In 1926, Harvard-trained historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded Negro
History 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 African-American 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.”
Black Heritage Month: A Brief History
BHM Kiosks Stop by the Black Heritage Month Kiosk on any of the following dates to find out what events are coming up that week, and to get your tickets for The Third Annual Black Tie Affair!
BHM Kiosk – Kiosk D in the Johnson Center February 1
12 pm - 2 pm
February 3
12 pm - 2 pm
February 7
2 pm - 4 pm
February 9
3 pm - 5 pm
February 10
11am - 1 pm
February 14
12 pm - 2 pm
February 16
2 pm - 4 pm
February 17
3 pm - 5 pm
February 21
11 am - 1 pm
February 23
12 pm - 2 pm
February 24
2 pm - 4 pm
February 28
2 pm - 4 pm
Co-Sponsors ODPS thanks all our co-sponsors for helping to make this year’s Celebration a success! Office of Diversity Programs and Services; African and African American Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Student Involvement, Weekends at Mason, Student Government, Multicultural Research and Resource Center, Peer Empowerment Program, Sexual Assault Services, African Student Association, The IMPACT Movement, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Rotoract Club, Anointed Voices of Unity, Love Her Fiercely, Urbanknowlogy 101, the Office of the Provost, Caribbean Student Association, National Society of Black Engineers, the Mu Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Black Student Alliance, the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Omicron Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Association of Black Faculty, Administrators & Staff, Akoma Circle, the National Association of Black Accountants, the Omicron Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Honors College, Program Board.
BHM Kiosks & Co-Sponsors
Visit:
http://odps.gmu.edu for event updates, location changes and additional information. The Black Heritage Month webpage has a full list of all the events happening as a part of the BHM 2011 Celebration, along with info on how to register for limited space events, get tickets for The Black Tie Affair and start time updates and cancellations. Log on to ODPS.GMU.EDU and click on Black/African Heritage to see the BHM webpage and get involved!
BHM Website
SAT JAN. 29
A Pretty Klassy Kick-Off Dewberry Hall 9:00pm Join the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the NUPEs of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. as we kick off the New Year and the semester. Find us on Facebook or visit the BHM website for more details. Sponsored by the Omicron Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Mu Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
THURS FEB. 3
2011 W.E.B. DuBois Lecture: “Photography on the Color Line: W.E.B. Du Bois’ Photographs for the 1900 Paris Exposition” JC Cinema 10:30am The Annual W.E.B. DuBois Lecture is guaranteed to challenge the mind and awaken the thirst for knowledge. This year’s speaker, photographer and author Shawn Michelle Smith, will take the audience through African-American history by examining some of the remarkable photographs W. E. B. Du Bois compiled to challenge the world’s perception of his people. Visit aaas.gmu. edu for more information. Sponsored by African & African-American Studies.
BHM 2011 Events
THURS FEB. 3
The Comedy Jam JC Cinema 9:00pm Come be entertained by some of America’s best upcoming comics. Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Program Board Speakers Committee
MON FEB. 7
Food For Thought SUB I 3008 12pm Designed to help improve the cultural competencies of student development professionals, the February edition of Food For Thought will put Faculty and Staff members in to teams, challenging them to answer the question “What Would You Do?” in response to the individual scenarios. Through these interactive, theory-based and fun exercises, participants will have a chance to sharpen their confrontation and leadership skills, as well as get to know their co-workers in a different light. Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Program Board Speakers Committee.
MON FEB. 7
Get Money, Go Grad: Graduate School Workshop JC Rm. A 7:00pm If you’ve ever thought about going to graduate school, don’t miss this important workshop sponsored by ODPS and the Honors College. We’ll tell you how to pay for graduate school, tips and tricks to boost your chances of admission, and everything else you need to know! Sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs and Services and the Honors College
TUES FEB. 8
Brand You JC Bistro 6:00pm Baltimore Native & Radio Personality, Kim Reed, is coming to Mason to discuss how you can enhance and protect the brand of your name. Sponsored by the National Association of Black Accountants
BHM 2011 Events
WED FEB. 9
BHM Annual Keynote Address: “It’s After the End of the World (Don’t You Know That Yet?)” JC Bistro 7:00pm Using the music of great Black artists such as Jimi Hendrix, George Clinton and of course, SunRa, musicologist, cultural activist and assistant professor in Mason’s School of Art, Dr. Thomas Stanley brings levity and light to an informed discussion of the present, the future and the popular fascination with end-time scenarios. Sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs and Services
THURS FEB. 10
Love Jones Dewberry Hall 7:00pm The annual open mic night showcasing student’s talents through spoken word, song and dance. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by Akoma Circle.
