In 1926, Harvard-trained historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded Negro His-
tory Week as a means to address the lack of African-American history in history textbooks. Dr. Woodson was confident that publishing scientific history about the Black race would prove to the world that Africa and its people had played a crucial role in the development of civilization and would counter racial falsehoods. In light of this truth, he believed academic communities of white scholars would alter its view of the black race. Woodson chose the second week of February for the celebration because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the black American population: Frederick Douglass (February 14) and President Abraham Lincoln (February 12). Almost immediately after the announcement of Negro History Week, the response was overwhelming. Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils; and progressive whites, not simply white scholars and philanthropists, stepped forward to endorse the effort. By 1976, the entire nation had come to recognize the importance of Black history in the drama of the American story, and Negro History Week had expanded into Black History Month. Since then all American presidents, Republicans and Democrats a like, have issued Black History Month proclamations. Negro History Week was one of Dr. Woodson’s many efforts toward racial equality. He also founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, and began its scholarly journal, The Journal of Negro History. Over time, the association grew to become the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History (ASALH) located in Washington, D.C., with two scholarly publications: The Journal of AfricanAmerican History, and the Black History Bulletin. This organization, along with Woodson’s Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, were instrumental in the success and national expansion of the original week-long celebration, in to today’s Black History Month. To be more inclusive of all ethnicities, cultures, and traditions that trace their heritage to the continent of Africa, we have begun referring to our Celebration as “Black Heritage Month.” This year’s theme, “History in the Making,” hopes to remind our students, faculty, and staff that everyday presents the opportunity for them to change their world, and make history in their own way.
BLACK HERITAGE MONTH: A BRIEF HISTORY
Monday February 1st, 2010: “No Homo?” – A discussion forum on Hip-Hop, Homosexuality, and Black Identity. Led by Charles Kellom of ODPS 7:00pm in JC Rm. F. Sponsored by ODPS Tuesday February 2nd, 2010: “Plantanos and Collard Greens” – A thought-provoking romantic comedy about stereotypes, prejudices and urban myths that exist between African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans. 7:00pm in Dewberry North. Sponsored by Rotaract Club, Hispanic Student Association & Akoma Circle Wednesday February 3rd, 2010: The Dimensions of LOVE Film Series Presents: “Love Jones” - What do you do after love at first sight? 7:00pm in JC Rm. F. Sponsored by Peer Empowerment Program Thursday February 4th, 2009: The Annual W.E.B DuBois Lecture: “Black and Queer in America” Keynote Address by Patrick Ian-Polk & Marlon Ross - 1:30- 3:00 p.m. in Research I room 163 Film Screening – 4:00pm-6:00pm in Research I room 163 Sponsored by African & African-American Studies BHM Scholars Bowl Pt. 1 – A weekly-competition on Black history & trivia 7:30pm in JC Bistro. Sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
WEEK ONE
Satruday February 6th, 2010: The Black Male Summit – A half-day conference for Mason’s Black male population to dicuss issues of self-empowerment and education. 11:00am-5:00pm in Mason Hall & the Johnson Center. Sponsored by ODPS & Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sunday February 7th, 2010: Helping the Homeless – Serving DC’s homeless population at the Central Kitchen 9:00am-12:00pm at the DC Central Kitchen. Sponsored by the Rotoract Club. First Sunday Celebration – A Christian gospel service celebrating Black history. 3:00pm-6:00pm in JC Bistro. Sponsored by The IMPACT Movement. BHM Music Benefit – A night of music and art in celebration of African and African-American history. 7:30pm in JC Bistro. Sponsored by Sigma Gamma Rho & Akoma Circle
Monday February 8th, 2010: BHM Keynote Film, “Trouble the Water” –Nominated for an Academy Award® for best feature documentary, this film inside Hurricane Katrina in a way never before seen on screen. This year’s BHM Keynote Speakers, Kimberly and Scott Roberts, are at the center of this American tale. 3:00pm – 5:00pm in JC Cinema. Sponsored by the Program Board Speakers Committee AKAcise: African Dance -Join the ladies of AKA as we learn some traditional African dances to promote culture and raise awareness about the many health issues effecting Black communities around the world. 7:08pm in JC Bistro. Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tuesday February 9th, 2010: BHM Keynote Film – “Trouble the Water” –Nominated for an Academy Award® for best feature documentary, this film inside Hurricane Katrina in a way never before seen on screen. This year’s BHM Keynote Speakers, Kimberly and Scott Roberts, are at the center of this American tale. 6:00pm –8:00pm in JC Cinema. Sponsored by the Program Board Speakers Committee Love Jones – Come watch students from all across campus sing, dance and perform their art at this annual event. 7:30pm-10:30pm in JC Bistro Sponsored by Akoma Circle & Peer Empowerment Program Wednesday February 10th, 2010: The Dimensions of LOVE Film Series Presents: “Something the Lord Made” - the story of two men - an ambitious white surgeon and a gifted black carpenter turned lab technician - who defied the racial strictures of the Jim Crow South and together pioneered the field of heart surgery. 4:00pm-6:00pm in JC Rm. F Sponsored by Peer Empowerment Program BHM Keynote Film – “Trouble the Water” –Nominated for an Academy Award® for best feature documentary, this film inside Hurricane Katrina in a way never before seen on screen. This year’s BHM Keynote Speakers,
WEEK TWO
