Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), a Maricopa Community College, is hosting a variety of events during the month of February for Black History Month (BHM) including a performance by gospel group and Hall of Fame inductees The Soul Stirrers. The month-long celebration is in honor of influential people, events in African-American history and the African-American culture with the themes of "Following the Footprints of Leadership" and "Does Race Matter?"
Black Student Union BHM Kick-Off Event: Wednesday, February 6, 2008; 10:30am - 1:00pm
Estrella Mountain's Black Student Union (BSU) will kick off the month-long celebration with student speakers, spoken-word performances and music. The event will take place from 10:30am to 1:00pm in the Komatke Courtyard.
Black History Month Community Event: Saturday, February 9, 2008; 11:00am - 5:00pm
This community event will include an array of special events for the campus community and public to enjoy in the college's Ceremonial Plaza from 11:00am - 5:00pm. The event will be opened with an invocation by Brian Nichols, the newest member of the International Ministries in Goodyear. Candace Chavez, an EMCC graduate, will perform a rendition of the Black National Anthem. Tolleson and Agua Fria High School's dance teams will perform as well as community poetry and step teams. Well-known artist and Cannonball Adderly protege Jimmie McElroy will perform selections from various genres including Motown, R&B and contemporary jazz. There will be a rap review by Foresight as well as an appearance by Prayer of Thunder who will discuss the Underground Railroad and perform related selections. Gospel groups including Hall of Fame inducted The Soul Stirrers and The Real Truth will also perform from 3:30pm - 4:30pm. The Soul Stirrers will discuss the African connection, meaning and significance of their songs in the African-American culture. An open-air market will offer African clothing and jewelry, hip hop clothing, ethnic food, and hair braiding. This event will also include a student scholarship fundraiser.
Hip Hop vs. America Panel Discussion: Wednesday, February 13, 2008; 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Estrella Mountain will host a panel discussing the role hip hop plays in American society. The panel members include EMCC faculty and students and is open to community member input. Topics of discussion include the distinction between rap and hip hop, gang violence, drug use, and the degradation of women in the lyrics of some of today's music. The event will be held in the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.
Art Reception: Images of Human Rights: Thursday, February 14, 2008; 6:00pm - 8:30pm
As part of EMCC's ongoing Visual Exhibition Program and in celebration of Black History Month, Images of Human Rights: South African Prints will be on display on the Estrella Mountain campus now until March 30, 2008 in Estrella and Komatke Halls. The Michigan State University's Traveling Museum has provided the exhibition representing the nine provinces of South Africa and chronicles the South African Bill of Rights formation amidst struggles against racial segregation and human rights violations. A reception and art walk will be held Thursday, February 14, 2008 from 6:00pm - 8:30pm with guest speaker Joyce McCollum, slave genealogist.
MLK Luncheon: Thursday, February 21, 2008; 12:00pm
The college will host a luncheon in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at 12:00pm in the Plaza Gallery, of which a portion of the ticket sales benefit the student scholarships fund. Tickets are $20 each for faculty, staff and community members, and $10 for students. Pastor Burrell from Mount Pleasant Church in Buckeye will make a guest appearance and entertainment will be provided by Daughters of Zyon, a singing group including one EMCC student. For more information, contact Herschel Jackson at 623-935-8910 or [email protected]. Reservations must be made by Tuesday, February 19, 2008.
Recruitment and Retention of Black Male Students Workshop: Wednesday, February 27, 2008; 11:00am - 2:00pm
This workshop will be held at 11:00am - 2:00pm in Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). The discussion will include panel members with prominent positions in the community, including Estrella Mountain's Vice President of Academic Affairs Bryan Tippett, and International Ministries' Brian Nichols. The panel will discuss what the college and other institutions of higher learning can do to recruit and retain male African-American students.
Youth Day: Thursday, February 28, 2008; 9:00am - 1:00pm
The Annual Black History Month Youth Day will be held on Thursday, February 28 from 9:00am - 1:00pm, beginning in the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) then moving to the Community Room in Estrella Hall. Activities prepared for the day will expose African-American high school students to the college environment, educational opportunities, motivational messages, and critical thinking. Motivational speaker and workshop presenter Bryan Kilgore will work with the students in the morning. In the afternoon, there will be an open discussion with African-American college students about college life, career decisions and tips on how to successfully navigate the academic process. The event will also include an opportunity for students to network with African-American professionals from various fields sharing information about their academic and professional careers. For more information, contact Arlisa Richardson at 623-935-8436 or [email protected]. Reservations must be made by Friday, February 15, 2008.