FRI FEB. 11
Blood Done Sign My Name JC Rm. D 7:30pm Join us as we watch and discuss the film Blood Done Sign My Nam. In the 1970s, a black Vietnam-era veteran is murdered, allegedly by a white local businessman. What follows is a story of civil rights, equality, and the responsibility of every individual to stand up for justice. Sponsored by the Black Student Alliance.
SAT FEB. 12
Day of Dance De Laski Performing Arts Building 10am Students from the local area will be invited to come enjoy a day of dance in which students learn about African-American dance companies and artist as well as take an African dance class. Sponsored by the Omicron Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and African and African-American Studies
BHM 2011 Events
Live and Def: Old School Skate Night Skate and Fun Zone Visit weekends.gmu.edu to sign up! With respect to the history of hip-hop, students are invited to join Akoma Circle, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and Weekends at Mason in a night of skating. Old school rap and hip hop style attire is encouraged. An award will be given to the best dressed. Visit weekends.gmu.edu for more information and to sign up. Sponsored by Weekends at Mason, Akoma Circle and the Omicron Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
MON FEB. 14
Why Do I Keep Getting Overdraft Charges? : A College Student’s Guide to Personal Finance JC Rm. E 6:00pm Tired of getting overdraft charges? Do you find yourself feeling broke every weekend no matter how much you get paid? Stop by this informative workshop and put yourself on the road to wealth. Sponsored by the National Association of Black Accountants.
MON FEB. 14
Black Family Feud JC Rm. C 7:30pm Sign up for a team with your friends to see who knows the most about Black history trivia questions, played in the style of this classic game show. Sponsored by the Black Student Alliance.
TUES FEB. 15
Going Beyond Graduation (Part One) A Part of ODPS Common Grounds Series JC Rm. C 5:30pm Featuring an exciting panel of Mason alum and successful professionals from the Fairfax/DC area, students will have a chance to ask honest questions about how to prepare themselves for life after college. Part one will feature a panel of successful men, while part two will feature a panel of all women. Students are encouraged and welcome to attend either panel they choose. Sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs and Services.
BHM 2011 Events
Louisiana Nights: A Night Honoring the Pioneers of Black Music JC Bistro 7:00pm Come learn about the history of Black music as we showcase a number of Black artists, and their contributions to society. A southern comfort style meal will be served in addition. Sponsored by the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
WED FEB. 16
Sojourner Truth Lecture Preview: Anita Hill JC Cinema 3pm Join WGST and AFAM for a look into the case of Anita Hill, who took on the United States government in her sexual harassment case against then Supreme Court Justice nominee, Clarence Thomas. Anita Hill will visit Mason’s Center for Fine Arts on March 3rd at 1:30pm as the keynote speaker for the annual Sojourner Truth Lecture. Learn about her story at this event, and then join us in March to hear it from the woman herself. Sponsored by Women and Gender Studies and African and African-American Studies.
WED FEB. 16
Going Beyond Graduation (Part Two) A Part of ODPS Common Grounds Series JC Rm. C 5:30pm Featuring an exciting panel of Mason alum and successful professionals from the Fairfax/DC area, students will have a chance to ask honest questions about how to prepare themselves for life after college. Part one will feature a panel of successful men, while part two will feature a panel of all women. Students are encouraged and welcome to attend either panel they choose. Sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs and Services.
Get Hip to What’s Hop JC Bistro 7:00pm An informative workshop in which students will be educated on the 5 elements of hip hop. The panelists will help articulate and illustrate the origins of hip hop. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by Akoma Circle.
BHM 2011 Events
THURS FEB. 17
Souleoke JC Bistro 7:00pm An annual fun filled karaoke night that features music from African- American artists in order to highlight the achievements that blacks have made in the music industry. Sponsored by the Omicron Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
FRI FEB. 18
Booz Allen Hamilton Hosts: Challenge 2011 Externship Booz Allen Hamilton (Vienna, VA) 1:00pm Booz Allen Hamilton will be hosting this event order to provide students with the opportunity to “Intern for a Day�. Students will participate in a case study competition, campus tour, technology petting zoo, and networking luncheon. Free food and prizes will be provided as well. Visit the BHM webpage on odps.gmu. edu to find out how to sign up! Space is limited! Sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers.
