Black History Month Continues Through the End of February With Diverse Program
February 19, 2015
As Black History Month continues at Old Dominion University, a diverse array of events is planned to celebrate the theme of this year's observance, "Changing the Color of Democracy."
Inclement weather forced the cancellation of the Black History Month keynote celebration featuring dynamic speaker and visionary Rashad Robinson. However, a full week of programming is still on tap. Events include:
Black Currency Day, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 12:30-1:30 p.m. North Mall, Webb Center
Part of Black History Month is the very current history. The ODU community is invited to celebrate and contemplate the contemporary experience of African Americans in society. Events include interactive discussions, a trivia contest, poetry, an art project and more. Sponsored by students of African and African American Studies and the National Pan Hellenic Council.
Black Business Expo, Thursday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. North Mall, Webb Center
An opportunity to engage with local merchants and student vendors, as well as supporting cooperative economics within the African American community. Sponsored by Minds About Progress.
Monarch Brave Space, Thursday, Feb. 26, 3 p.m. Intercultural Center
An open discussion about allyship within the African American community and its supporters and allies. The film Dear White People will be screened, and an informal discussion will be hosted. Sponsored by the Social Entrepreneurs Council
Step Afrika!, Thursday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. North Café, Webb Center
Step Afrika! is a Washington, D.C.-based charitable organization and the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. In step, the body is used as an instrument to create intricate rhythms and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps and the spoken word. Sponsored by ODU's Student Activities Council, the African Student Association, and OIC.
YogaSkills: Kemetic Yoga, Friday, Feb. 27, 3-4 p.m. Intercultural Center
Presentation on Kemetic Yoga, facilitated by master instructor Yirser Ra Hotep. Kemetic Yoga is the ancient Egyptian system of yoga enlightenment based on practices of controlled deep breathing, physical movements and meditation.
Old Dominion University celebrates the contributions of African descendants during Black History Month each February. Noted Black History author Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926 to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. In 1976 this became known as Black History Month.
The African Cultural Center staff, along with student organizations and community groups host a variety of events that highlight Black culture, history and tradition. In previous years, highlights have included The Umoja Conference, A White Woman Raised Black and the Black History Lecture series, which featured Dr. Belle Wheelan, Secretary of Education for the State of Virginia, and in 2014, former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder.
To view a complete calendar of events in celebration of Black History Month 2015, please see HERE. For more information, contact the Office of Intercultural Relations at oir@odu.edu or 757-683-4406.