ESU Announces Black History Month Events

Posted by: admin on February 3, 2015, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is celebrating Black History Month with a series of events this month, beginning on February 5. This year’s theme will focus on honoring the history and heritage of African Americans and raising cultural awareness. Highlights of Black History Month include the African American Festival with keynote speaker Dr. James Jackson of Kutztown University, a soul food dinner and discussions focused on educating ESU students on race and embracing differences on campus and nationally. Some activities listed below are open to the public at no cost and the schedule is subject to change. For more information on any of the events listed below, please contact Cornelia Sewell-Allen at 570-422-3896, or visit www.esu.edu/oma.

Thursday, February 5
Showtime @ ESU
7 p.m. – Stroud Hall 117
Join us for a night of entertainment and laughter. This program showcases ESU’s most talented individuals with a comedic twist.

Film Series: Black in Latin America by Henry Louis Gates
Thursday, February 10- Tuesday, February 24
Stroud Hall 205
Each documentary is approximately an hour long, and Dr. Annie Mendoza, assistant professor of modern languages, will facilitate the discussion after each movie. Films focus on the African influence in Latin America. This series is a 2011 production from renowned Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Tuesday, February 10 at 2 p.m. (Dominican Republic and Haiti)
Tuesday, February 17 at 2 p.m. (Cuba)
Tuesday, February 24 at 2 p.m. (Mexico and Peru)

Tuesday, February 10
Financial Literacy
2 p.m. – -University Center Reception Center
Meet Vice President of Administration and Finance Kenneth Long for an educational presentation on financial literacy.

Wednesday, February 11
United March to Selma Movie Screening
Time to be determined – Pocono Community Theater
Meet at the Multicultural House to join the march to screen a powerful film on hope and freedom. Discussion will be facilitated after the film. Students can register to vote on site.

Thursday, February 12
“Race”ing Toward a United ESU Panel Discussion
7 p.m. – Stroud Hall 117
Be part of a discussion on race and culture at ESU and nationally. Students and the general public are welcome to voice their opinions. Program will be moderated by Jeter Smith, resident director at ESU.

Tuesday, February 17
Guest Speaker Amil Cook, a Hip-Hop Generation Educator, Journalist
7 p.m. – Stroud Hall 113
Guest Speaker Amil Cook will educate those in attendance on race and the history of Hip Hop in America.

Monday, February 16 – Saturday, February 28
University Display Case at the University Center – Student Photo Campaign
Come by for a look at the university display case. Student campaign on “BlackLivesMatter”

Thursday, February 19
Soul Food Dinner
5 p.m. – Dansbury Commons
Don’t miss this delicious celebration! Traditional soul food dishes will be provided by Aramark at Dansbury Commons. This event will feature DJ Jailyn for your entertainment.

Tuesday, February 24
Party Crashers: Fitting in or Intruding, Which Are You?
7 p.m. – Linden Residence Hall, Resource Room
Help break down stereotypes. Group discussions will feature individual stories that address a specific stereotype. Issues of “selling out” and cultural appropriations will be discussed.

Wednesday, February 25
Honest Conversations
7 p.m. – Shawnee Lounge
Learn about the influence of social media on race relations in America – 1st Amendment rights or Foul Play? You decide.

Saturday, February 28
African American Festival
1 p.m. to 4 .m. Keystone Room
$3.00 Admission Fee
Don’t miss out on this HUGE celebration. The program will include keynote speaker Dr. James Jackson of Kutztown University, entertainment by Maxwell Kofi Donkor Drum and the University Dance Ensemble, local vendors, and refreshments.

Residence Hall Banner Contest
February 16-February 28
Throughout Black History Month, residence halls will be asked to participate in a contest and create banners that will feature African Americans in music, science, arts, etc. Banners can be viewed on the bridge outside the University Center.