Berea College celebrates Black History Month 2009

2-10-09

Berea College graduate Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” began the nation’s annual observance celebrating African Americans and their achievements as Black History Week in 1926. The Berea College Black Cultural Center, in conjunction with other departments and programs at Berea, is sponsoring numerous events in celebration of Black History Month 2009. All programs are open to the public. For more information, contact the BCC at (859) 985-3028 or visit www.berea.edu/blackculturalcenter Monday, Feb. 16 SPEAKER: Dr. Vibert White, Jr., “The Black Presence in the Middle East: A Historical and Contemporary Analysis” Woods-Penniman Building Commons, 6 p.m. Director of the Public History Program and associate professor of history at the University of South Florida, Dr.White is the author of the academic bestseller “Inside the Nation of Islam: A Historical Testimony of a Black Muslim.” Co-sponsored by the Francis and Louise Hutchins Center for International Education, the event is a “Focus on the Middle East” event Thursday, Feb. 19 Berea College Convocation SPEAKER: Rev. Graylan S. Hagler, “God is Still Speaking” Phelps Stokes Auditorium, 3 p.m. National President of Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice and founding member of United for Peace and Justice, Rev. Hagler is pastor at the Plymouth Congregationalist Church (United Church of Christ) in Washington, D.C. He practices a progressive ministry involved with the empowerment of the community. The Annual Carter G. Woodson Lecture co-sponsored by African and African American Studies, Campus Christian Center and Convocations. Friday, Feb. 20 Saul Williams Spoken Word Performance Phelps Stokes Auditorium, 8 p.m. Williams, who lives in Los Angeles, Ca. is a poet, writer, actor and musician known for his blend of poetry and alternative hip hop and for his leading role in the 1998 independent film SLAM. Co-sponsored by Campus Activities Board Saturday, Feb. 21 13th Annual Unity Banquet “One Life to Live: The Greatest Story Never Told” Upper Seabury Gym of Seabury Center, 5 p.m. Non-Berea College students – $12 Contact the Black Cultural Center for tickets (859)985-3797 Monday, Feb. 24 Tukule, Tusome (To Eat, To Learn) series SPEAKER: Gladys Jennings “Healthy Living and Soul Food: A Fresh Look” Woods Penniman Building Commons, noon, Lunch is included \ Jennings, the first African American woman to receive a master of science degree from Washington State University (WSU), formerly taught food science at WSU and has also been heavily involved in attracting minorities to the field. As an educator, she continues to educate communities about healthy lifestyles and college opportunities. Co-sponsored by African and African American Studies and the Carter G. Woodson Chair for History Tuesday, Feb. 24 2nd Annual Shattering Stereotypes Event “Slaves, Soldiers and Senators” with Hari Jones, assistant director of the African American Civil War Memorial Woods Penniman Building Commons, 7 p.m. Sponsored by Berea College Republicans Thursday, Feb. 26 Berea College Convocation William Chapman Nyaho “Music by Composers of the African Diaspora” Phelps Stokes Auditorium, 8 p.m. Ghanian American concert pianist Nyaho brings a unique cultural background and extraordinarily eclectic sense of music to his concert recitals in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States. Co-sponsored with Convocations program and African and African American Studies

CONTACT: Tashia Bradley, Director Berea College Black Cultural Center (859) 985-3797