Avondale, Ariz. - Artistic expression, history, literature, poetry, film and social forum all combine to create unique learning experiences for the students of Estrella Mountain Community College and the community. Professionals from the greater Phoenix area will share their expertise, creations and thoughts with the campus during the month-long slate of activities. The nationally-renowned Marian Anderson String Quartet will perform and discuss their experiences with a room of selected students. Estrella Mountain Dean of Instruction, Bryan Tippett, had this to say about the musical ensemble. It's critical that students have the opportunity to learn about the classical music legacy of African Americans. Many are aware of the rich jazz and gospel history but that is not the whole story.
All events, with the exception of the Marian Anderson String Quartet performance, are open to the public. For more information about the following events, contact EMCC Black History Committee co-coordinators, Keisha Truxillo at 623.935.8054 or Kristy White at 623.935.8828.
AFRICAN AMERICAN VIBES OF THE CITY ART EXHIBITION
Showing Wednesday, Feb. 5- 28, Komatke Gallery (Reception Thurs., Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m.)
Subtlety and bolding intensity mix flavors as African American Vibes of the City come to life. Mixed media, watercolors and pastels join to evoke a sense of truism and cultural reality. Experience a rich heritage, the supernatural, and a spiritual calming all at once. Varied and eye-catching, each piece tells a unique story about the experiences of the artist who created it.
A QUEST FOR FREEDOM: THE MODERN AFRICAN DIASPORA
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1 - 2:30 p.m., CTL
Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker, ASU History Professor Whitaker illuminates the history of people of African descent within a comparative framework. He discusses the dispersal of Africans in the New World, the experience of black slavery, and transition from slavery to freedom in Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and the U.S. In doing so, he places the history of people of African descent, particularly African Americans, within a global context and discusses the emergence of a dynamic black culture within the U.S. that can be seen in American art and popular culture. This event was made possible by the Arizona Humanities Council.
MARIAN ANDERSON STRING QUARTET
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Komatke Plaza Gallery
Named after the legendary contralto Marian Anderson, they are the first African American music ensemble to achieve prominence in the U.S. in the field of classical music. They will perform to a selected audience of students from across the valley. The Marian AndersonString Quartet will perform for the public on Thurs., Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Dr. Contact the West Valley Fine Arts Council at 623-935-6384 for ticket information.
EMCC BLACK STUDENT UNION (BSU) POETRY SLAM
Thursday, Feb. 13, 7-9 p.m., Komatke Student Lounge
Come join an exciting evening of open mic poetry about the blues, love, friendship, social issues and just about everything under the sun. Get your flow on, drink coffee, mingle with friends or simply enjoy! All styles of poetry welcome. Admission is $2. Proceeds to benefit BSU scholarships.
SOUTHWEST BLACK HISTORY COMMITTEE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. -5 p.m., Ceremonial Plaza
The SWBHC invites you to a day of festive celebration featuring arts/crafts, ethnic foods, variety of merchants and entertainment, including a children's play area. The Sickle Cell Anemia Society of AZ will also be on hand to offer free testing.
LITERARY REVIEW: "I REFUSED TO LEAVE THE HOOD" BY CLOVES CAMPBELL, SR.
Monday, Feb. 18, 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.., Komatke Student Lounge
Join an interesting and lively discussion of this book written by former Arizona politician and local business man, Cloves Campbell, Sr. Mr. Campbell was the first African American to serve in the Arizona Senate and is the owner of the Arizona Informant, the state's only black-owned and operated newspaper. This book is currently available in the EMCC bookstore.
EMCC BSU BLACK HISTORY YOUTH DAY & COLLEGE FAIR
Thursday, Feb. 27, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., CTL and Ceremonial Plaza
Creative learning experiences abound at the Youth Day & College Fair. Activities include a youth issues forum, hosted by Power 92's JX3, a motivational message by Byron Garrett, nationally-known speaker, author and trainer, mini college fair, soul food fest and entertainment.
MOVIE SCREENINGS
Every Tuesday and Thursday in the Komatke Student Lounge from 12 - 2 p.m. Titles to be announced in February.