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East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is celebrating Black History Month with a series of events throughout February. This year’s theme, “Unapologetically Black,” celebrates black culture, history, and hope for a greater tomorrow. All programing illuminates various elements of blackness through art, dialogue, and advocacy.

The month-long celebration kicked off with a presentation by Dr. Aaron X. Smith, professor of Africana studies at Temple University. Dr. Smith’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and youth development through the use of hip hop culture made his a top choice to speak to ESU students about their identity development.

The activities listed below are open to the public at no cost.

Saturday, February 16

Black to Our Roots

6 p.m. Stroud Hall, Room 117

The Greater Pocono Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the Monroe County NAACP, and ESU’s office of multicultural affairs will showcase black history through an evening of music, dance, and spoken word.

Saturday – Sunday, February 23-24

Colored Museum

Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday, 4 p.m. Abeloff Center for the Performing Arts

The office of multicultural affairs will present the production “Colored Museum” a play written by George C. Wolfe showcasing 11 “exhibits” that explores and satires prominent themes and identities found within Black culture.

Wednesday, February 27

Speaker, Kyle Adams

6 p.m. SciTech Auditorium

The Black Student Union will present Kyle Adams as the closing speaker for Black History Month. Adams is a highly-regarded, award-winning women’s basketball coach with over 15 years leading or supporting collegiate and high school programs. He is a strategic thinker with excellent analytical abilities and the capability to harness strong leadership skills, personal drive and passion to develop student-athletes and build competitive programs. Adams possesses strong fundraising skills and the ability to engage partners who are willing to commit their time, resources and influence to support women’s intercollegiate athletics. He has an excellent ability to utilize independent judgment to identify and recruit talent, and is consistently recognized for emphasizing integrity and educational welfare of student-athletes

For more information on any of the events listed above, please contact Ly’Esha Fleming at lfleming@esu.edu.