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. EMCC is located at 3000 North Dysart Road in Avondale. Visit estrellamountain.edu for updated and current event information and listings, as details are subject to change and more events may be added.
Feb. 1 – 28
BHM Art Exhibit: Artist Kris Rhymes
Campus hours
Estrella Hall and Komatke Hall Galleries
Rhymes’ quest for creating thought-provoking art through imagination, inspired him to create new work that is beautiful and appetizing to the eye. Painting with flavored chocolate syrup as his main medium, Rhymes’ work ignites discussion. Artist reception on Feb. 13, 5:30 p.m., in the Plaza Gallery, as part of the Community Celebration.
Friday & Saturday, Feb. 12 and13, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 14, 3:00 p.m.
EMCC Performing Arts Center
Theatrical Presentation: "Freedom Summer"
Written by Spencer Howard. Directed by Rod Ambrose. Musical direction by Jason "Jazz" Henry. Choreography by Cristin Coleman. Multimedia by Leah Marché. Set in Mississippi 1965, Marin and Angela are college students in love, and become swept up in the Civil Rights Movement. Limited seating. Call 602-534-1963 to reserve your free tickets. Make sure to leave your name, the date of performance you will be attending, and the number of tickets needed.
Saturday, Feb. 13
Annual Community Celebration
Dedicated to the memory of Dr. Bryan Tippett
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Ceremonial Plaza and Image Zone
A day filled with learning, cultural experiences, exhibits, music, art and food. All-day music entertainment include gospel, hip-hop, rap, jazz, Motown sound, with special guest performers Aaron Nelson Project, 8919 Productions, Candice Chavez and Danajah Jones. Fair goers will enjoy cultural foods. Kids fun area provided. Event presented by the Southwest Black History Committee and EMCC International Education. More information at 623-935-8827.
Tuesday, Feb. 16
Presentation: “What to do when stopped by the police?”
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Estrella Hall Conference Center
Guest panel includes Phoenix Police Lt. Barbara Alexander, retired Phoenix Police Cmdr. Chris Crocket, AZ DPS Director Frank Milstead, Peoria PD Chief Roy Minter, and Miami PD Lt. Spencer Preston. Audience Q&A after a brief introduction by each of the panelists.
Wednesday, Feb. 17
MLK Luncheon
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Estrella Conference Center
Keynote Speaker, Bishop Harvey Young, Sr., Church of God in Christ, Arizona Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Prelate. Free lunch, limited seating. RSVP recommended by Feb. 12 to EMCC Student Life at 623-935-8807 or [email protected].
Thursday, Feb. 18
Workshop: My Hair is Beautiful
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Plaza Gallery
Guest presenters Tracy Sanders, an attorney and adjunct professor at Southwestern Law School in L.A. CA, and Arlette Pender, entrepreneur and owner of Hairloks in Scottsdale, will share their “natural hair journey” in a two-part workshop. Part 1: Natural hair for African American professionals and the law; Part 2: How to get started or restarted with natural hair styling and care.
Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 23 & 24
Theatrical Presentation: “House of Mirrors”
7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
EMCC Performing Arts Center
The event is a semi-staged reading of an original family-friendly stage play about a young successful African– American woman’s return to a household of eccentric women with a houseful of secrets and with a secret of her own.
Wednesday, Feb. 24
Black History Conference
9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The conference presents various aspects of Black History and new perspectives through a series of guest speakers, performers and lunch Keynote address. More info. at 623-985-8897. RSVP preferred by Feb 23 to [email protected].
9:00 a.m., Plaza Gallery – Dr. Frederick Gooding, AZ Humanities: "The Secret Ingredient to the Civil Rights Movement"
10:00 a.m., Plaza Gallery – Alexander Andrews, EMCC Faculty: "African American Portrayals in Film"
11:00 a.m., Performing Arts Center – Kawambe-Omowale Drum & Dance Theatre
12:00 p.m., Estrella Conference Center – Lunch Presentation: “Celebrating Black History,”Dr. Tamika Lamb-Sanders, AZ Humanities