Athens, Ga. – In recognition of Black History Month, February is packed with events across the University of Georgia campus honoring the achievements of African Americans.
This year’s national theme, “Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism,” is meant to serve as a reminder of the origins of Black History Month and mark its progress over the years, according to LaRetha Spain-Shuler, associate director of the African-American Cultural Center.
“The theme speaks to a combination of things,” she said. “It speaks to the contributions that have been made by African Americans and states that from historical perspective, African Americans have been making contributions that are integral to our country.”
Woodson is considered the father of Black History, having started Negro History Week in 1926. Since then, the week expanded to a month, celebrated nationwide.
This year, his work is honored and remembered through plays, lectures, discussions, museum exhibitions, films and more.
Events include:
Feb. 4:
APERO Discussion. “Why Study the U.S. South? The Nexus of Race and Place in Researching Black People.” Jerome Morris, associate professor of workforce education, leadership and social foundations. 12:15-1:10 p.m. 407 Memorial Hall. fsgiles@uga.edu.
Black History Month Book Club. The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter Woodson. 6-7 p.m. 407 Memorial Hall. 706/542-8468.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: “My Sistah’s Keeper.” A black women’s discussion/support group established to promote, maintain and advance the welfare of black female graduate and undergraduate students on UGA’s campus. Everyone is welcome to attend. Topics will include issues of marginalization, gender stereotypes, healthy relationships, identity, spirituality, well-being, education and other issues that impact women of color on a predominantly white campus. Facilitators are Deenie Tarver and Joy Harden, counseling psychologists at the UGA Health Center. 6-7 p.m. in the African-American Cultural Center Village Library (Room 414). 706/542-8468.
Feb. 5:
R.E.A.L. Talk Tuesday. “Are You Aware: What It Means to Be an Anti-Racist.” 6 p.m. 137 Tate Student Center. 706/583-0271.
Feb. 6:
Film. The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow: Part 1. Promises Betrayed (1865-1896). Noon-1:15 p.m. African-American Cultural Center Village Library (Room 414). 706/542-8468.
Call to Consciousness. A discussion of the importance of recognizing Black AIDS Day, informing the campus, community, faculty and staff about the growing epidemic of AIDS within the African-American population. 7-9 p.m. 101 Student Learning Center. 706/542-8468.
Feb. 7:
Snelling Harlem Renaissance Dinner. 4-8 p.m. Snelling Dining Hall.
Feb. 8:
Lecture by Amalia Amaki. Amaki, artist and assistant professor of black American studies at the University of Delaware and curator of the Paul R. Jones Collection, discusses the collection and other works of African-American art. Reception to follow. 7:30 p.m. Georgia Museum of Art. collardj@uga.edu.
Feb. 9:
Peaches, musical play by Progress Theatre. This performance debunks African-American female stereotypes. 6 p.m. Morton Theatre. Free. 706/542-8468 or 706/613-3771.
Feb. 13:
Apero Africana Brown Bag Lecture. “Educating Black Youth in Athens,” Maxine Easom, principal of Clarke Central High School, and Robbie Hooker, principal of Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School. 12:20-1:10 p.m. 407 Memorial Hall. fsgiles@uga.edu.
Diversity Seminar. “West Africa Study-Abroad Program-Opportunities and Benefits for Students and Faculty.” Presentations by Bettye Smith, associate professor of workforce education, leadership and social foundations; Tony Lowe, assistant professor of social work; Patti Hunt-Hurst, associate professor of textiles, merchandising and interiors; and Cheryl Dozier, associate provost for institutional diversity. Noon-1 p.m. G23 Aderhold Hall. 706/542-6446.
Feb. 14:
Film. The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow: Part 2. Fighting Back (1865-1896). Black America’s new middle class faces increasing white violence. W.E.B. DuBois joins the NAACP. Noon-1:15 p.m. African-American Cultural Center Village Library fourth floor. 706/542-8468.
