting Art: Yesterday & Today," White Hall.

     ▪ Feb. 1 -- Black History and Politics Lecture Series: Raphael Cassimere, "Why Black History?", 2 p.m., Student Union Theatre.

     ▪ Feb. 4 -- African American Culture Museum Grand Opening, 3 p.m., 1600 Phoenix Square, Hammond.

     ▪ Feb. 5 -- Black Student Union Week: Quiz Bowl, 7 p.m., Student Union ballroom.

     ▪ Feb. 6 -- Black Student Union Week: "Real Sex" forum, 7 p.m., Student Union, room 223.

     ▪ Feb. 7 -- Black Student Union Week: AIDS testing, all day, Student Union ballroom.

     ▪ Feb. 8 -- Black Student Union Week: Culture Night, 8 p.m., Student Union ballroom.

     ▪ Feb. 8 -- Black History and Politics Lecture Series: Ronald Traylor, "Juneteenth and Jim Crow: African-American Celebrations in the Era of Segregation," 2 p.m., Student Union Theatre.

     ▪ Feb. 13 -- Angela Davis, "Writing Our Stories," 12:30 p.m., Student Union ballroom.

     ▪ Feb. 13 -- "Yewande -- Bridging the Gap: Rhythms, Rhymes & Race in America," 1:30 p.m., Student Union Theatre.

     ▪ Feb. 13 -- "Reparations, Part 3: Will it Ever Come? Reality!", 3 p.m., Student Union, room 227.

     ▪ Feb. 21 -- "Test Your Knowledge --Black History Trivia," 6 p.m., Student Union, room 229.

     ▪ Feb. 22 -- Black History and Politics Lecture Series: Dr. William B. Robison, "'Hellhound on My Trail': The Life, Legend, and Legacy of Bluesman Robert Johnson," 2 p.m., Student Union Theatre.

     ▪ Feb. 24 -- Freedom Fund Banquet, 7 p.m., Black Heritage Center, 1600 Phoenix Square, Hammond.

     ▪ Feb. 26 -- "Roots of Gospel Music," 6 p.m., Student Union Theatre.

     ▪ Feb. 27 -- "Who Am I...Do You Really Know?", 8 p.m., Student Union Theatre.

     ▪ Feb. 28 -- "Songs for the Soul," noon, Student Union mall.

     ▪ Feb. 28 -- "Capeira: A Dance for Freedom," 12:30 p.m., Student Union Theatre.