Jan. 30, 2012
April Wefler
[email protected]
In order to move forward, we have to acknowledge our past and acknowledge what our ancestors did so that we can appreciate what we have now.
At least, this belief rings true to junior Breanna English, the Black Student Union (BSU) vice-president. She and junior Whitley Hadley, BSU president, have events planned throughout February to help us do just that.
Normally, BSU hosts events throughout the month of February, but last year the club tried out Black History Week. Due to lack of participation, however, BSU has returned to hosting events throughout the month.
“We want more people to attend and we want to bring them quality, not quantity,” said Hadley. She said she wanted to make it possible for both students and the community to join in.
There are four events coming up for Black History Month: It’s Bigger than Hiphop; Remembrance Walk and Gospel Explosion; Black Love and the Lack Thereof; Part 2 and Celebration of Black Art.
It’s Bigger than Hiphop will be a panel about how Africana and black studies and hip-hop studies are relevant to academia.
The planned speakers are Dawn-Elissa Fischer, an assistant professor of Africana studies from San Francisco State University, and Wittenberg University’s Julius Bailey, a philosophy professor.
Heidi Lewis, an assistant feminist and gender studies professor at Colorado College, and UCCS assistant WEST professor Stephany Rose will also participate.
The panel will be run as a type of discussion, which will take place on Feb. 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in UC 302.
The next event scheduled will be the Remembrance Walk and Gospel Explosion, which will mostly be about the relevance of remembering history and why it continues to be important.
The Remembrance Walk begins at Clyde’s and ends at the Upper Lodge, where Gospel Explosion will be held on Feb. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Black Love and the Lack Thereof, Part 2, is the third event continued from last fall’s Part 1. It will examine the dynamics of dating among black females and males as well as family roles. This event will be held on Feb. 13 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in UC 116.
BSU members will present on the topic, so Hadley encourages any attendee to come with questions for their peers.
Hadley is most excited for Celebration of Black Art, the last event on Feb. 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. that is comprised of a number of smaller activities. Its location has yet to be determined.
The documentary, “Barber of Birmingham” will be shown, followed by a discussion about the documentary. “Barber of Birmingham” depicts a barber who has given many famous people haircuts and recalls their stories.
The club is still seeking performers, such as singers, rappers, dancers and more to participate. Anyone interested in performing is encouraged to contact BSU at [email protected].