Focus EMU Online: Feature Story

February is Black History Month, and Eastern Michigan University celebrates with a schedule of events that includes music, dancing, poetry and the opportunity to save a life.

"Black History Month is about cultural education," said Charmica Abinojar, program coordinator, diversity programs. "It affects everyone. I wish they wouldn't even call it 'black history.' It's American history and black people are a part of it."

Kunjufu

One of the highlights of this year's schedule of events is keynote speaker Jawanza Kunjufu. Kunjufu's presentation, "Education Strategies for Minorities: Post Affirmative Action," is an extension of "The State of the African American Male in Michigan" summit that took place at EMU in June. He will speak Wednesday, Feb. 1, 5:30-7 p.m., in the EMU Student Center Grand Ballroom.

Kunjufu is an educational consultant with African-American Images. He is constantly on the lecture circuit, presenting more than 30 different workshops that address students, parents, teachers, and community residents. In addition to founding the Black cultural organization, Unity, and the mentoring organization, Community of Men, Kunjufu has written more than 22 books, including "Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys," "Motivating Black Youth to Work" and "To be Popular or Smart: The Black Peer Group."

"We are very proud of the collaborative effort of a group of motivated young men called Mentality Ministries. We've wanted Dr. Kunjufu to speak at EMU for a while now, and they worked really hard to arrange this," said Kay Woodiel, EMU's director of diversity and community involvement. "More than the other cultural heritage months, this one is really student-driven. They selected, planned and implemented the events. The students have done a great job this year. It's really exciting to see them so excited about it."

Black History Month

Black History Month originated
with Black History Week in
1926. Dr. Carter G. Woodson,
known for writing the
contributions of black
Americans into the national
spotlight, founded Black History
Week. The acknowledgement
took place the second week of
February, between the
birthdays of the abolitionist
Frederick Douglass and
Abraham Lincoln. After the
Civil Rights movement during
the 1960s, Black History Week
was expanded into Black
History Month.

In addition to events and presentations, EMU will be participating in the Fourth Annual Gift of Life University Challenge, competing against other colleges in the state to see which school can sign up the most donor registrants.

"We're trying to incorporate a service project into all our cultural heritage months," said Woodiel. "There is a significantly disproportionate amount of African Americans waiting for organ donations, so this is a good fit for Black History Month."

The challenge runs until Monday, Feb. 26. Interested participants should look for the registry tables on the first level of the Student Center during the second week in February. Registration also is available at this Web site: www.giftoflifemichigan.org/showusyourheart/?school=emu.

Other Black History Month events include:

Tristan Hackney returns with his popular dance workshop, "Tick 'It' Master School of Ticknician," Mondays, Feb. 5, 12 and 19, 7-9 p.m., room 350, EMU Student Center.

GUESS WHO: The
movie "Guess
Who" will be
shown as part of
Black History
Month on campus.

Bernie Mac plays a sarcastic father who has plenty to say about his daughter wanting to marry a Caucasian (Ashton Kutcher) in "Guess Who?" The movie will be shown continuously Wednesday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the EMU Student Center Auditorium.

Party with the Center for Multicultural Affairs (CMA) at the Black History Soul Kickoff, Thursday, Feb. 1, 7-10 p.m., The Lakehouse. Listen to the DJ and enjoy free food to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month.

"Cooley High," will be shown continuously Thursday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., in the EMU Student Center Auditorium. The movie follows two high school boys in the South Side of Chicago in the 1960s. Their lives of partying, hanging out and meeting new friends change when they meet a pair of career criminals and get falsely arrested in connection with stealing a Cadillac.

Sulaiman

Muslim poet, writer and speaker Amir Sulaiman presents "The Cornerstone Folklore," Wednesday, Feb. 7, 7-9 p.m., EMU Student Center Auditorium. Sulaiman has recorded two albums and has been featured on HBO's "Def Poetry Jam."

Heather Neff, a professor from the department of English language and literature, presents "Forbidden Zones," Tuesday, Feb. 13, 4 p.m., Student Center Auditorium. Neff's presentation is part of the Last Lecture Series on campus.

"Natural Hair Revolution," is scheduled Wednesday, Feb. 14, 6-8 p.m., room 352, in the EMU Student Center. This presentation features women who use only natural products in their hair, and do not perm or straighten their hair. The women will discuss the benefits of being all natural from the inside out, using hair as a starting point.

Staff, faculty and students are invited to submit their artwork for the "Blackzibit," Monday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., room 310, in the EMU Student Center. Art of all forms is welcome, including paintings, poetry, sculpture, etc. Pianist Dwayne Barnes and DJ Rocity are scheduled to perform. For those interested in showing their work, call 487-2377 or 487-2277.

"Ethiopian Knights: Racist Images of African Americans in U.S. Culture," will be presented Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m., Halle Library Auditorium.

The CMA, Society for African American Studies and the Black Student Union present "Black Men and Women Relationships: Stop Pointing the Finger!" Thursday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m., room 310, EMU Student Center.

For more information about Black History Month Events, call 487-2377 or 487-2277.