University Prepares For Black History Month Activities

pictureFerris State University joins the celebration of Black History Month with a series of events – events that are free and open to the public – hosted on campus.

“The most important thing is that black history is American history. The more individuals are exposed to it, the more they will see the significance of it in our daily lives. It is a part of our country’s history,” said Michael Wade, assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services.

A series of events are planned on campus

  • “Of Ebony Embers” begins the month’s activities on Friday, Feb. 25 (rescheduled from Feb. 2), at 7 p.m. in G. Mennen Williams Auditorium. The lives of three influential African Americans are presented by a solo actor and trio chamber group in this theatrical work.
  • The 2011 Image Awards will take place Saturday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. in the Rankin Student Center Dome Room. Faculty and students will be recognized with awards for their accomplishments on campus.
  • The State of Emergency discussion, put on by OMSS, is scheduled for Feb. 7. The event begins at 7 p.m. in the Dome Room. A panel of Ferris student leaders will be present to discuss issues currently affecting African Americans. In addition, the program will journey through a timeline of historical events that have changed the educational landscape for African Americans.
  • Step Afrika! is an OMSS presentation set for Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in G. Mennen Williams Auditorium. This is the only dance company in the world specifically dedicated to stepping.
  • “This is my Soul” is a neo soul poetry session that incorporates painting and dancing. The event is being sponsored by the student organization You Beautiful Black Women and begins at 7 p.m. in the Dome Room on Feb. 24.

Wade hopes students participate in these events to learn more about African American history and to see how it is reflected within the community.

“We need to spotlight those cultures not by month, but throughout the year in as many opportunities as we can,” he said.

Events for Black History Month are sponsored by OMSS, Williams Auditorium, the Festival of the Arts Planning Committee, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Humanities Department, the Diversity and Inclusion Office, YBBW, Black Leaders Inspiring Critical Knowledge and funds allocated by the Finance Division of Student Government.

For more information about Ferris’ Black History Month events, visit the OMSS website http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/studentlife/minority/BHM-2011.pdf.


01 February, 2011