UH-Clear Lake group celebrates Black History Month

Two films and three special presentations in February are scheduled for Black History Month at University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston. Spearheaded by the university’s Black Students Association with support from numerous other organizations, the events are open to the public.

“We revamped the Black Students Association and began offering events to celebrate Black History Month in February about five years ago,” says Black Students Association President Joyce Delores Taylor. “This year, we began planning during the fall semester and we are pleased with what we have scheduled. The events offer a little something for everyone.”

Events during the monthlong celebration include the following:

• Saturday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m., “Stomp the Yard” – The 2007 film highlights two fraternities vying to recruit one student to strengthen their step-dance teams for a national competition. UH-Clear Lake Dean of Students Anthony Jenkins will speak following the film. Several live step-dance performances by local sororities and fraternities have also been scheduled. Admission is $3.50. The film will be presented in the university’s Bayou Theater.

• Monday, Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m., Black History Month Presentation – UH-Clear Lake Admissions Counselor Carole Sylvers will speak about the history of Black History Month, its founder and origin and the original intent of the celebration. The free presentation will be held in the Bayou Building Garden Room.

• Monday, Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m., “The ‘N’ Word Part II” – Associate Professor of Criminology Everette Penn provides a historical perspective and the evolution of the powerful and controversial word. Admission is free. This event will be held in the Garden Room.

• Wednesday, Feb. 27, 5:30 p.m., “Be the Change We All Wish to Become!” –Community leaders will discuss breaking the chains of ignorance, self-hatred and silence while presenting their thoughts on the separation of the black community. Black community/professional leaders offer their perspectives in the Garden Room. Admission is free.

• Friday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m., “To Kill a Mockingbird” – This classic and endearing film offers a resonant plea for tolerance. Admission is $3.50. The film will be shown in the Bayou Theater. A guest speaker will discuss the film’s themes following the movie.

Other organizations sponsoring these events include the Office of Intercultural and International Student Services, Office of Student Life Cultural Arts program, Office of Student Life Film & Speaker Series, Office of University Advancement and the African-American Employee Group. Refreshments will be provided after all the events.

For information about these events, call the Office of Student Life, 281-283-2560. To find out more about the Black Students Association, visit http://www.uhcl.edu/studentorgs/bsa.