February marks Black Heritage Month at NIU

February marks the celebration of Black Heritage Month at NIU and across the nation.

This year's theme is "Recognizing the Ancestors, Reclaiming Our Heritage." Various events will take place during the month to honor the positive contributions of people of African descent.

The major purpose of this February celebration is to examine the rich history and culture developed by the people of African descent and to defend black humanity while fighting racism. Teachers were encouraged to exhibit artifacts, pictures, books and supplement curriculum that detail black contributions to America and the world.

Black Heritage Month began as "Negro History Week" in February 1926 in local Washington, D.C.- and Baltimore-area school systems. This week-long celebration was dedicated to Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.

In 1976, the week-long celebration was extended to a month by the Association of African American Life and History.

At NIU, a proclamation designating February as Black Heritage Month began in 1971. During this time, the Center for Minorities Studies (Black Studies) spearheaded events and programs for the month-long celebration.

Scheduled events for Black Heritage Month 2003 include:

• Ron Daniels, speaking at 7 p.m. today in the HSC Carl Sandburg Auditorium.
• Are We Africans? - Panel discussion at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the HSC Heritage Room.
• Tribute to Black Women at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, in the Clara Sperling Sky Room.
• Miss Black NIU - African Cultural Pageant at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, in the HSC Duke Ellington Ballroom.
• Black Student Art Show on display Feb. 16-28 in the HSC Gallery Lounge with a reception at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16.
• AIDS In Africa - Panel discussion at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, in the HSC Heritage Room.
• "Black Jeopardy" - Trivia contest at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, in the HSC Carl Sandburg Auditorium.
• Afrocentric Fashion Show at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, in the HSC Duke Ellington Ballroom.
• Black Heritage Month Concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, in the Music Building's Boutell Concert Hall.
• "Soul Bowl" Banquet at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Wesley Foundation.
• Hooked on Gospel Commemoration at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, in the HSC Carl Sandburg Auditorium.

The Center for Black Studies encourages the support of the university community to help plan and celebrate this time-honored activity. It will continue to highlight the significant contributions Africans have made to this society and world civilization.

For more information, contact the Center for Black Studies at 753-1709. All events are free and open to the public.

2-10-2003