Campus events honor Black History Month
By KELLY HAGER
News Writer
Halfway through Black History Month, the events continue on the Notre Dame and Saint Mary's campuses.
Terri Johnson, director of the Office for Multicultural Affairs (OMA) at Saint Mary's, is pleased with the turnout of events so far.
"I think it is important to learn about the history and traditions of different cultures," said Johnson.
Kevin Huie, assistant director of Multicultural Student Programs and Services (MSPS) for Notre Dame agrees.
"The programs try to give opportunities for people to celebrate their own culture and give other people the opportunity to learn about each other," said Huie.
Together, MSPS has been working with the Saint Mary's organization to promote events on both campuses.
The Notre Dame community will continue the events on Friday with Blak Koffee House. Featured artists will perform a variety of acts remaining true to the "coffee house" form, however, in a more formal environment. The performance will include dancing and music, including an appearance by "Voices of Faith," the Notre Dame Gospel Choir. Also featured will be some original poetry works and songs, being premiered at this event. The show will begin at 8:00 p.m. in LaFortune Ballroom. Seating is limited, so MSPS asks that ticket preparations be made ahead of time by calling 631-6841.
On Feb. 22, MSPS will co-sponsor a relationship forum in association with the NAACP titled, "What Brothas Think, What Sistahs Know." The forum will focus on inter-racial relationships. Deneva Milner and Nick Childes will facilitate the discussion, co-authors of the above titled book, "What Brothas Think, What Sistahs Know." At the forum, students will be encouraged to share their own experiences and comment on the issues of inter-racial dating. This event will begin at 7 p.m., at LaFortune Ballroom.
Sociologist Ronald McGriff will be lecturing regarding inter-racial discrimination, Monday, Feb. 19. In this lecture, he will explore the historical roots of this genre of prejudice and how it has been played over time. He will also discuss different strategies that will hopefully mitigate this ongoing issue. McGriff is the author of "Inter-racial Prejudice: the Myth of the Brotherhood." The lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in Haggar Parlor, Saint Mary's.
There will be an Interfaith Prayer Service on Thursday, Feb. 22. The New Horizon's Church of South Bend will be in attendance to lead the community in song and prayer. Also, the Outreach Ministry Love Choir will share their ministry in song. The service will begin at 9:15 p.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel Holy Cross, Saint Mary's. People of all faiths and background are encouraged to attend.
Journalist and contributing writer for Essence magazine Joan Morgan will be giving a lecture explaining the importance of hip-hop culture on Monday, Feb. 26. Morgan, author of the book, "When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost — My Life as a Hip Hop Feminist," is a feminist writer who is committed to accurate documentation of hip-hop culture. In this lecture, she will plunge into heated issues such as sexism in hip-hop; the precarious state of her generation's relationship with feminism; the crippling mouth of the "endangered black man" and its equally destructive counterpart, the myth of the "strong black woman." This lecture will begin at 7 p.m., and will be held at Carroll Auditorium, Saint Mary's.
Together, both OMA and MSPS have worked to promote awareness of black traditions and culture on campus. Through these events, they hope to give students the opportunity to explore their own culture, while learning about others in Black History Month.
"If you don't attend, you're missing out on an important bit of culture," said Johnson. "You learn by meeting new people and new challenges — and when given the opportunity to learn, you should."
All News Stories for Thursday, February 15, 2001
