University Celebrates Black History Month

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Sharing Our Heritage,” commemorating the history of civil rights reforms in the United States and the essence of African-American culture. The month features more than 20 events from the BSA as well as other student organizations, including the Student Activities Board, Great Issues Committee, Residence Hall Association and Amnesty International. The office of student life and the Cross Cultural Center are also sponsoring events.

“I think it’s phenomenal that so many different student groups and departments are coming together to celebrate Black History Month,” said Lisa Udofia, BSA president. “I love any opportunity for the SLU community to unite and celebrate our common heritage.”

Angela Davis Photo credit: Angela Davis

The highlight of the month is The St. Louis American Black History Month Keynote Address, scheduled for 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, in Busch Student Center, Rooms 170-172. Dr. Angela Davis, a tenured professor at the University of California-Santa Cruz, came to national attention in 1969 after being removed from her teaching position in the philosophy department at UCLA as a result of her social activism and her membership in the Communist Party, USA. In 1970 she was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List on false charges, and was the subject of an intense police search that drove her underground and culminated in one of the most famous trials in recent U.S. history. During her sixteen-month incarceration, a massive international "Free Angela Davis" campaign was organized, leading to her acquittal in 1972.

Her long-standing commitment to prisoners' rights dates back to her involvement in the campaign to free the Soledad Brothers, which led to her own arrest and imprisonment. Today she remains an advocate of prison abolition and has developed a powerful critique of racism in the criminal justice system. She is a member of the advisory board of the Prison Activist Resource Center and currently is working on a comparative study of women's imprisonment in the U.S., the Netherlands and Cuba. Over the past three decades, Davis has lectured in all of the fifty United States, as well as in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and the former Soviet Union.

In addition to her speaking engagements, Davis is the author of several books, including “Angela Davis: An Autobiography,” “Women, Race, and Class,” and more.

Danny Glover

Just announced: Actor and activist Danny Glover will join Davis for the keynote address and follow-up questions.

Glover, a well-known actor from such films as The Color Purple, Leathal Weapon, Beloved and The Royal Tenenbaums, has received the William Kunstler Racial Justice Award for his work on a variety of social issues and a lifetime achievement award from Amnesty International. He was also appointed the first Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations Development Programme.

Glover’s visit is sponsored by United for Peace and Justice, a nationwide anti-war and social change network of activists.

The event is free to members of the University community and to students of other colleges. Cost is $5 for the general public. Advanced tickets may be purchased in the office of student life in Busch Student Center.

Many events are open to the public. For more information, call the Black Student Alliance at (314) 977-2814.

Black History Month Events

Opening Ceremony
Feb. 1
7 P.M.
DuBourg 157

Digging for Roots 101 (Sponsored by the Office of Community Relations)
Feb. 2
9-4 P.M.
BSC 251
Click for more information.

SLUcinema: The Hurricane (Sponsored by the Office of Student Life)
Feb. 2
8 P.M.
Kelly Auditorium

“Celebrate Africa” (Sponsored by the African Student Association)
Feb. 5
6 P.M.
Allied Health Multipurpose Room

Churchin’ with BSA: New Hope Baptist Church
Feb. 6t
Meet Behind Gries @ 9:15 AM

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Feb. 7

Blood Drive
Feb. 9
11-4 P.M.
St. Louis Room

SLUcinema: Ray (Sponsored by Office of Student Life)
Feb. 9
8 P.M.
BSC 170 *Tsunami Relief Event: $2 suggested donation*

Role of Greek Organizations in Contemporary Black America
Feb. 10
7 P.M.
Anheuser Busch Auditorium

Soul Food and Jazz Night (Co-Sponsored by Residence Hall Association)
Feb. 13
6 P.M.
DuBourg 157

Death Penalty Awareness Week Address: Sister Helen Prejean (Co-Sponsored by Amnesty International)
Feb. 16
7 P.M.
BSC 170
Click for more information.

Talent Showcase (Co-Sponsored by Harris-Stowe State College SGA)
Feb. 19
7 P.M.
Harris-Stowe State College

The "St. Louis American" Black History Month Keynote Address: Dr. Angela Y. Davis
(Co-Sponsored by the Great Issues Committee)
Feb. 20
7 P.M.
BSC 170-172
* Free to members of the University community and to students of other colleges. Cost is $5 for the general public. Tickets are available in the office of student life, Busch Student Center, Room 335.

An Evening with comedian Kevin Hart (Co-Sponsored by the Student Activities Board)
Feb. 23 (changed from Feb. 22)
8:30 P.M.
Wackadoos Grub and Brew

Finance Forum (Co-Sponsored GMAC/INROADS)
Feb. 23
7 P.M.
Saint Louis Room

Melody of Praise Concert
Feb. 24
7 P.M.
College Church

Harambee Ball
Feb. 25
Dinner Served at 7 P.M.
College Church Ballroom

Hip-Hop Forum
Feb. 27
7 P.M.
253 A-D

Black History Month Closing Ceremonies
Feb. 28
7 P.M.
DuBourg 157

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