This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
A program of foods, art, music, lectures, and performances evoke this year’s Black History Month theme, “Preserving our Legacy, Reaffirming our Presence,” which focuses on the celebration of Black culture, Africans, African-Americans, and Diaspora.
“This year’s celebration brings to light an array of experiences and history that have shaped our present,” says Michael Benitez Jr., dean of intercultural development and director of the David A. Portlock Black Cultural Center. “Members of the wider community can learn a great deal about historical figures who have created change and whose experiences have made a difference in this nation’s progression.
The cultivation of programs this upcoming month provide for everyone, regardless of race and background, insight into forgotten stories and rarely-spoken-about significant times in African and African-American history.”
Black History Month was originally founded as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter Godwin Woodson to acknowledge, inform, and create an understanding for the contributions of Africans and African-Americans. Woodson, a self-taught educator, viewed it as a missing piece of world history rather than a separate entity. In 1976, the celebration was extended to include the entire month of February and became a national observance.
Campus events recognize the diverse accomplishments of various generations of Blacks who have made significant developments in fields such as education, government, medicine, the arts, the sciences, and entertainment. All events are free and open to the public unless indicated:
Noon Wednesday, Feb. 1: Student panels on the “Black Experience” will discuss the impact of Africa on the different subcultures within the Black community in Farinon Center, Marlo Room. Students will talk about the African heritage within African, African-American, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-Latin identities.
Noon Friday, Feb. 3: “The Presence of Hip Hop Culture” brown bag lecture led by Rennie Harris at Williams Center for the Arts. Lunch will be provided.
8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4: Rennie Harris Puremovement will present a hip-hop dance performance at the Williams Center. Tickets cost $20.
3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5: David C. Driskellartist’s talk in Williams Center room 108, with reception to follow at the Williams and Portlock centers until 5 p.m. The joint exhibition Reflections and Memories, featuring works by Driskell, opens to the public Feb. 3.
Noon Monday, Feb. 6: Driskell will lead an informal brown bag discussion at Portlock Center.
7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7: “African Contributions to the World, ” keynote lecture presented by Runoko Rashidi in Kirby Hall of Civil Rights room 104.
8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8: Obo Addy’s Okropong, Williams Center for the Arts. Tickets cost $20.
7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9: “I am that I am: Woman, Black,” Williams Center for the Arts. Adilah Barnes performs the lives of Soujourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Mary McLeod Bethune, Zora Neale Hurston, Angela Davis, Lorraine Hansberry, and Maya Angelou.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10: African Market at Farinon Atrium, featuring African art, food, and clothing.
5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15: Artist’s reception for Glenn Ligon, Richard A. and Rissa W. Grossman Gallery in Lafayette’s Williams Visual Arts Building. Exhibition is on view Feb. 4-March 15.
Noon Friday, Feb. 17: Black Student Leadership panel will discuss experiences at the National Black Student Leadership Conference in January and the importance of effective student leadership on campus in a brown bag at Interfaith Chapel, Hogg Hall. Panel includes Benjamin Arthur ’07 (Accra North, Ghana), Shani Bellegarde’08 (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Alberto Luna ’08 (Bronx, N.Y.), Torin Perez ’09 (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Michael Tinsley ’09 (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Steffi Romano ’09 (New York, N.Y.), and Ashley Gray ’09 (Bethlehem, Pa.).
4 p.m.: Public lecture presented by Ligon, Williams Center for the Arts room 108.
Saturday, Feb. 18-Sunday, Feb. 19: Annual Prologue visitation weekend for African American and Hispanic American prospective students sponsored by admissions. An intercultural development dinner will be held Sunday evening to inform prospective students of the resources and opportunities for cultural enrichment at Lafayette. Students and alumni will share their experiences. Invitations will be sent to prospective students and their families, guests, and the campus. RSVP is required as seats are limited.
9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21: Using insights on racial understanding and interaction, Preacher Moss presents “End of Racism,” a comedy and lecture at Farinon Snack Bar.
Noon Wednesday, Feb. 27: Preview of Slabtown District Convention jazz performance with Samuel Hay, visiting professor of government and law. Play runs March 1-4 at Williams Center.
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28: “The Legacy Lives on, ” a talent showcase sponsored by Lafayette Intercultural Networking Council and other student organizations, Farinon Center Atrium. All are encouraged to participate; sign-ups will be held Feb. 6-10 during lunch hour in Farinon Center, or contactJadrien Ellison ’02, coordinator of intercultural development, for information.
For additional information contact the Office of Intercultural Development, 101 Hogg Hall, (610) 330-5819.
Black History Month is sponsored by the Office of Intercultural Development, Africana studies program, Africans Creating African Consciousness and Interest Abroad, art department, Association of Black Collegians, Black History Month Committee, Brothers of Lafayette, David A. Portlock Black Cultural Center, Experimental Printmaking Institute, Lafayette Activities Forum, Lafayette African & Caribbean Students Association, Lafayette Intercultural Network Council, Nia, Office of Religious Life, Lafayette College Cultural Program, the Office of the President, and Williams Center for the Arts.