ODU OFFERS FULL SLATE OF EVENTS TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY
Old Dominion University's Hugo A. Owens African American Cultural Center is sponsoring a full slate of events and activities on campus in celebration of Black History Month.
Events kick off on Monday, Feb. 4, with the second annual Oratorical Contest in the Hampton/Newport News Room of Webb Center. This year's theme is "Do lyrics in the songs we listen to affect our culture and community?" The contest starts at 7 p.m. First prize is $300, second $150 and third $75. For more information call 683-5490.
Other Black History Month events scheduled for February include:
Tuesday, Feb. 5, 7:20 p.m. - James/Lynnhaven River Room, Webb Center
"Black Poets" - Featuring a brief review of poetry written by lesser known black authors and a review of black literature as it has progressed through the years. Sponsor: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
Wednesday, Feb. 6, Time TBA - 129 Education Building
Fifth Annual African American Read-In - Literary works by African Americans have developed into a multimillion dollar industry. The read-in is an opportunity for members of the campus community to read their favorite works by African American authors or to read their own works. Host: Gail Taylor, associate professor of educational curriculum and instruction.
Thursday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Perry Library, 4th floor
Red Cross Blood Drive - The Red Cross will accept donations, and information will be provided on Sickle Cell Anemia and high blood pressure prevention. Sponsor: Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. For more information, e-mail: nutheta@hotmail.com.
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - North Mall, Webb Center
Wellness Fair - Free capillary glucose screening, blood pressure and body fat testing; cholesterol lipid profile testing free for the first 20 students; sexual health information and other services available. Sponsor: Student Health Services.
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m. - Cape Henry Room, Webb Center
"Hip-Hop v. America" - Part of the Black Experience Film Series, featuring a rebroadcast of BET's "Hip-Hop v. America," hosted by Jeffrey Johnson of BET's "Cousin Jeff's Chronicles." Featured panelists are Nelly, T.I., Michael Eric Dyson, the Rev. Al Sharpton and others. Topics include hip-hop in the black community, society's view of black culture and much more.
Monday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m. - Potomac/York River Room, Webb Center
"Reclaiming Our Black Families" - More and more children are born into fatherless homes. Children are raising children. Crime, unemployment and drugs plague our communities and they all start within the family. A panel of prominent black professors and figures from ODU and the Hampton Roads region will address these topics. Sponsor: Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. For more information, contact Mallory Murray at mmurr009@odu.edu.
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. - James/Lynnhaven River Room, Webb Center
"Spreading the Love" - Learn about STDs and illnesses that plague the African American community. This event will educate participants about safer sex, and expand general knowledge of several threatening diseases. Sponsors: ODU NAACP chapter, Omega Psi Phi and Student Health Services. For more information, e-mail: naacp_odu@yahoo.com.
Thursday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. - Potomac/York River Room, Webb Center
"The Dividing Line 2" - What is dividing our culture? Why are African Americans not connected with African students? Several ODU professors will lead a discussion of the issues between the African American and African communities and what keeps them divided. The topic is "How does the African and Caribbean culture influence the African American culture?" Sponsors: African Caribbean Association, 3-Dimensional, ODU NAACP chapter and Black Data Processing Associates. For more information, e-mail: odu_aca@yahoo.com.
Friday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m. - House of Blue, Webb Center
"Blackegorie: Black History Jeopardy" - Test your knowledge of history and events that have been instrumental in shaping African American life. Three participants will compete at a time. One hundred questions will be supplied for study purposes, and 25 will be chosen at random during the game. All game participants will receive a prize. An iPod will be awarded to the winner and to one lucky audience member. Sponsor: NSBE. For more information, e-mail: odu_nsbepres@yahoo.com.
Friday, Feb. 22 - Saturday, Feb. 23
Tenth Annual East Coast Gospel Festival, with the theme, "Finding Your Foundation."
6 p.m. Friday, 1012 Batten Arts and Letters Building - "Friday Fun Night." Join Ebony Impact Gospel Choir for an evening of entertainment, laughter, music and food.
8 a.m. Saturday, Batten Arts and Letters Building, second floor - A full day of fellowship, learning and praise, with workshops designed to empower students and the community to find their foundation in Christ.
6 p.m. Saturday, Lambert's Point Baptist Church, 1268 W. 38th St., Norfolk - Concert featuring college choirs from all along the East Coast, including ministries and choirs from Hampton University and Virginia Wesleyan College. Admission is $5 to each event for ODU students with ID, or $7 for both events. General admission is $7 for each event, or $10 for both. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. Sponsor: Ebony Impact Gospel Choir. For more information, e-mail: ebony_impact_odu@yahoo.com.