2008 Woodie Awards
Black History Month celebrates culture and diversity
February is packed with campus events for all to enjoy
Leah Gallagher
Issue date: 2/8/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Black History Month is here and SHU has packed the month of February with a variety of events to give students and faculty the chance to celebrate.
So, what are some of the major events planned to spark students' interest?
From Tuesday's lecture by Jay Wright (an African American poet, essayist, theologian, and dramaturge) to Wednesday's performance by African Dance and Drumming Group Sankofa Kuumba, Black History Month has already started off well.
"I really want everybody there. All of these events are made for all of Sacred Heart," said Karima Ummah, Coordinator of International & Multicultural Affairs, who has done a great deal of work to arrange such elaborate celebrations for this month.
"I think everybody can learn and take something from these events, there is no target audience at all," said Ummah.
Today February 8th Robin Roberts from Good Morning America will be here. On Feb. 17, a Gospel Fest will be held in the Edgerton Center of Performing Arts; Feb. 18 a Broadway Series with Student Activities will be going to see "The Color Purple;" and Feb. 20, an African dance and drum team called Mikata will perform.
"I've actually always wanted to see the 'Color Purple' so I am definitely going to try to get tickets for that," said Jessica Perez, sophomore, Santa Maria, Calif. "It sounds like there is a ton going on and I found an event that I would want to go to so I am sure other people will too."
On Feb. 21, the "What up Funk Band" will perform in the Outpost at 10:10p.m. The Pub side will be open to those over 21 and there will be free food for everyone. There will also be a prize given away to the "funkiest guy" and to the "funkiest girl" to attend the event.
"All of those things sound interesting and if I have time I might go to a few of them," said Betsy Harvey, sophomore, Farmington. "I have never seen any traditional African dancing so I might check out one of those groups coming. I listen to a lot of music so it might be cool to go see the 'What Up Funk' band too."
Black History Month will wrap up on Feb. 27 with the "Shades of Poetry," where anyone can come to read their own or someone else's work, or just to listen to others and hang out.
For some, though, Black History Month will extend beyond February.
"Since the schools in Bridgeport are closed Feb. 19-23, we'll probably extend Black History month well into March," said Phyllis Machledt, Director of Service Learning and Volunteer Programs.
Through Machledt's program, a number of read alouds are planned during Black History Month.
"We are planning to do Read Alouds during Black History month and will be sending out emails to recruit readers," said Machledt explaining that one of them is planned for today, Feb. 8, at the Maplewood Annex after school program from 4 to 5 p.m.
Advertisement for Black History Month events can be seen throughout campus as well as Channel 6, global e-mails and even Facebook.
So, what are some of the major events planned to spark students' interest?
From Tuesday's lecture by Jay Wright (an African American poet, essayist, theologian, and dramaturge) to Wednesday's performance by African Dance and Drumming Group Sankofa Kuumba, Black History Month has already started off well.
"I really want everybody there. All of these events are made for all of Sacred Heart," said Karima Ummah, Coordinator of International & Multicultural Affairs, who has done a great deal of work to arrange such elaborate celebrations for this month.
"I think everybody can learn and take something from these events, there is no target audience at all," said Ummah.
Today February 8th Robin Roberts from Good Morning America will be here. On Feb. 17, a Gospel Fest will be held in the Edgerton Center of Performing Arts; Feb. 18 a Broadway Series with Student Activities will be going to see "The Color Purple;" and Feb. 20, an African dance and drum team called Mikata will perform.
"I've actually always wanted to see the 'Color Purple' so I am definitely going to try to get tickets for that," said Jessica Perez, sophomore, Santa Maria, Calif. "It sounds like there is a ton going on and I found an event that I would want to go to so I am sure other people will too."
On Feb. 21, the "What up Funk Band" will perform in the Outpost at 10:10p.m. The Pub side will be open to those over 21 and there will be free food for everyone. There will also be a prize given away to the "funkiest guy" and to the "funkiest girl" to attend the event.
"All of those things sound interesting and if I have time I might go to a few of them," said Betsy Harvey, sophomore, Farmington. "I have never seen any traditional African dancing so I might check out one of those groups coming. I listen to a lot of music so it might be cool to go see the 'What Up Funk' band too."
Black History Month will wrap up on Feb. 27 with the "Shades of Poetry," where anyone can come to read their own or someone else's work, or just to listen to others and hang out.
For some, though, Black History Month will extend beyond February.
"Since the schools in Bridgeport are closed Feb. 19-23, we'll probably extend Black History month well into March," said Phyllis Machledt, Director of Service Learning and Volunteer Programs.
Through Machledt's program, a number of read alouds are planned during Black History Month.
"We are planning to do Read Alouds during Black History month and will be sending out emails to recruit readers," said Machledt explaining that one of them is planned for today, Feb. 8, at the Maplewood Annex after school program from 4 to 5 p.m.
Advertisement for Black History Month events can be seen throughout campus as well as Channel 6, global e-mails and even Facebook.
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