In celebration of Black History Month, Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) and the Maricopa Community Colleges present musical and cultural events around the valley throughout the month of February.
The month-long events celebrating Black History Month at EMCC continue with the annual Community Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The day will be filled with learning, cultural experiences, music, art, and food.
Speakers, musical entertainment and poetry readings are scheduled throughout the day presenting the cultural and historical contributions of Black Americans. Fair goers can also enjoy vendors, exhibits, a kids' fun area, and ethnic foods such as Mississippi BBQ, cobbler, fry bread, Jamaican jerk chicken, ribs, hot links and more.
This family-friendly community event will be held on the EMCC campus, located at 3000 N. Dysart Rd. in Avondale, in the Image Zone and Ceremonial Plaza located adjacent to the intersection of Dysart and Thomas roads. Admission and parking is free. The celebration is presented by EMCC and the Southwest Black History Committee, EMCC International Education, the City of Avondale and Walmart. For more information, call 623-935-8827.
EMCC and the Maricopa Community Colleges offers other Black History Month events throughout February that celebrate the achievements of Black Americans and the importance of civil rights in America.
BHM Events at EMCC Avondale Campus
"The Taking of Miss Janie"
Thursday, Feb. 2 and Friday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m., Performing Arts Center
EMCC Theater students present a staged reading of “The Taking of Miss Janie” by Ed Bullins. Both showings will begin at 7:00 p.m. and are free and open to the public. The play will be read by EMCC theater students and directed by EMCC student Bray Lawrence. Written in the early ‘70s at the end of the Civil Rights Movement, “The Taking of Miss Janie” is an emotional and unflinching look at race relations and gender politics in America.
Frederick Hodge Artist Talk
Monday, Feb. 13, 1 – 2 p.m., Komatke Hall Plaza Gallery
Join an Artist Talk and Walk with Frederick Hodge who specializes in acrylic painting, sketching, and pen and ink drawings or realistic and figurative portraits. Hodge’s artwork will be on exhibition in EMCC Komatke and Estrella halls throughout the month of February.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 12 – 1 p.m., Estrella Conference Center
Celebrate the life and legacy of American hero and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This free event will feature a keynote address by Pastor Jonathan E. Logan and complimentary lunch. Open to students, employees and community – RSVP required by February 20 to 623-935-8807 or [email protected].
Additional Black History Month events at EMCC to be announced. Check the article or the EMCC events calendar for updates.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Pecos Campus, 2626 East Pecos Road, Chandler
Monday, Feb. 6, 1st Floor Library, Gallery
African American Mask Display
Thursday, Feb. 9, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., SC100
Black History Month Kickoff Festival with speakers, entertainment, and food
Monday, Feb. 13, 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m., 1st Floor Library, Gallery
Gallery Reception: Free refreshments and speakers discussing class projects
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., Agave Community Room
Spotlight Talk: Phoenix Chief of Police Jeri Williams
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., 1st Floor Library
African American Readout: Selected faculty members reading prepared excerpts of works by African American authors and/or poets. This interactive event is followed by discussion.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Williams Campus, 7360 East Tahoe Avenue, Mesa
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Bridget Lounge
Black History Month Celebration with music, food, and entertainment.
Glendale Community College
6000 West Olive Avenue, Glendale
Saturday, Feb. 4, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Performing Arts Center
Gospel Music Concert featuring selections from the Black Theatre Troupe’s production of Black Nativity by Langston Hughes. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Student Union, 104DE
Civitas Film Festival – Of Civil Rights and Wrongs: The Fred Korematsu Story. Fred Korematsu was probably never more American than when he resisted, and then challenged in court, the forced internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Korematsu lost his landmark Supreme Court case in 1944, but never his indignation and resolve. Of Civil Rights and Wrongs is the untold history of the 40-year legal fight to vindicate Korematsu – one that finally turned a civil injustice into a civil rights victory.
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Student Union, 104ABC
Presentation: Ghazi Mohammed
Paradise Valley Community College
18401 North 32nd Street, Phoenix
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., KSC-1000
Black History Month Luncheon: BBQ and sweet potato pie are just a few of the soul food items picked for the menu. All are welcome to join in this soul food luncheon, featuring live gospel music.
Phoenix College
1202 West Thomas Road, Phoenix
On-campus events organized by Phoenix College NAACP/Black Student Union, include a showcase of the NAACP in Black History, a People’s State of the Union Story Circle, the African Diaspora Reunion, and the Black History Month Annual Luncheon. For a list of Black History Month events taking place at and near Phoenix College, visit tinyurl.com/PCBHM2017.
Scottsdale Community College
9000 East Chaparral Road, Scottsdale
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 12 p.m – 12:40 p.m., SC Cafeteria
SCC Jazz Combo: Music inspired by African American jazz artists.
Thursday, Feb 23, 12 p.m., LC Courtyard
RetroMuse: Open mic for SCC’s students to share writing, music, art, acting, singing, and dancing.
South Mountain Community College
7050 South 24th Street, Phoenix
Thursday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., LRC Patio
Black History Month Kick Off Event: Learn about black experiences across the globe. Come enjoy music, food. Add your history to the “Timeline Wall” that will be on display on the patio.
Thursday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., LRC Patio
SMCC Day Jazz Band: Take a break, listen, and enjoy the performance by the Day Jazz Band led by Dr. Jerome Garrison and sponsored by the Music Department.
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., Performing Arts Center
The Soul, Science & Culture of Hope: An Antwone Fisher and Rick Miller Symposium. Antwone Fisher’s life was the inspiration for a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington. Join Antwone Fisher as Rick Miller, Founder of Kids at Hope explore Antwone’s journey of hopelessness to hope through his writings and film followed by a discussion about the culture of hope.
Thursday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Performing Arts Center
Spring Jazz Festival featuring Johnny Britt: Marvin Gaye and Miles Davis never performed together on the same stage, but imagine if they did! Singer/trumpeter Johnny Britt inspired by both men produced a dynamic show bringing the influence of these two giants.
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., SMC Library RM 163
The Black Experience Movie Marathon: Drop in during the day for popcorn, movie, and some knowledge. A marathon of films will be showing all day sharing the black experiences from around the world.