February is dotted by day-long celebrations of love, the coming of spring and leap years, but stands most notably as a full month devoted to celebrating black history.
Throughout February, students at the University have been commmemorating Black History Month with panel discussions, poetry readings and community outreach programs.
"I feel that black history is an important part of American history," Stephen Caldwell, chair of the planning committee for Black History Month said. "It is important to know about those people who brought black people to where they are today in America."
Although celebrations began Feb. 7, there are five more events planned for this month. "Luv Jones," an open mic poetry night in Frist cafe, will take place this Thursday. The event is loosely based on the movie "Love Jones" — a film study of black poetry.
The Black Student Union Outreach Day will be Saturday. The BSU will visit Lawrenceville Preparatory School, a local boarding school, to talk to students about issues such as college selection and the admissions process.
On Monday, a discussion and dinner titled "Voices of Hope" will bring together several special guests to share their encounters with prejudice.
Caldwell said in an e-mail that the guests' "stories of overcoming injustices are sure to inspire and provide hope to everyone." The event is open to the general public by RSVP.
Keith Boykin, the former executive director of the Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum and former special assistant to President Clinton on issues of race and sexual orientation, will speak Feb. 25 on the topic: "From Plantation to Abomination: Sex, Lies and Race in America."
The celebration of Black History Month will culminate in a closing ceremony to be held in the Frist multipurpose room on Feb. 28. Closing remarks will be made by Caldwell, and the actress M'zuri will stage a one-woman performance of the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, who worked to amend voting discrimination in Mississippi.
This year's celebrations began last Thursday with an opening dinner at the Third World Center. Approximately 110 faculty and students attended the dinner, including University Vice President for Campus Life Janet Dickerson and TWC Director Heddye Ducree. The theme of this month is "Reflections on Responsibility," as explained in opening remarks by Caldwell.
During the dinner, the a capella group Culturally Yours sang the Negro national anthem — "Lift E'ery Voice and Sing."
Ducree performed a ceremony of libation reflecting the black community's past, present and future efforts. After the dinner keynote speaker Rev. Osagyefo Sekou spoke on responsibility and sacrifices to better the community.
"The dinner was well put together," said Laurie Hall, Frist coordinator. "It was so nice to see an event appreciated by the students and faculty."
On Saturday, an alumni panel was held to allow reflection on the members' experiences at the University as African-American students. Headed by Kevin Hudson '97, Karen Weaver '94 and Lawrence Hamm '78, the panel discussed the responsibility of current African-American students to the community. Current events concerning racism both on campus and in the world were discussed. The panel also debated the TWC's pending name change.
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