Monday, January 25, 2010
Black History Month Returns to the Mesa
The Department of Africana Studies, along with others, presents a variety of social and educational events this February.
The monthlong celebration of African-American history and culture returns to SDSU in February with several events hosted and sponsored by various cultural organizations across campus. Organized by the Department of Africana Studies, Black History Month kicks off at 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 31 with the second annual GospelFest in Smith Recital Hall.
Other events include:
- Feb. 1 - "The Father of Black History Month—Carter G. Woodson," 6-8 p.m., Casa Real in Aztec Center
- Feb. 2 - Film Screening: Ms. Ever's Boys, 7 p.m., Scripps Cottage
- Feb. 3 - "The Soul of the Fist: Understanding our Accountability and Responsibility Through Sports," 7-9 p.m., Athletics Auditorium in Aztecs Athletic Center
- Feb. 4 - "Black Images on Film," 6-8:40 p.m., Malcolm X Library (off-campus)
- Feb. 5 - Gandhi, King, Ikeda Exhibit Opening Ceremony, 5-7 p.m., Casa Real in Aztec Center
- Feb. 8 - National Pan-Hellenic Council Banquet, 7 p.m., Casa Real in Aztec Center
- Feb. 9 - Film Screening: Beloved, 6-10 p.m., Scripps Cottage
- Feb. 10 - "Black Professional in San Diego," 7 p.m., Casa Real in Aztec Center
- Feb. 12 - Workshop: "Social Discussion," 5:30 p.m., Casa Real in Aztec Center
- Feb. 15 - "Education in the Black Community," time/location TBD
- Feb. 16 - Film Screening: American Violet, 7 p.m. Cross-Cultural Center in Aztec Center
- Feb. 17 - Lecture by Kwame Nkrumah, 7 p.m., location TBD
- Feb. 18 - Jazz Concert, 6 p.m., Casa Real in Aztec Center
- Feb. 19 - Jazzy Nights, 5-10 p.m., Scripps Cottage
- Feb. 22 - Film Screening: Stand, 6:30 p.m., Athletics Auditorium in Aztecs Athletic Center
- Feb. 23 - Black History Bowl, 6 p.m., Casa Real in Aztec Center
- Feb. 24 - Reception for Nontombi Naomi Tutu (daughter of Bishop Desmond Tutu), 7 p.m., Parma, Payne, Goodall Alumni Center
- Feb. 25 - SASS Annual Dinner, 6 p.m., Montezuma Hall in Aztec Center
- Feb. 26 - Closing Celebration, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Arts and Letters quad
- Feb. 27 - Afrikan Student Union High School Conference, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Aztec Center
- Feb. 27 - Heritage Day Parade
Students and others are also encouraged to wear African garb on Feb. 4 and 18, and to wear black for "Black Out Day" on Feb. 11 and 25.
Black History Month at SDSU is sponsored by a variety of offices, academic departments and student organizations, including:
For more information on Black History Month activities, please visit the website for the
Department of Africana Studies.
About Black History Month
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson instituted the first week-long celebration to raise awareness of African Americans’ contributions to history. Prior to this time, little information could be found regarding African-American history. Important achievements were left out of history books, and there was a general misconception that African Americans had made little contribution to U.S. society or history.
Fifty years later, the week became a month, and today February is celebrated as African-American History Month. The month of February was chosen because it celebrates the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, both of whom dramatically affected the lives of African Americans.