FRI FEB. 18
ABFAS’ Black History Month Meet-n-Greet Trivia Contest JC George’s Restaurant 6pm ABFAS signature Meet-n-Greets come to campus for BHM, featuring a trivia contest on some key events in Black History. Prizes will be awarded to participants with the most correct answers. Sponsored by the Association of Black Faculty, Administrators & Staff. Third Annual Mr. & Miss Black GMU Scholarship Pageant SUB II Ballroom 7pm The Pageant is a chance for undergraduate underclassmen and transfers to get more involved in Mason’s Black/African Heritage community, while earning financial awards for their academic-related expenses. First place winners will each receive a $250 award, and second place will both take home a $50 award. Come support your community and help choose the next Mr & Miss Black GMU! Sponsored by the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Omicron Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Office of Diversity Programs and Services.
BHM 2011 Events
SUN FEB. 20
Black History Live Museum SUB II Ballroom 7:30pm Watch history come to life as students dress in full character as unsung leaders in the civil rights movement. When approached, motionless characters will come alive and give a description of who they are and how they contributed to the Civil Rights Movement. Sponsored by the Black Student Alliance.
MON FEB. 21
Soul of Justice: “Thelton Henderson’s American Journey” JC Rm. D 6:00pm Join us for a screening of Soul of Justice: “Thelton Henderson’s American Journey” showcasing the struggles of the first black lawyer in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. Following the documentary there will be a brief conversation period in order to discuss themes pertinent to the film. Sponsored by the Mu Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
TUES FEB. 22
Soldiers Wear Flip-Flops SUB II Ballroom 6:30pm A night of themed performances incorporating history to educate our community about the use of children soldiers in various civil conflicts specific to the African Diaspora. This event will raise awareness for a variety of organizations that inform others about the lack of education and the use of child soldiers. Sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers.
WED FEB. 23
Then and Now: A Travel through Dance SUB II Ballroom 7pm Come out and learn about the evolution of dance and how Black culture has influenced dance styles around the world. Featuring a number of student organizations such as the African Student Association and UK 101. Sponsored by the Caribbean Student Association.
BHM 2011 Events
THURS FEB. 24
Provost & VP Tea (Invitation Only) The Paul Robeson Room (JC 240A) 3:30pm By invitation only, this annual event gives Black/African Heritage students the chance to meet with Provost Sterns and discuss their experiences, in hopes of continuing to improve the community here at Mason. Sponsored by the Office of the Provost & the Office of Diversity Programs & Services.
Play the Part: Open Mic Acting Night JC Bistro 6pm This event will enable young actors who are not regulars in the GMU theater department to showcase their hidden talents. Participants should have a strong interest in acting, however no specific level of acting skill is required. Sponsored by Love Her Fiercely and Urbanknowlogy 101.
SAT FEB. 26 SUN FEB. 27
Annual National Pan-Hellenic Step Show Center for the Arts Visit the BHM page on ODPS.GMU.EDU to find out how to get your tickets!
The Third Annual Black Tie Affair: BHM Closing Ceremonies Dewberry Hall 6pm A night of dinner and dancing, join us we reflect on this year’s BHM celebration, honor and recognize those in the community who work to make Mason a better place and rededicate ourselves to the highest ideals as we look ahead to the summer and the following academic year. Tickets required and can be picked up at any of the BHM kiosks. Visit the BHM page on odps. gmu.edu for more information. Sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs and Services, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Rotoract Club, Anointed Voices of Unity, the Peer Empowerment Program, The IMPACT Movement, and African and African-American Studies.
BHM 2011 Events
TUES MAR. 1
Cut from the Same Cloth: A Folktale of Our Progression JC Cinema 8:30pm We may all bear different shades of brown, yet we still share commonalities. Come hear this folktale told through dance, beginning in Africa and progressing to Arabia, Latin America, and the United States. Each performance from varying student organizations will include a brief history of each culture represented. Sponsored by the African Student Association.
WED MAR. 2
Speak Your Soul: A Poetic Performance JC Bistro 7:30pm Sexual assault, incest and rape are all too common in our society, but what’s even more common than the rate of attacks each year, is how often we keep silent about it. Join the Office of Diversity Programs and Services, Sexual Assault Services and some local professional DC poets with extremely powerful voices as we speak up and speak out against sexual assault. Students will be invited to share their own original works in an open-mic style format. Sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs and Services and Sexual Assault Services.
THURS MAR. 3
Annual Sojourner Truth Lecture featuring Anita Hill Center for the Arts 1:30pm Come hear Professor of social policy, law, and women’s studies at Brandeis University, Anita Hill gained national exposure in 1991 when she testified under oath at Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ Senate confirmation hearings, alleging that he had made provocative and harassing sexual statements toward her. The Annual Sojourner Truth Lecture aims to challenge, educate and inspire and this year’s lecture guarantees to do all three.
BHM 2011 Events