Hat tradition cherished at Black History Month event

About 70 people, some with rather exotic head ornaments, participated in an event Sunday afternoon to praise blacks and their role in society. The Monroe County Library played host to a program called Bloomington-style Crown's Day, part of the month-long black history celebration, cosponsored by Ivy Tech Community College and the Bloomington Black Business Bureau. \nThe concept of recognizing women in the community with their "church hats" was inspired by Michael Cunningham's book, "Crowns." \nIn "Crowns," Cunningham calls this phenomenon "a peculiar convergence of faith and fashion that keeps the Sabbath both holy and glamorous." In response to the book, James Baldwin said: "Our crowns have already been bought and paid for. All we have to do is wear them." \nBeverly Calendar Anderson, one of the event organizers, said she was amazed by the turnout given the fact that the event conflicted with Super Bowl pre-game programming. \n"African-American history is everyone's history, yet (African Americans) are still underrepresented in society," Anderson said.\nThe event started with a welcome from Black History Month Committee member William Vance, Jr. Participants then sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by R. Rosamond Johnson. Then keynote speaker Gladys Devane emphasized the importance of hats in society and how African Americans are considered "naked" if they do not wear them to church. She also recited a poem about hats.\nThe event concluded with many women coming up to display their hats as Black History Month Committee member Kevin Jones gave colorful, rhyming introductions about each woman as she presented her hat on stage. A pageant of wide brims, felt and feathers paraded in front of a roused audience.\nTo end the event, Elaine Mellencamp, wife of Hoosier rock sensation John Mellencamp, waved to the crowd, donning a sporty cowboy hat. \nKathy Starks-Dyer, an event spectator who works for the library, said she admired the camaraderie and spirit of the event.\n"(Bloomington African Americans show) a wonderful sense of community, and I think everyone should follow their example," she said. \nFor those who missed the event, a rebroadcast of Bloomington Style Crown's Day will appear on the Community Access Channel throughout the month.