Avondale, Arizona – Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) will recognize Black History month during February with events that celebrate the achievements by black Americans and the impact African Americans have had in shaping U.S. history and culture. All events are held on the campus of EMCC, 3000 North Dysart Road in Avondale, and most are free and open to the community, with the exceptions of the MLK Luncheon and the Student Conference which is for high school and college students only.
The month-long activities will be highlighted by the annual Southwest Black History Community Celebration on Saturday, February 11, with the entire day devoted to honoring the African American culture and heritage with the City of Avondale and communities in southwest Maricopa County.
Kick-Off Event: Thursday, February 1, 2012; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Plaza Gallery
A welcome and overview of the month’s activities will be presented, followed by an open discussion on “What does Black History mean to you?” Refreshments will be served.
Art Walk: Thursday, February 2, 5:00 p.m., Plaza Gallery
Artists LarryWilson, Richard Retter and Stephen Marc will discuss and answer questions about their art which will be exhibited in the Black History Month Art Collection showcased in several on-campus locations.
History through Film: Tuesday, February 7, 12:30 – 2:45 p.m., Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
The film The Middle Passage, directed by Guy DesLauriers, is a realistic look at the horrific tragedies of the slave trade, told entirely through the voice of a deceased African slave whose spirit haunts the ocean route from Africa to America. This may be disturbing for some viewers, so discretion is advised.
Southwest Black History Community Celebration: Saturday, February 11, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Ceremonial Plaza (outdoors)
This community fair includes music, dance, food and exhibitors. This year’s theme, “Making Dreams a Reality,” will honor the legacies of Motown through live music and dance, with special guest, national recording artist and current lead singer of Rose Royce, Elaine Steptor. Other performances by local favorites and nationally known artists include Jimmie McElroy and the Motown Review, 8919 productions, The God Chaser, Candice Chavez, Prayer of Thunder, and Brazilian Martial performance by Axe Capreeao. There will be special tributes to the late Etta James and legacy members of the local African American community. This fun, family-friendly event will also feature ethnic food booths, ethnic and hip hop clothing, and information and awareness booths.
Speaker Forum with R.J. Shannon: Tuesday, February 14, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m., Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
R.J. Shannon, Minority AIDS Coordinator with the Arizona Department of Health Services, will present “Prolong the Dream: Health Issues within Minority Communities,” exploring the attitudes and behaviors within minority communities regarding health issues including relationships and disease prevention.
Speaker Forum with Marcus Bellamy: Wednesday, February 15, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Plaza Gallery
Bellamy will take an in-depth look at how Men of Color define themselves within the context of socio-cultural influences and identities.
History through Film: Thursday, February 16, 12:30 – 2:45 p.m., Center for Teaching and Learning
The film The Birth of a Nation is a 1915 American silent film that tells the story of the Civil War and its aftermath, as seen through the eyes of two families. Considered the most successful and artistically advanced film of it time, The Birth of a Nation has also sparked protests, riots and divisiveness since its first release. Directed by D. W. Griffith and based on the novel and play The Clansman, both by Thomas Dixon, Jr. Griffith also co-wrote the screenplay with Frank E. Woods and co-produced the film with Harry Aitken.
EMCC Black History Month Student Conference 2012: Friday, February 17, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., North Community Room/Center for Teaching and Learning/Plaza Gallery
This conference is designed to educate college and high school students about Black History, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Carlian Dawson, a noted national expert in diversity leadership, will speak on the history of African Americans and education. Workshops include “The Divine 9” which examines the history, culture, and philanthropic contributions of the nine African American, international Greek Lettered fraternities and sororities,” “The Urban Dialect: A Blessing or Curse for Today's Hip-Hop Generation,” and the “Celebration of Black Women in American History.”
MLK Luncheon: Wednesday, February 22, 12:00 noon, North Community Room
This luncheon will commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an emphasis on the extraordinary importance of his message in our community today. For more information, contact Herschel Jackson at 623-935-8910. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.
History of the Kente' Cloth: Wednesday, February 29, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Plaza Gallery
This presentation will discuss the history of the Kente' Cloth, customarily worn as a shawl on the graduation robes of African American graduates, and its significance related to college and African American success.
For additional information about the Black History Month events at EMCC, contact Brittany Bennett at 623-935-8248.
Estrella Mountain Community College offers transfer-ready academic courses and job-specific occupational training to approximately 15,000 students annually. The flagship campus is located on Thomas and Dysart Roads in Avondale and the Buckeye Educational Center is located in downtown Buckeye. Estrella Mountain is part of the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. www.estrellamountain.edu or www.maricopa.edu .
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