The University of Arkansas at Monticello
will celebrate Black History month from Feb. 13-17.
Black History month dates back to 1926 and got started by Carter G.
Woodson, a Harvard Scholar. Woodson, the son of former
slaves, worked hard to ensure that important people in
black history would be remembered. He organized the
first annual Negro history week in 1926. Woodson chose
the second week in February in honor of the birthdays of
black supporters Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass.
UAM will celebrate
Black History month with the following activities:
- Feb. 13 - The National Pan-Hellenic Council provides displays in the Gibson University Center Green Room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Feb. 14 -
Alpha Phi Alpha hosts "Valentine’s Ball 2006" at 8:06 p.m. in the U.C. Capitol Room. Admission is $3 for singles and $5 for couples.
-
Feb. 15 - "Yewande," a
multicultural lecture-performance will be held in the U.C.
Green Room from noon-1:30 p.m.
- Feb. 16 - The "Save-A-Life Tour," a drinking and driving simulation, will be held in the U.C.
Green Room from 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
- Feb. 17
- The African-American History Cinema presents "A display of African-American history in Hollywood" in the U.C. Green Room from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Some organizations around campus plan to be actively
involved in the activities. Ron Hudson, president of Alpha Phi Alpha, said his
organization plans on not taking this opportunity for
granted and he hopes that the rest of the campus will
get involved in the events. APA is working also on putting together a project with the NAACP,
he said.
Students on UAM's campus have strong opinions on Black History
Month. Hudson said that unfortunately, there is a need
to differentiate one month to learn about black history.
"I feel that we have to look at black history for what it
is -- American history. There are numerous races,
nationalities, religious and ethic groups in this
country who have made contributions to our society and
we all are a part of that history. At the same time, I
do feel the acknowledgment of the sacrifices and
achievements of African-Americans who fought so hard to
give us the opportunities that we have today is highly
necessary," Hudson said.
Brent Miller, a post-bachelor student at UAM, said he thinks
Black History Month is an educational experience for
everyone involved. Hudson said he hopes all of the activities will help get
students and faculty at UAM involved with Black History
month and to learn more about historical
African-Americans.
"I just hope that we can get a lot of people involved
and that the events will leave a
positive, lasting impression on the UAM community and
all others in attendance,"
Hudson said.
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