Avondale, Ariz. - Artistic expression, history, film and social forum all combine to create unique learning experiences for the students of Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) and the community at-large. EMCC will hold a month-long slate of events celebrating Black History Month. Following is a listing of scheduled events.Tuesday, Feb. 1, Noon - 2 p.m.Kick Off Event. Location: Ceremonial Plaza (center of campus) Featuring Africa Tam Tam (Traditional African drumming and dance), Black History literature, Overview of month-long eventsVisual Art Exhibition Opening - African & African American Art: Metaphor & Meaning (The Bead Museum).Location: Art Cases-Estrella Hall, Komatke Hall-Bldg. CExhibit features beaded artwork of the Kuba and Yoruba tribes of Africa. These designs tell ancient stories, honor customs and communicate perceptions of each tribe's unique human experience.Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2 p.m. Black Student Union - Talent Showcase.Location: Estrella Hall Community RoomWednesdays, Feb. 9 & 23,Noon - 2 p.m.Movie presentations - Titles to beannounced.Location: CTL (Center for Teaching and Learning)Focus on impact of black culture on society, black male/female images, redefining the black image.Tuesday, Feb. 8, 1 p.m.Malcolm & Martin Infinity - A Play by An'Tony deShay.Location: Estrella Hall Community RoomA fictional play about a chance meeting of the grandsons of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X in 2004 after a tragic event. The two begin a dialogue about the differences and ultimately the similarities between their grandfathers.Thursday, Feb. 10, NoonSpecial Lecture: Charlie Braxton.Location: Komatke Student LoungeBraxton is a nationally-known scholar, writer, poet and journalist. He is a BET commentator and has been featured on CNN discussing issues in the Black community. He has written for the Washington Post, Vibe, Source and numerous other publications chronicling the life of hip hop stars, including TuPac and the Notorious BIG. In addition, he is the author of his own book of poetry and contributor to several Black literature anthologies.Saturday, Feb. 12, 11 - 5 p.m. SouthWest Black History Committee Community Event.Location: Ceremonial PlazaCommunity celebration featuring entertainment, performances, vendors, art displays and children's play area. Event Headliner: National rap recording artist Killer Mike, who was featured on Outkast's "Big Boi and Dre Present…Outkast? He recently released his own album, "Monster? and his music is featured in the current NFL Street game for Playstation 2. Special tribute to the late Bishop Abraham Harris of Hopeville. For more information, contact Linda Cutright at 623.935.8827.Tuesday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m.Special Lecture: Dr. Elsie Moore, ASU.Location: Plaza GalleryDr. Moore, Division Director for Psychology in Education at ASU, is an award winning scholar and professor, with extensive study in factors that influence children and adolescent learning and achievement, with an emphasis on minorities.Thursday, Feb. 17, 6 p.m.Visual Art Exhibition reception - African & African American Art: Metaphor & Meaning (The Bead Museum) Featuring a drumming performance by Keith Johnson.Location: Estrella Hall Community RoomFriday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m.Phoenix Symphony: Alexander Laing Location: Plaza GalleryAlexander Laing, an accomplished African American musician, is the principal clarinetist for the Phoenix Symphony. Mr. Lang will perform a medley of Negro spirituals, briefly discussing the music's background.Saturday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.Black Student Union - 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.Location: Komatke Hall (parking area)Registration runs through February 11. Cost: $10 per playing person. Contact: Perry Beasley,623.204.1139.Wednesday, Feb. 23, 10 - 11 a.m.Interactive Panel - Countries in the African Diaspora.Discussion of dominant customs, historical and cultural presence of peoples, politics and other issues.Location: CTL (Center for Teaching and Learning)Wednesday, Feb. 23, NoonMLK Campus Luncheon.Location: Estrella Hall Community RoomFeatures brief address by Elder Reginald Ragland, Southminster Presbyterian Church, and entertainment by NuGruv. Cost: $5Thursday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.Youth Day.Over 120 students from local high schools gather for a youth issues forum, motivational messages from local leaders and to receive information about educational opportunities. Friday, Feb. 25, 6:30 ?8:30 p.m.Black Student Union - Fashion Show.Location: Estrella Hall Community RoomMonday, Feb. 28, Noon - 2 p.m.Interactive Panel - The Black American Image.Location: CTL (Center for Teaching and Learning)Admission to all events is free, unless otherwise noted. All events will be held on the campus of Estrella Mountain, 3000 N.Dysart Road in Avondale (corner of Dysart & Thomas Roads). For more information about Black History Month activities at EMCC, contact Keisha Truxillo, Office of Marketing and Public Relations, 623.935.8054, or Herschel Jackson, Office of Student Life, 623.935.8910.Events sponsored by EMCC Maricopa Council on Black American Affairs, Student Life, Black Student Union, International Education, Honors Program and the Southwest Black History Committee.For more information about the college, visit www.estrellamountain.eduEstrella Mountain Community College is one of the Maricopa Community Colleges. Located on Thomas and Dysart Roads in Avondale, Estrella Mountain and the SouthWest Skill Center offer transfer-ready academic courses and job-specific occupational training to residents in the West Valley. Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation and serves more than a quarter million students annually. For more information, visit www.maricopa.edu. # # #
