AVONDALE, Arizona – Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) will recognize Black History month during February with events that celebrate the achievements of Black Americans and the importance of civil rights in America. All events are free and open to the public, at the EMCC campus located at 3000 North Dysart Road in Avondale.
This year’s national theme recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Right Act, and a national movement began to prohibit discrimination against racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities, and women. The landmark law, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964, also ended unequal application of voter registration requirements and racial segregation in schools, at the workplace and by facilities that served the general public.
Thursday, Feb 13
MLK Luncheon
Noon – 1:30 p.m., Estrella Hall Conference Center
This event will focus on the life, and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The luncheon will also focus on the struggle for racial equality. Guest speaker will be Pastor Darius Sanders, Palm Valley Church. Limited seating still available. RSVP to [email protected] or 623-935-8807.
Thursday, Feb 13
Financial Management Workshop
3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL)
EMCC Business Institute & Entrepreneur Club, EMCC Black History Month Committee & Black Student Union presents Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s “Student Economic Development/Money Management Workshop.” Game/scenarios will be used to inspire discussions about budgeting and wise money management. Participants choose two of six interactive workshops: The Stock Market: Risks & Rewards; Investments; Balancing Your Checking Account; Flip a Coin: How much insurance will I need?; Paycheck: How much will I take home?; Loan Amount: How much will I owe at the end of college.
Saturday, Feb 15
Community Celebration
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Ceremonial Plaza Ampitheatre
This outside fair-like event includes music, entertainment, kid’s fun area, exhibits, food, art and poetry, speakers and more.
Through Feb 20
Black History Art Display: "Civil Rights in America" by Stephen Marc
Campus hours, Komatke A
Stephen Marc is a Professor of Art in the Herberger School of Art at Arizona State University. Marc is in his 36th year of teaching, 16 years at ASU and 20 years at Columbia College Chicago. His work bridges documentary photography and digital imaging, with an emphasis on the black experience within American history and culture. His “Civil Rights in America” showcases a collection of 17 photographic montages that create powerful narratives.
Thursday, Feb. 20
Workshop: “My Hair is Beautiful”
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Plaza Gallery
Presenters Tracey Sanders, JD and Law Professor at Arizona Summit School of Law, and Arlette Pender, Owner of Hairloks by Arlette will share their 'natural hair journey'. This workshop will provide insights to the internal and external debate about African American professionals who choose or do not choose to 'wear' natural hair. Also, information about how to 'get started or restarted' with natural hair styling will presented.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Black History Conference
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Estrella Hall Conference Center
The Black History Conference engages and teaches in regards to various aspects of Black History through a series of break-out sessions. Attendees can select among various workshop topics during the morning: History of Hip Hop; Nelson Mandela; African Americans in Film; The History of America’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities; Frederick Douglas-A Forgotten Leader of the Black Community; Black Professional Career Panel. Lunch will be provided during the all-capstone session, “Peace Be Still: Modern Black America from WWII to President Barack Obama.” RSVP by Feb 23 to [email protected] or 623-985-8807.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Student Authors Panel
10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Plaza Gallery
Three African American students who have written and self-published their books, will share the inspiration for their content and the journey to publication and beyond.
Friday, Feb. 28
Town Hall
1:00 – 2:30 p.m., Plaza Gallery
The Black communities are creating strategies to develop and grow leaders. Participating in the dynamic discussion will be the Black Business Association, faith, education and community leaders. A spokesperson from NAACP will moderate.