"Exploring the Roots of Our Heritage" serves as theme for Black History Monh

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 5, 2004) – Reflection and celebration mark the events scheduled during February at Tennessee Tech University to commemorate Black History Month.

This year’s theme, “Exploring the Roots of Our Heritage,” reflects the thoughts of Carter G. Woodson, the originator of Black History Month, who stressed the importance of studying history in order to participate intelligently in the affairs of the country.

“This month gives us an opportunity to expose our campus and our community to the richness of our experience,” said Jamie Mells, director of TTU’s Leona Lusk Officer Cultural Center.

TTU’s Office of Minority Affairs is sponsoring several events that are free and open to the public during the month of February.

African Resurrection dance ensemble
7-9 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, Derryberry Auditorium
Baltimore’s premier African heritage dance ensemble, African Resurrection perpetuates the tradition of African dance, drum and folklore to raise awareness of the African and African-American situations. Oliver Nai, Malaika Cooper and Gould Vincent founded the cultural arts organization with the purpose of promoting authentic West African art forms as a vehicle for cultural expression. Founded on the concept of “sankofa” — reaching back to move forward — African Resurrection provides an exciting program of traditional dance, music and folklore. The show is a Center Stage event that is free and open to the public.

“Diversity: Is it Still Black and White?” Lecture
11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, Roaden University Center, Room 342
This lecture is a TTU Counseling Center workshop presented by Jamie Mells.

Gospel Extravaganza
3-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 15, RUC Multipurpose Room
Alpha Phi Alpha hosts area choirs that will perform in the annual celebration of gospel music. Free admission.

Martin Luther King Oratorical Contest
7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24, RUC, Black Cultural Center
Students will vie to uphold the legacy of Martin Luther King’s ability to move people with his words during the Martin Luther King Oratorical Contest in the Leona Lusk Officer Black Cultural Center.

Comedy Show
7-9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27, Derryberry Auditorium
The show features comedians from BET’s ComicView. LAVLUV is part of the only all-black improv troop in the country, Blacktop Circus. Queen Aishah has toured the nation and overseas to perform for U.S. military troups. The show contains PG-13 and R-rated content and is intended for mature audiences only.

For a full calendar of events, visit http://www2.tntech.edu/bcc/february03.htm. For more information, call the Black Cultural Center at 372-3392.


--Karen Lykins
This information posted 9 February 2004