Lafayette will celebrate Black History Month through the theme “The Souls of Black Folk: Unveiling Identity” Jan. 31-Feb. 23. Events will delve into the essence of collective and personal identity, discuss social complexities of race and self-perception, and celebrate the soul of the African Diaspora.
- The McDonogh Report celebrates the contributions of African Americans to the Lafayette community.
Using W.E.B. Du Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk as a catalyst, the month’s events will look at black identity through a variety of lenses.
The Presidential Speaker Series on Diversity will present Cheryl Wall, professor of English at Rutgers University, who will deliver the keynote address entitled “From The Souls of Black Folk: An Ethic for the Twenty-First Century.” Her lecture will use Du Bois’ text as a springboard for discussion on the moral values and intellectual principles required for collective survival in the 21st century.
Students will have the chance to participate in a brown bag discussion series that will investigate black identity, share perspectives from black scholar-athletes, and explore the economic well-being of African Americans.
The month also will include a film series featuring When the Levees Broke, a Spike Lee film on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina; video art presentations on race relations; and Soul of Justice: Thelton Henderson’s American Journey, the story of an African American judge.
Featured in the Portlock Black Cultural Center Gallery will be renowned artist Robin Holder’s exhibition What’s Black and White and Red All Over? An African American Russian Jewish Red Diaper Baby. This exhibition delves into American cultural identity as a complicated and constantly changing landscape and addresses the artist’s own cultural heritage. The exhibition will run Friday, Jan. 26-Saturday, March 10. Gallery hours are 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday- Friday and by appointment.
Other featured events will include a “History in Mime” show, dance troupe Juxtapower, and an African market. All events are open to the public.
For more information on the month’s events, contact Peggy Bonner, secretary in the Office of Student Life, at (610) 330-5819, or visit the Office of Intercultural Development’s website.
Schedule of Events:
-
Jan. 31 – 7:30 p.m., Williams Center for the Arts: “James Baldwin: Down From the Mountaintop.” Tony Award nominee Calvin Levels depicts the rich and impassioned life of the esteemed novelist, playwright, essayist, and civil rights activist James Baldwin. A discussion with Levels will follow the play. Presented by the Office of Intercultural Development.
-
Feb. 1 – 12:15 p.m., Interfaith Chapel, Hogg Hall: Brown bag student panel –”What is Black Soul?”A panel of Lafayette students will explore the significance and meaning behind black soul. Sponsored by Association of Black Collegians (ABC).
-
Feb. 5 – noon, Interfaith Chapel, Hogg Hall: Brown bag student panel – “Perspectives from Black Scholar-Athletes.”A panel of Lafayette student-athletes will talk about their experiences and delve into stereotypes attached to black scholar-athletes. Sponsored by the Office of Intercultural Development.
-
Feb. 6 – 8 p.m., Portlock Black Cultural Center: Black History Month Film Series – When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts, Part I.The first film scheduled throughout the course of the month. Discussion will follow.
-
Feb. 8 – 7:30 p.m., Kirby Hall of Civil Rights room 104: Black History Month Keynote Address – “From The Souls of Black Folk: An Ethic for the Twenty-First Century.” The Presidential Speaker Series on Diversity presents Cheryl Wall, professor of English at Rutgers University. Wall uses Du Bois as a springboard for discussion on the central role of a liberal arts education, a commitment to democratic citizenship, and the cultivation of the arts.
-
Feb. 12 – noon, Portlock Black Cultural Center: Portlock Exhibit Artist Reception. Robin Holder will talk about her exhibit What’s Black and White and Red All Over? An African American Russian Jewish Red Diaper Baby.
-
Feb. 13 – 8 p.m., Portlock Black Cultural Center: Black History Month Film Series – Soul of Justice: Thelton Henderson’s American Journey. The second film scheduled throughout the month. Discussion will follow.
-
Feb. 16 – 7:00 p.m., Farinon College Center, Marlo Room: Juxtapower. A seven-man production about the history, tradition, stories, and struggles of South Africa.
-
Feb. 17 – 8 p.m., Farinon College Center: History Talent/Mime Show. Sponsored by ABC.
-
Feb. 20 – 8 p.m., Portlock Black Cultural Center: Black History Month Film Series – When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts, Part II. Discussion will follow.
-
Feb. 21 – noon, Interfaith Chapel, Hogg Hall: Brown bag lecture – “A Discussion on the Well-Being of African- Americans: Considering Income and Quality of Life.” Fluney Hutchinson, associate professor of economics and business, will discuss economic issues in the African- American community.
-
Feb. 23 – 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Farinon College Center, Atrium: African market.A marketplace with food, music, and vendors celebrating African culture.
-
Feb. 23 – 10 p.m., Farinon College Center Snack Bar: Performance by comedian Troy Thirdgill. One of the most sought-after comedians working today, Thirdgill has toured extensively overseas performing for U.S. troops and has made television appearances on shows such as Beverly Hills 90210, Martin, and In Living Color.