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.
The month-long activities will be highlighted by the annual Southwest Black History Community Celebration on Saturday, February 23, with the entire day devoted to honoring the African American culture and heritage, partnering with the City of Avondale and communities in southwest Maricopa County.
Wednesday, February 20, 12:00 noon
MLK Luncheon
EMCC Estrella Hall-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, and can be purchased at the Student Life office.
Saturday, February 23, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Southwest Black History Community Celebration
EMCC Ceremonial Plaza Amphitheatre
This annual community celebration is designed to highlight the African American culture and heritage in the City of Avondale and communities in Southwest Maricopa County. This year’s theme is “Moving the dream forward. Our future is now!” The outdoor festival will open with the Arizona Buffalo Soldiers serving as the event’s color guard. Two of the day’s performing highlights will be a tribute to the late Whitney Houston sung by Candice Chavez, and the theatrical play “Black Women Walking,” which will be held in EMCC’s Plaza Gallery at 6:00 p.m. Other performances by locally and nationally known musical and dance artists include Deneysia Johnson, Foresight and 8919 productions, the New Sons of Zion, Flava Rangers Dance Team, South Mountain High School, a praise dance ensemble and the Motown Review. Also performing will be The Real Truth from Paris, California. This fun, family-friendly event will also feature ethnic food booths, ethnic and hip hop clothing, vendors, exhibitors, and information and awareness booths. Free and open to the public.
Saturday, February 23, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Theatrical performance: “Black Women Walking”
EMCC Plaza Gallery
Through powerful performances of storytelling, music, and dance, actors will portray historic figures such as Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Mary McLeod Bethune, Bessie Coleman, Zora Neale Hurston, and other Black heroines of history. The show will depict the courage, character and brilliance of these women who impacted the American landscape with their powerful journeys toward freedom, justice and equality. Tamika Lamb, owner and founder of Savvy Pen, and an adjunct Communications instructor at EMCC, will coordinate the play. Post-performance discussion will follow. Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, February 27, 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Black History Month Conference 2013
EMCC Estrella Hall-North Community Room
This conference is designed to educate college and high school students about various aspects of Black History. Workshops include “Historically Black Colleges & Universities/The Divine 9" which examine the history, culture, and philanthropic contributions of the Historically Black Colleges & Universities, and the nine African American, international Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities. Other sessions will focus on cultural competency, the history of hip-hop and culturally relevant topics. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, February 28, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Town Hall: “Growing future leaders for tomorrow”
EMCC Estrella Hall-North Community Room
Who will be the Black leaders of tomorrow? Where are they, and how can we prepare them? Community leaders will address these questions and seek solutions during audience exchange of dialogue and ideas. Free and open to the public.
For more information about any of the Black History Month events at EMCC, contact Linda Cutright at 623-935-8827.