Campus to celebrate Black History Month with lectures, contests

When the idea of celebrating black history was first introduced to IU in the 1970s, the celebration only lasted one week. As the nation made the transition from celebrating black history in one week to one month, so did IU. \n“(One) month cannot contain black history,” said Audrey McCluskey, interim director of the Neal Marshall Black Culture Center. “(It) should be an ongoing celebration of the history and challenges that face (African Americans).” \nAfter planning for four months, IU plans to celebrate Black History Month with 27 events, ranging from lectures to a step performance to a trivia competition. \nThe IU Black History Month Committee planned all of the events in conjunction with the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs and other IU departments.\nThe theme of this year’s events is “Building Our Community: Celebrating Our Past, Securing Our Future.” The IU Black History Month Committee tries to follow the national themes for Black History Month, said David Hummons, chair of the committee.\nOne of the first events is the “Bridgewaters Family Photographs” exhibit. The presentation will feature photographs from the late 1800s and early 1900s of the Bridgewaters family, one of the most important black families in Bloomington history.\nThe event will feature guest speakers such as Hummons and Betty Bridgewaters.\n“Step Afrikah! Step Show Performance” is also expected to draw a big crowd, Medrano said. The event will be held Feb. 11 at the Indiana Memorial Union. The event will not only consist of a step performance, it will also explain how the dance evolved from an African dance to being incorporated into greek organizations.\n“Bling: A Planet Rock” will be screened at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 in Woodburn Hall. The documentary focuses on the diamond industry in Africa, Medrano said. Kayne West and Will.I.Am are among the celebrities that participated in the production of the film.\nMcCluskey said she is most excited about the “Black Knowledge Bowl – NMBCC,” which will take place Feb. 27 in the Grand Hall of the Neal Marshall Black Culture Center. The program will be based on the television show “Jeopardy.” Twelve competing organizations on campus are expected to participate, McCluskey said. The event will also include prizes and a reception. \nMost of the events, except for plays from the Bloomington Playwright Project, are free and open to the public. Medrano encourages everyone, not just people in the black community, to come out to the events. \n“Black History Month is not just black history, it’s American history,” Hummons said. \nFor more information about the events, visit www.indiana.edu/~bhm.