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Black History Month Events To Mark 50 Years Of Integration
Bowling Green, Ky. - The 50th anniversary of integration at Western Kentucky University will be commemorated during Black History Month activities.
As WKU reflects on its past, present and future during its “A Century of Spirit” Centennial celebration, the Office of Diversity Programs and other offices will present numerous activities, events and projects to recognize 50 years of integration on the Hill. Special events include lectures by Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Clarence Page and Kentucky author Frank X Walker, a film series and forums on black history, a seminar series on African American leadership and the release of a book commemorating WKU’s integration. (The complete schedule is online at http://www.wku.edu/blackhistory.html) “The ‘50 Years of Integration’ chronicles the storied history of ordinary individuals whose contributions to WKU are extraordinary in transforming the face of Western,” said Dr. Monica Burke, associate director of the Office of Diversity Programs. “The imprint of WKU African American alumni and students are eclectic and internationally distinguished. The legacy left by those who struggled ‘up the hill’ helped to move WKU from a segregationist philosophy to an integrationist mentality. The slogan ‘The Spirit Makes the Master’ is acknowledged by recognizing the perseverance of African American faculty, staff and students whose spirit transformed Western Kentucky University.” The inaugural event will be a lecture by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and columnist Clarence Page at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at Van Meter Auditorium. Page’s column is syndicated nationally by Tribune Media Services. He is a frequent guest and contributor for several national television and radio programs. On Feb. 2, WKU will honor current students who are excelling in student engagement areas of academics, athletics, community service, leadership and volunteering. The African American Student Excellence Banquet will begin at 6 p.m. at Downing University Center’s Cupola Room. At 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 28, WKU will dedicate Fort Lytle at the Old Fort area between Van Meter Hall and Garrett Conference Center. The old fort area was built by the 12th Heavy Artillery United States Colored Troops, which served in Bowling Green for about two years during the Civil War. As part of the celebration, WKU has published “A Commemoration of Western’s Integration: 1956-2006.” The book includes a pictorial timeline of desegregation and significant events at Western since 1956; a brief history of Western’s role in desegregation; the history of Jonesville; personal stories from various black alumni; and biographical sketches of blacks who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. All proceeds will go to the Fund for Excellence, a scholarship fund for African American students. And WKU graduate Alice Gatewood-Waddell has created artwork to commemorate the anniversary. An 18 x 24 poster will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Fund for Excellence. The “50 Years of Integration” events are just part of an extensive Black History Month celebration at WKU. “The purpose of the Black History Month calendar of events is to engage Western faculty, staff and students in the rich history of the African American experience,” Dr. Burke said. “Events are planned with the intent of raise the consciousness of the contributions made by people of color in shaping a global society. Various units at WKU have created an array of programming that focuses on the intellectual, cultural, and social accomplishments of African Americans.” Author and poet Frank X Walker will visit on Feb. 2 and 3. He will speak at 3 p.m. Feb. 2 at WKU’s Glasgow Campus, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Bowling Green Public Library and 10 a.m. Feb. 3 at WKU’s Java City in the Helm Library. Walker, a native of Danville, is a founding member of the Affrilachian Poets, editor of “Eclipsing a Nappy New Millennium” and author of “Affrilachia,” a collection of poems that has been nominated for the Kentucky Public Librarians’ Choice Award. He won the 2004 Lillian Smith Book Award and is the recipient of a 2005 Lannan Literary Fellowship. His most recent poetry collections are “Black Box” and “Buffalo Dance, the Journey of York.” Here are some of the other events: African American Student Excellence Banquet, 6 p.m., Feb. 2 at the Downing University Center’s Cupola Room. The Crimson and Cream Ball, Feb. 11 at Knicely Conference Center, WKU South Campus. Soul Food Dinner, 5 p.m. Feb. 21 at DUC’s Fresh Food Company. The History of Gospel Music: The Reason Why We Sing, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at DUC Theatre. Remembering Our History, 8 p.m. Feb. 23 at DUC Theatre. Black History Month Banquet, 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Knicely Conference Center, WKU South Campus. Dedication of Fort Lytle, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Old Fort (between Van Meter and Garrett Conference Center). “I Have a Dream: A Salute to the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” is on display through Feb. 26 at the Kentucky Library and Museum. - WKU - a leading American university with international reach -
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