City kicks off Black History Month celebrations

When “student of Motown” Charles Sykes took the podium at Bloomington’s Black History Month kickoff celebration Thursday, he played a song he thought would set the appropriate mood: the Temptations’ “My Girl.”

Sykes, director of the IU African American Arts Institute, typically plays music to end his lectures. But for his Thursday presentation – a history of 50 years of Motown Records – he thought people needed to hear music to start things off as well.

Motown’s 50th anniversary and the 100-year anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People are among the main events the city will celebrate during February, which is Black History Month.

This year’s theme: Black History Month – Bloomington Style.

Dozens of people gathered in Showers City Hall on Thursday to hear lectures and seminars about black history.

Along with free admission, visitors of all ages enjoyed refreshments, listened to various presentations and partook in informational sessions about the role of black fraternities and sororities. Children enjoyed storytelling by local actor I. James Torry and a craft activity.

There were also presentations about college preparation and healthy living.

Beverly Calender-Anderson, the Safe and Civil City director, said she was excited about the kickoff and looks forward to the upcoming events in Bloomington for Black History Month.

“The city’s involvement in celebrating Black History Month helps people feel at home and part of the community,” Calender-Anderson said.

Mayor Mark Kruzan opened the kickoff reception by acknowledging the important events being celebrated during this year’s Black History Month, including the anniversaries.

Sykes, who also teaches an IU class about Motown, said he has “learned a lot” about himself through his study of the music.

Sophomore Chelsea Montgomery said she attended the kickoff event for the cultural experience. She said she attends cultural events around the Bloomington community for her social work class.

“The purpose is to go to a place we have never been,” Montgomery said, “and reflect on how we feel about the different cultures.”

They city’s next Black History Month event – a panel discussion about the state of the black community in and outside of Bloomington – takes place at 6 p.m. Tuesday at city hall.

The month’s events culminate in a gala featuring a reception, dinner and dance Feb. 28. Tickets are $40.