WKU Plans Numerous Events
For Black History Month
January 29, 2004
Bowling Green, Ky. - Lectures by author Nikki Giovanni and rapper Chuck D and programs on African American history are among the highlights of Black History Month events at Western Kentucky University.
Activities begin Monday and continue throughout February. Special events also are planned by University Libraries and Kentucky Museum and Black History Month programs will be broadcast on WKYU-PBS.
"A primary purpose of Black History Month is to recognize the contributions of black Americans as a genuine and integral part of the history of this country as well as to foster an appreciation of the many significant contributions they have made to the groundwork of our nation," said Dr. Monica Burke, associate director of the Office of Diversity Programs.
"Therefore, Black History Month is about more than African Americans celebrating their history. It is about celebrating a culture that is an essential component of America; it is about celebrating the building of our nation; and it is about imparting knowledge and hopefully, encouraging appreciation."
Among the Black History Month events are the following:
Feb. 2: Soul Food Dinner, 7 p.m., Downing University Center, fourth floor.
Feb. 4: Poet and author Nikki Giovanni, 8 p.m., Van Meter Auditorium.
Feb. 5: African American Studies Lecture Series, 5 p.m., Grise Hall Auditorium.
Feb. 5: Author Sheila Williams, 7 p.m., WKU South Campus.
Feb. 7: Crimson and Cream Ball, 10:30 p.m., Ellis Place. Tickets are $12 in advance or $20 at the door for singles; $22 in advance or $30 at the door for couples.
Feb. 9: Bridging the Gap, a race relations forum, 6 p.m., Downing University Center, room 340.
Feb. 10: African American History Bowl, 6:30 p.m., Downing University Center, fourth floor.
Feb. 12: African American Studies Lecture Series, 5 p.m., Grise Hall Auditorium.
Feb. 12: Kentucky Live series featuring "John G. Fee, Kentucky Abolitionist and Educator" by Dr. Marion B. Lucas, 7 p.m., Barnes and Noble Booksellers.
Feb. 19: Author Crystal Wilkinson, 3 p.m., WKU-Glasgow Campus; 7 p.m., Java City in WKU's Helm Library.
Feb. 19: African American Studies Lecture Series, 5 p.m., Grise Hall Auditorium.
Feb. 19: Far Away Places program featuring "Nigeria" by Johnston Njoku, 7 p.m., Barnes and Noble Booksellers.
Feb. 20: Black History Celebration, 8 p.m., Downing University Center, fourth floor.
Feb. 21: Art workshop by Alice Gatewood Waddell, 10 a.m., Kentucky Building.
Feb. 21: One-woman portrayal of military pioneer Anna Mac Clarke by Haley S. Bowling, 1 p.m., Kentucky Building.
Feb. 23: Lecture by Rapper Chuck D, 7 p.m., Downing University Center Theater.
Feb. 24: Hot Topic Series: Is Affirmative Action Still Needed?, 7 p.m., Downing University Center, room 226.
Feb. 26: African American Studies Lecture Series, 5 p.m., Grise Hall Auditorium.
Feb. 26: Remembering Our History, 8 p.m., Downing University Center Theater. Proceeds benefit the American Sickle Cell Anemia Association.
Feb. 27: Black History Month banquet, featuring Dr. Rebera Foston, 7 p.m., WKU South Campus.
The Kentucky Museum also is hosting an exhibit of photos by Marlow Hazard from the 2004 Women of Distinction calendar through March 20.
"Various units of Western Kentucky University have created a wonderful array of programming that focuses on various aspects of African America history," Dr. Burke said. "We hope that everyone will show support for these events."
For a complete calendar of events, contact the Office of Diversity Programs at (270) 745-5066 or visit http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/StuAffairs/ and click on the Black History Month link.
For more information, contact Monica Burke at (270) 745-5066. More WKU news is available on the World Wide Web at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via E-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.
