** Updates as of Feb. 23, 2015
AVONDALE, Arizona – Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) will recognize Black History Month (BHM) throughout 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, held on the EMCC campus located at 3000 North Dysart Road in Avondale.
The national theme for 2015 Black History Month is “A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture” in honor of the genesis of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The Association was founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson who labored under the belief that historical truth would crush falsehoods and usher in a new era of equality, opportunity, and racial democracy.
NOTE: At time of release, some events and details are still being confirmed. BHM celebrations may include expanded opportunities, such as special guest speakers, performances, luncheons and more. Please visit estrellamountain.edu for updated and current event information and listings.
Tuesday, Feb. 3
BHM Kick-Off & Reception, featuring Artist Rhonda Shakur
1:00 – 2:30 p.m., Plaza Gallery
Learn about all of the activities planned to celebrate BHM at EMCC, including an opportunity to meet Rhonda Shakur and the BHM Planning Committee. Guided Art Walk will follow with Shakur explaining her works. Light refreshments will be served.
Feb. 3 – 28
Black History Month Art Exhibit: "Se` to Soeurs" by Rhonda Shakur
Campus hours, Komatke Hall & Estrella Hall
Rhonda Shakur was selected as the featured artist for BHM 2015. The exhibit title, "Se` to Soeurs," means “Sister to Sisters” in Creole and French. Shakur utilizes a process she refers to as fine art in wood dimensions, consisting of layers of scenes, cut and constructed from recycled wood, hand-sanded, and hand-painted to create large standing art work. Shakur also works in ink, oils, pencil, pastels, and gouache. Though Shakur has a forty percent decrease in her eyesight, and suffers from carpal tunnel and fibromyalgia, she continues to make fascinating works of art. Shakur hopes that her work inspires family and community unity and individuals to always do what they love.
Saturday, Feb. 14
Community Celebration
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Ceremonial Plaza Ampitheatre & Image Zone
A day filled with learning, cultural experiences, music, art and food. Musical entertainment will be performed throughout the day presenting the sounds of gospel, hip-hop, rap, jazz and Motown. Fair goers will enjoy ethnic foods such as Mississippi BBQ, cobbler, fry bread, Jamaican jerk chicken, ribs, hot links and more. The event also offers Brazilian martial arts demonstrations, poetry readings, exhibits, fashion vendors and a kid’s fun area with science learning activities. Presented by the Southwest Black History Committee, EMCC International Education, City of Avondale and Walmart. More information at 623-935-8827.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Book of the Month: “A lesson before dying” by Earnest Gaines
12 noon – 1:00 p.m., Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL)
Published in 1993, this novel won the National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and the Oct. 1997 choice of Oprah’s Book Club. It was later adapted into a HBO movie, which received both an Emmy and Peabody Award. The book gives a unique outlook on the status of African Americans in the South after World War II and before the Civil Rights Movement.
Thursday, Feb 19
MCBAA & WLG hosts Dr. Rufus Glasper for “What’s Your Story?”
9:00 – 10:00 a.m., Estrella Conference Center
The EMCC Maricopa Council of Black American Affairs (MCBAA), in partnership with the Women's Leadership Group (WLG), will host MCCCD Chancellor Dr. Rufus Glasper for “What’s Your Story?” Dr. Glasper will share his journey, lessons learned and advice for attendees, followed by a Q&A session.
Thursday, Feb. 26
Black History Conference
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Various location (see below)
The conference presents and teaches various aspects of Black History through a series of engaging guest presentations and break-out sessions. Attendees can select among various topics and workshops.
**Evolution of Hip Hop
9:00 a.m., Estrella Conference Center
Presented by Alexander Pirehpour Andrews.
**Harlem Renaissance Literary Movement
10:00 a.m., Student Union
The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural, humanities movement that spanned the 1920s and early 1930s. It was an unprecedented period of expression by African Americans in music, literature, art, dance, poetry, politics and economics. Presented by Gladys Preshenda Jackson, this interactive presentation will include storytelling, poetry, theatre and song.
**Mexico and Peru: The Black Grandma in the Closet
11:00 a.m., Student Union
Almost unknown history, Mexico and Peru received far more slaves than the U.S. during the 16th and 17th centuries. Presented by Herschel Jackson.
**Film presentation and discussion: Django Unchained
11:00 a.m., Estrella Conference Center
Presented by Alexander Pirehpour Andrews.
**BHM Conference Luncheon
12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Estrella Conference Center
Keynote speaker, Ahmad Daniels will present “Dr. Matin Luther King Jr. & Minister Malcolm X: Were their struggles the same?” Free lunch will be provided.
**Friday, Feb. 27
Town Hall: Increasing Communication in our Communities
1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Student Union
The session will focus on building communications and strengthening relationships between law enforcement and all communities.