Eastern Michigan University celebrates Black History Month
during February by looking into all of its dimensions,
as reflected in this year's theme, "Dimensions of Black." Events
have been broken down into five categories: empowerment,
community, health, education and culture.
Charnessa Paige, director of EMU's Center for Multicultural
Affairs, said that the students are a reason why this Black
History Month is unique.
 |
ELECTION IMPLICATIONS: A panel
discussion,
"The Socio-Cultural and
Political Implications
of the 2008
Election of Barack Obama as the First
African-American President of the
United States,"
kicks off EMU's
celebration of Black History Month
Feb. 3. |
"I have worked with some dynamic students who have a renewed
passion for their peers, their education and their community," said
Paige. "It has been a pleasure to see them grab hold of
this month of programming, incorporate topics that are
relevant in today's climate and see them be unapologetic
for wanting to discuss the tough issues. They are taking
their place in writing this part in history and it's beautiful."
The idea of empowerment kicks off Black History Month.
The Department of African-American Studies and the Center
for Multicultural Affairs co-sponsor a panel discussion
entitled, "The Socio-Cultural and Political Implications
of the 2008 Election of Barack Obama as the First African-American
President of the United States," Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6-8 p.m.,
room 310A, Student Center. Panelists for this discussion
include Robert Perry, professor of African-American studies;
Kristine J. Ajrouch, associate professor of sociology,
criminology and anthropology; Charles Simmons, professor
of English language and literature; Melvin Peters, associate
professor of African-American Studies; and students Jasmine
Cooper and Brandy Johnson. Victor Okafor, interim department
head of African-American Studies, will serve as the moderator.
"The panelists are experts in their own fields," said
Okafor. "They are teaching in areas that affect race relations."
 |
Okafor |
Okafor said that he will ask questions about what the
election of President Obama means in terms of race relations,
politics, how America is globally viewed and if this is
the beginning of a post-racial America.
"I would be remiss if I didn't credit the election of
President Obama as being one factor," Paige said about
the students' involvement in Black History Month. "He has
challenged all of us to recognize that we are the change
that we've been waiting for."
Empowerment continues with "Am I My Brother's/Sister's
Keeper? A Town Hall Meeting," Wednesday, Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m.,
Kiva Room, Student Center. This program will address accountability
in the black community, as well as in other minority communities.
It also will focus on the students' and student organizations'
perceived lack of unification on campus, and address how
to overcome the disconnect at EMU and the world students
live in.
Community is brought to the forefront Saturday, Feb. 7,
from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with "Blackout." This is a one-day
community service project that will allow volunteering
opportunities at various organizations in the Ypsilanti
and Ann Arbor communities. Meals on Wheels, HOPE Clinic,
ALPHA Interfaith House and Habitat for Humanity are some
of the organizations involved in this event.
Health is brought into awareness Saturday, Feb. 7, with
National Black AIDS Day. Testing is free and will be available
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Snow Health Center. An awareness
program is scheduled from 7-9 p.m., in room 302, Halle
Library. This forum will provide students with information
on prevention and awareness. Panelists include members
from Snow Health Center, HIV/AIDS Resource Center, Michigan
AIDS Fund Speaker's Bureau and the Association of Black
Social Workers.
Education is marked by a three-part series entitled, "Bridging
the Gap." This series will address the current
state of EMU's educational system by looking at issues,
needs and solutions.
 |
Simmons |
This educational series begins Monday, Feb. 16, 6-8 p.m.,
in the Student Center Auditorium. Day one is "Addressing
the Issues." Topics will include No Child Left Behind,
retention rates, standardized testing and Proposition 2.
Panelists for this event include Robert Simmons, assistant
professor of teacher education; Scott Finch, a science
teacher from Flint Public Schools; and Doris Hope-Jackson,
superintendent of Willow Run School District. Paige will
serve as the moderator.
The series continues with, "College Student Summit," which
will address the concerns and needs of current EMU students.
This event is scheduled Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7-9 p.m., in
the First-Year Center, located in Phelps/Sellers Lounge.
The series concludes with, "Working on Solutions," Wednesday,
Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m., in the Student Center Auditorium. Panelists
include Vernon Polite, dean of the College of Education;
Deborah Harmon, associate professor of teacher education;
and Kelly Hatifield, site coordinator, GEAR UP Program.
 |
Jessica Care Moore |
The Second Annual Jazz Night represents the cultural aspects
of Black History Month. The EMU Jazz Ensemble will provide
live music Tuesday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m. to midnight, room 300,
Student Center. Performers include Jessica Care Moore and
Def Jam Poet. Attire for this event is semi-formal.
Black History Month at EMU is sponsored by the Center
for Multicultural Affairs and the Department of Diversity
and Community Involvement. For more information, visit www.emich/edu/cma or
call 487-2377.
