Black History Month 2009
"Where Do We Go From Here...?"
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week as a way to promote the culture and contributions of black folk, particularly those in the United States. The second week of February was chosen in honor of the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Woodson felt that both Lincoln and Douglass were two American figures that had positively influenced African-Americans. At the time "Negro History Week" was created, historical references of black folk were primarily negative and deprecating. Carter not only wanted to change the historical record to reflect a more truthful and complete history but also sought to encourage black studies to educate people about the history of black people.
In 1976, Negro History Week became Black History Month as part of the U.S.'s bicentennial celebration of its birth as a nation.
Loyola University Chicago's Black History Month is a celebration of the contributions African-Americans and Africans have made throughout history. The month consists of a variety of lectures, performances and other events that highlight Black history and culture.
2009 BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS
Tuesday, February 3
Annual Blacks in Science Lecture
“Yes We Can! Making America More Healthy in the Age of Obama” w/ Commissioner Terry Mason
Dr. Mason was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 2005 to serve as the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health. He is a renowned urologist who is leading the way to make Chicago one of America’s healthiest cities.
4:15pm, Life Science Building Auditorium (Room 142) (LSC)
Thursday, February 5
Race, Class, & the Prison Industrial Complex
This event will feature the founder of Critical Resistance, Dr. Dylan Rodriguez and Julian Thompson a community advocate who has formerly experienced life in the prison industrial complex – as individuals and as a collective body – we will address: racial justice issues, globalization, capitalization and economic exploitation and social issues such as: homelessness, poverty, rights taken away, schools closing for communities of color, etc.
7:00pm, McCormick Lounge, Coffey Hall (LSC)
Friday, February 6
Eyes on the Prize: Documentary film screening (Part 1)
“Awakening” (60 minutes)
In this film, Mose Wright (Emmett Till’s Uncle) stands up to racial injustice. Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. spark a boycott to desegregate city buses.
11:45-1:00pm, Bremner Lounge, CFSU (LSC)/ Lunch will be served.
Monday, February 9
Rev. Jeremiah Wright: Law, Justice, & Society
Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. is one of the nation's most respected black leaders. As pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, he spent decades fighting on behalf of the poor and oppressed. He has built dozens of community organizations and social programs to provide education, legal aid, child care, and other services to the needy.
5:00-6:30pm, Ceremonial Courtroom 10 FL, (25 East Person) (WTC)
Sponsored by National Lawyers Guild
Thursday, February 12
NAACP Centennial Celebration
"We are 100!" Come celebrate with the NAACP as we look back on our history and celebrate the future alongside our partnerships with other organizations. This is an opportunity to win great prizes and hear inspirational words from the LUC community, so don't miss out!
3:00-6:00pm, CFSU Lobby (LSC)
Friday, February 13
Eyes on the Prize: Documentary film screening (Part 2)
“Two Societies” (60 minutes)
In this film, Martin Luther King Jr., and his SCLC face off with Chicago’s Mayor Richard Daly, Sr. over segregated housing. In Detroit, tensions explode and more than 100 cities share the pain of racial violence.
11:45-1:00pm, Bremner Lounge, CFSU (LSC)/ Lunch will be served.
Sunday, February 15
Soul Food Sunday
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with a soul food extravaganza. This event is free and open to the Loyola community!
4:00pm, Simpson Hall, MPR (LSC)
Monday, February 16
CelOBAMAbration: A President’s Day Gathering
Finally a reason to celebrate! Join us as we observe the historic Presidency of Barack Obama. View footage from the LUC Souljourners trip to the inauguration, participate in a live art installation, and test your knowledge of Black history for a chance to win fabulous prizes. There will be refreshments and a DJ mixing the best in Soul and Hip Hop music.
8:00-11:00pm Coffey Hall, McCormick Lounge (LSC)
Wednesday, February 18
3rd Annual Live Poetry Jam w/ Malik Yusef
Join us as we host some of Chicago’s premier poets, including Malik Yusef, one of the country’s top spoken word poets. Malik has been featured on HBO’s Def Poetry and on albums by critically acclaimed recording artists such as Carl Thomas, Raheem Devaughn, Common, and Kanye West. The performance stage will also be open to students, faculty, and staff. For more info, contact Benjamin Harris at bharri7@luc.edu or 773-508-3929.
7:00pm, Zips (Student Union, Lower Level) (LSC)
Thursday, February 19
Black State of the Union Address
This event will feature a panel of scholars from different professional fields to discuss the issues facing Black America locally and globally.
7:00pm, Simpson Hall, Multipurpose Room (LSC)
Friday, February 20
Eyes on the Prize: Documentary film screening (Part 3)
“A Nation of Law” (60 minutes)
In this film, we are given insight into the violent and unethical response to Black activism from local and federal law enforcement agencies. The FBI declares the Black Panthers the number one threat to internal security.
11:45-1:00pm, Bremner Lounge, CFSU (LSC)/ Lunch will be served.
Saturday, February 21
Ebony Ball
Come and have fun in downtown Chicago at Loyola’s Water Tower Campus for a night of elegant dancing and recognition. This celebratory event is a Loyola tradition and an opportunity for students to share their achievements and culture with the campus community.
8:00pm-12:00am, Kasbeer Hall (WTC)
Sunday, February 22
African Arts Festival
Come out and enjoy authentic African cuisine and artwork from artists within and outside the Loyola community. There will also be music and a talent show for individuals to compete for prizes.
5:00-8:00pm CFSU Lobby (LSC)
Tuesday, February 24