Variety of programs highlight Black History Month
Brooke Galati
Issue date: 2/2/01 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
"One Dream, One Movement, All People" is this year's theme for WIU's celebration of Black History Month.
Black History Month is a well-known celebration of African-Americans and their culture. Osato Omofonmwan, president of the Black Student Association, would like to remind people that Black History Month should be celebrated year round.
"Black History Month is extremely important to me, and to the entire African-American (population). We would like people to recognize that it is an intricate part of our lives," Omofonmwan said.
"We limit ourselves too much to one culture, one stereotype, and it isn't right. We should be able to open our minds and expand our horizons to the way other people live their lives," she added.
Though this is Omofonmwan's first year as president, she has been keeping up with the program in great detail.
"The (Gwendolyn Brooks) Cultural Center is important to me because this is my history and I respect it. This month makes way for legends such as Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - the people that made great contributions to our society," Omofonmwan said.
Along with the celebrations, there are many activities throughout February, including several highlights that are open to the WIU students, faculty and staff and Macomb area residents. Some of these events include the University Union Board Concert Production of Bob Marley Remembered Featuring the International Reggae All-Stars at 7 p.m., Feb. 14 in the University Union Grand Ballroom. This performance is free to WIU students and staff and $2 for the public.
In addition to this performance, there are many other events interested people may attend. The Black Student Association, along with other organizations, will offer a series of lectures and discussions throughout Black History Month.
The Brown Bag Series lectures take place in the Union beginning Wednesday from noon to 12:45 p.m., and are free to anyone who would like to attend.
Jazz singer Dianne Reeves will perform Feb. 16 in Western Hall at 7:30 p.m. Reeves, a natural storyteller, uses her timing and phrasing to bring insights into everything she sings. She has been nominated for three Grammys and has performed in clubs in New York, Paris, London and Berlin.
Black History Month is a well-known celebration of African-Americans and their culture. Osato Omofonmwan, president of the Black Student Association, would like to remind people that Black History Month should be celebrated year round.
"Black History Month is extremely important to me, and to the entire African-American (population). We would like people to recognize that it is an intricate part of our lives," Omofonmwan said.
"We limit ourselves too much to one culture, one stereotype, and it isn't right. We should be able to open our minds and expand our horizons to the way other people live their lives," she added.
Though this is Omofonmwan's first year as president, she has been keeping up with the program in great detail.
"The (Gwendolyn Brooks) Cultural Center is important to me because this is my history and I respect it. This month makes way for legends such as Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - the people that made great contributions to our society," Omofonmwan said.
Along with the celebrations, there are many activities throughout February, including several highlights that are open to the WIU students, faculty and staff and Macomb area residents. Some of these events include the University Union Board Concert Production of Bob Marley Remembered Featuring the International Reggae All-Stars at 7 p.m., Feb. 14 in the University Union Grand Ballroom. This performance is free to WIU students and staff and $2 for the public.
In addition to this performance, there are many other events interested people may attend. The Black Student Association, along with other organizations, will offer a series of lectures and discussions throughout Black History Month.
The Brown Bag Series lectures take place in the Union beginning Wednesday from noon to 12:45 p.m., and are free to anyone who would like to attend.
Jazz singer Dianne Reeves will perform Feb. 16 in Western Hall at 7:30 p.m. Reeves, a natural storyteller, uses her timing and phrasing to bring insights into everything she sings. She has been nominated for three Grammys and has performed in clubs in New York, Paris, London and Berlin.