Kimberly and Scott Roberts, are at the center of this American tale. 8:00pm –10:00pm in JC Cinema Sponsored by the Program Board Speakers Committee Thursday February 11th, 2010: BHM Keynote Address – Kimberly & Scott Roberts, stars of the Academy –Award nominated documentary “Trouble the Water,” will address the campus community and discuss their experiences and institutionalized racism and we approach the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. 6:00pm in the Johnson Center BHM Scholars Bowl pt. 2 – A weekly-competition on Black history & trivia7:30pm in JC Bistro. Sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Friday February 12th, 2010: Helping the Homeless – Serving DC’s homeless population at the Central Kitchen 5:00pm-8:00pm at the DC Central Kitchen. Sponsored by the Rotoract Club. A Night Out with the Sigmas 8:00pm at Busboys & Poets (14th & U St in D.C.). Sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Sunday February 14th, 2010: NAACP 101 Year Anniversary Celebration 3:00pm in JC Bistro Sponsored by NAACP
Monday February 15th, 2010 Provost Tea – A chance for Black/African Heritage students to meet with Provost Sterns. 3:00pm in the Meese Conference Room in Mason Hall Sponsored by the Office of the Provost & ODPS Bridged: The Connection Between Black and Brown – A discussion on the shared history of African-Americans and Hispanic Americans. 7:30pm in JC Room F Sponsored by NAACP & Hispanic Students Association Tuesday February 16th, 2010: Rough Roots: The Origins & Separation of Black Hair – Part of a miniseries, this discussion will explore the historical context of Black hair, and the struggles minority women go through to achieve “good hair.” 2pm-4pm in Patriot’s Lounge Sponsored by Love Her Fiercely & ODPS From the Kitchen to the Roots: Hair Care Workshop – LHF will be hosting a mini workshop on hair that will not only explore how to take care of different textures and display a variety of different products with an end-of event free basket giveaway. 6pm-8pm in Patriot’s Lounge Sponsored by Love Her Fiercely & ODPS Wednesday February 17th, 2010: “Bronx Princess” Film Screening & Discussion – This unique film takes a look in to the experience of African women growing up in America. Join us for this insightful discussion. 6:00pm in JC Room F Sponsored by African Student Association Thursday February 18th, 2010: The Dimensions of LOVE Film Series Presents: “The Great Debaters” When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope. 6:00pm-8:30pm in JC Rm. G Sponsored by Peer Empowerment Program
WEEK THREE
Bourbon Street Komedy Jam featuring Dan Ahdoot & Arvin Mitchell – Come be entertained by two of America’s best upcoming comics. 8:00pm in SUB II Ballroom. Sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. & Program Board Speaker’s Committee Friday February 19th, 2010: The Black Family Feud – Based on the popular television show, come compete against your friends to see who knows the most about black pop culture and history. 7:30pm in JC Room B Sponsored by Black Student Alliance Saturday February 20sth, 2010: Grillin’ with the Youth – Join us as we give back to the community with a day of mentoring to local high school students. 10:00am-3:00pm in SUB I Sponsored by The Rotoract Club & ODPS The 2nd Annual Mr. & Mrs. Black George Mason Pageant – An annual competition to encourage campus participation amongst underclassmen. 7:30pm in Dewberry Hall North Sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, the Rotoract Club and ODPS
Monday February 22nd, 2010: O I Love R&B – A pop culture quiz bowl on R&B music. 7:00pm-9:00pm in JC Room F Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. War on the Silver Screen Film Festival: “Sgt. Rutledge” – A look at the experience of African-Americans in war through critical analysis of various films. 6:30pm in JC Cinema Sponsored by ODPS; Department of History & Art History; African & African-American Studies Tuesday February 23rd, 2010: From “Shaking Up” to “I Do”: The State of The Black Marriage – A panel discussion about love, marriage, and everything in between. 6:00 p.m. in JC Room F Sponsored by Love Her Fiercely War on the Silver Screen Film Festival: “Glory” – A look at the experience of African-Americans in war through critical analysis of various films. 6:30pm in JC Cinema Sponsored by ODPS; Department of History & Art History; African & African-American Studies BHM Scholars Bowl pt. 3 – A weekly-competition on Black history & trivia 7:30pm in SUB II rooms 5-7 Sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Wednesday February 24th, 2010: Safe Zone Training – A regularly scheduled workshop designed to create a safer, more welcoming & inclusive campus environment, to strengthen community and encourage networking among faculty, staff, and students toward the goal of supporting the well-being of LGBTQ people. 9:30am-4:30pm in SUB I rooms B&C. Sponsored by LGBTQ Resources
WEEK FOUR
The Dimensions of LOVE Film Series, “Men of Honor” History is made by those who break the rules PEP 4pm-6pm in PEP Office Sponsored by Peer Empowerment Program Black Health-Story – An in-depth look at reoccurring health issues for Black people in America 7:00pm in JC rm. F Sponsored by the Caribbean Student Association War on the Silver Screen Film Festival: “Dead Presidents” – A look at the experience of African-Americans in war through critical analysis of various films. 6:30pm in JC Cinema. Sponsored by Sponsored by ODPS, History Department & African & African-American Studies Thursday February 25th, 2010: Souleoke – Just let your sooouuuullll rise! Come out to a night of Karaoke with a twist of Soul! Whether singing solo, or forming a group, this is a night you don’t want to miss! 7:00pm in JC Bistro Sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Friday February 26th, 2010: 70’s Skate Night – Get your grooviest friends together and the most psycadelic outfit you can find for this night of fun. 8:00pm at Skate N Fun Zone Sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Akoma Circle, Rotoract Club, Weekend Initiatives & ODPS Saturday February 27th, 2010: The 2nd Annual Black-Tie Affair: BHM Closing Ceremony – A semi-formal night of dinner, dancing and rededication as we reflect on this year’s celebration. 8:00pm at Dewberry Hall Sponsored by ODPS & African & African-American Studies
NOTES
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