Black Theatrical Ensemble presents Love Jones. An evening of poetry, singing, live music, monologues and a skit. 7 p.m. Fireside Lounge, East Campus Village. 706/542-8468.
Feb. 16:
Abeneefoo Kuo Honor Society Induction Ceremony. 3 p.m. Fireside Lounge, East Campus Village. $10 admission for students and adults; children 5 and younger are free.
Feb. 17:
Guided Tour. I am in the garden . . . African-American Art from the Collections. Paul Manoguerra, curator of American art, also gives a gallery talk. 3 p.m. Georgia Museum of Art. collardj@uga.edu.
Feb. 19:
R.E.A.L. Talk Tuesday. “So Happy Together: Joys and Challenges of Interracial and Cross-Cultural Dating.” 6-8 p.m. 137 Tate Student Center. 706/583-0271.
Feb. 20:
APERO Africana Brown Bag Lecture. “African Americans and Home Schooling,” Meca Williams-Johnson and Cheryl Fields-Smith, assistant professors at Georgia Southern University. 12:20 p.m. African-American Cultural Center, fourth floor Memorial Hall. fsgiles@uga.edu.
Feb. 21
Film. The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow: Part 3. Don’t Shout Too Soon (1917-1940). Returning black World War I soldiers intensify calls for justice. Charles Hamilton Houston wins first Supreme Court victory. 12:20-1:15 p.m. African-American Cultural Center Village Library fourth floor. 706/542-8468.
Gallery Talk. I am in the garden . . . African-American Art from the Collections. Paul Manoguerra, curator of American art. 2 p.m. Georgia Museum of Art. www.uga.edu/gamuseum.
Black History Month Lecture. “Malcolm X and America’s Racial Future,” Manning Marable, Columbia University. 7 p.m. Chapel. 706/542-5197, kkmfree@uga.edu.
Feb. 22:
Performance. “Red Thunder/The Next Generation.” $15/$20. 8 p.m. Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall. 706/542-4400, www.uga.edu/pac.
Multicultural Alumni Conference. Through Feb. 24. This conference is designed to appeal to alumni from diverse groups across all majors. Highlights include the African-American Choral Ensemble, an international reception, career workshops, keynote luncheon with speaker Jason Carter, JD ’04, and a campus tour. Register at www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/mac08. Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel. 706/542-8158, 678/407-5373, rgroomes@uga.edu.
Feb. 23:
UGA NAACP Image Awards. The Honorable Joseph Lowery. 7 p.m., Ramsey Volleyball Arena. Tickets available at Tate Student Center, $10 for students and $30 all others. 706/542-8468.
India Nite. 7 p.m. Classic Center. Tickets $12 advance, $14 at the door and can be purchased at the Tate Student Center and the Classic Center Box Office. 706/542-5773.
Feb. 25:
Film. Glory. 7-9 p.m. Student Lounge, Memorial Hall. 706/542-5773.
Feb. 27:
Film. NO! Confronting Sexual Assault in Our Community. Provides a comprehensive lens through which to examine the impact of sexual violence on black women and girls, calling to task in particular the behaviors and attitudes of black men in reinforcing a cultural assault. Presented by Larry Gourdine and Amy Anderson. 12:20-1:10 p.m. 407 Memorial Hall. Discussion to follow. (706/542-8468.
Feb. 28:
Film. The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow: Part 4. Terror and Triumph (1940-1954). Intense white violence will not stop triumphant freedom fighters. The Brown v. Board of Education decision launches civil rights movement. 12:20-1:15 p.m. African-American Cultural Center Village Library, Room 414. 706/542-8468.
Watch Out Now: Credit Counts. Hear and learn from the best in managing your credit. Learn how to graduate with little to no debt or how to minimize your existing debt. 6-7 p.m. 407 Memorial Hall, 706/542-8468.
Feb. 29:
IWS Friday Speaker Series. “African- American Women and Buddhism.” Carolyn Medine, associate professor of religion. 12:20-1:10 p.m. 407 Memorial Hall. momolly@uga.edu.