Black History Month kicks off

Dennis Laffoon was successful in silencing the stir of the crowd as he belted, in high alto, a religious piece from his own musical selection. It was the kickoff to Black History Month.\nThough the kickoff was a secular event, cheers, clapping and a few "amens" echoed from the audience. \nBlack History Month Committee member Kevin Jones hosted the event, presenting a number of speakers, including Mayor Mark Kruzan.\n"It's important not to underestimate the talent that runs through Bloomington in the African-American community," Jones said.\nJones introduced School of Ethnomusicology professors Mellonee Burnim and Portia Maultsby. The two gave a presentation of their new book, "African American Music: An Introduction."\n"The objective of our piece, really, is to bring the voices of African-American music to the foreground," Maultsby said in her presentation. The book covers all types of music from gospel and funk to jazz and rock. \n"It's important for us to portray popular African-American music from the perspective of scholars and those who have a wide range of knowledge with the era," Maultsby said.\nThe presentation was followed by a spiritual dance from the Heavenly Anointed Vessels of Second Baptist Church.\nIn addition, Sigma Gamma Rho and Delta Sigma Theta sorority alumnae led a workshop for teens on the history and art of stepping. \n"It's an art that definitely deserves to be passed down through generations. It's fun and educational also," Sigma Gamma Rho graduate Tari Wimbley said. \nBeverly Calender-Anderson, a volunteer of the Bloomington Safe and Civil City program, helped coordinate this month's events and said she was pleased with the presentations.\n "It's a real cross-section of the community," she said, "and everyone is welcome, no matter what. Our goal is to make the events inspirational, educational and entertaining." \nLast night's kick-off was only the beginning of this month-long celebration. The events will include a variety of speakers, musical entertainment and free food. \nThe Bloomington celebration will go hand-in-hand with events sponsored by IU, Ivy Tech Community College and a variety of local corporations, according to a city of Bloomington press release.\nFor more information on the events visit http://bloomington.in.gov/safe