Events

February is African American History Month

The 2010 African American History Theme: The History of Black Economic Empowerment

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

7:45–9:30 p.m, Student Union Ballroom
Film – The Great Debaters
Denzel Washington stars as real-life character Melvin Tolson, the Wiley College professor who coached his debate team to a nearly undefeated season.
Sponsored by Harambee.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4

6:30–9:00 p.m., Student Union Ballroom
So You Think You Know Black History?
Game show with cash prizes: third place $25, second place $50, fi rst place $75. Want to be a contestant? Contact The Unity Center at 456-8791.
RIC students only.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Noon–2:00 p.m., Donovan Lower-Level Lobby
Blood Pressure and Diabetes Screening
In recognition of African American History Month, Health Services will offer free blood pressure and diabetes screenings for the entire campus community and distribute important information about these and other health issues impacting African Americans.
Sponsored by The Unity Center and Health Services.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9

4:00–5:30 p.m., Alger 110
Herstory Lecture Series – “Fannie Lou Hamer: ‘Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired’ ”
Presentation about the civil-rights activist and member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame who crashed the 1964 Democratic National Convention and helped found the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
Free and open to public.
Presented by Marco McWilliams.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Noon–1:30 p.m., Student Union 307
Film – Black Indians: An American Story
This sixty-minute documentary shares the mingled history of African Americans and Native Americans. Viewers are encouraged to discuss their reactions after the screening.
Presented by Maria Lawrence, associate professor, Department of Elementary Education, Rhode Island College, in cooperation with the Rhode Island Geography Education Alliance.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11

7:00–9:00 p.m., Browne Hall
Residence Hall Movie Night – Four Little Girls
Directed by Spike Lee, this fi lm recounts the people and events leading up to one of the most despicable hate-crimes during the height of the civil-rights movement. The bombing of the 16th Street Church in Birmingham, Alabama, resulted in the nation being simultaneously revolted, angered, and galvanized to push forward the fight for equality and justice.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16

4:00–6:00 p.m., Student Union Ballroom
Film – The Neo-African-Americans
This documentary focuses on how rapid, voluntary immigration from Africa and the Caribbean is transforming the “African American” narrative.
Presented by Kobina Aidoo, producer/director.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

12:30–2:00 p.m., Donovan Dining Center
African American Classical Music Concert
Nationally recognized jazz fl utist Galen Abdur-Razzaq entertains with music and commentary about the history of jazz.
Sponsored by the Unity Center and the Office of Student Life.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20

6:00–9:00 p.m., Student Union Ballroom
Past, Present, and Future
A banquet celebrating African American culture, the importance of the past, its impact on the present, and looking forward to the future.
Sponsored by the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity’s Epsilon Upsilon chapter.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

8:00–10:00 p.m., Student Union Ballroom
Word Is Born
Spoken word artist/emcee Amanda Diva hosts an open mic for poets and rappers and performs live. Light refreshments.
Free and open to the public.
Sponsored by OASPA, Iota Phil Theta Fraternity’s Epsilon Upsilon chapter, L.I.F.E., and WXIN RIC radio.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

12:30–2:00 p.m., Henry Barnard School 221-S
Herstory Lecture Series – “Ella Baker, ‘Fundi’ ”
This presentation explores the life of social justice activist and visionary founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
Free and open to public.
Presented by Marco McWilliams.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25

7:00–9:00 p.m., Sweet Hall
Residence Hall Movie Night – Prom Night in Mississippi: One Town. Two Proms. Until Now.
Charleston High School had its first-ever integrated prom in 2008, paid for by Academy Award–winning actor Morgan Freeman. Canadian filmmaker Paul Saltzman follows students, teachers, and parents in the lead-up to the big day. This seemingly inconsequential rite of passage suddenly becomes profound as the weight of history falls on teenage shoulders.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27

7:00–10:00 p.m., Student Union Ballroom
Journey to the Motherland
This fourth annual celebration of African cultures includes dinner, vendors, music, and dance. Tickets are $10 with tables of ten available for $80 and are on sale at The Unity Center.
E-mail womenofcolor2006@yahoo.com for more information.
Sponsored by Women of Color.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3

6:00–7:30 p.m., Student Union Ballroom
A Night with Gloria Reuben
A candid conversation with the ER, Raising the Bar actress about living with grace and leaving a legacy of dignity.
Sponsored by Student Activities, The Unity Center, and the Women’s Center.

SATURDAY, MARCH 6

2:00–4:00 p.m., Times² Academy, 50 Fillmore Street, Providence
By-Ki-Pu and Black Golf in Rhode Island: The Legacy Continues
This program will examine the origins and development of By-Ki-Pu, Rhode Island and southern New England’s most historic African American golf organization. A panel of guest
speakers will discuss the history, social signifi cance, and civilrights struggles of this premier “club without real estate.”
Facilitated by Robert Cvornyek, professor, Department of History, Rhode Island College, and Bryan Evans, dean of students, Times² Academy.