Groups celebrate Black history

OLD GOLD AND BLACK REPORTER

LeeAnn Hodges

National performer Daryl Van Leer recreates Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech Monday.

Americans around the country are celebrating Black History Month this February, and this campus is no exception. Several student organizations are making efforts to involve all students in commemorating and becoming more aware of black history.

Darryl Van Leer, a nationally prominent speaker and actor who has performed at over 350 colleges and universities, reenacted parts of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches for an audience of about 25 in Pugh Auditorium, Monday night.

Van Leer put himself into King's character to deliver the speeches, which included the "I Have a Dream" speech given in Washington in 1963 and the speech King gave in Memphis the night before he was assassinated in 1968. The tribute to King was sponsored by Student Union.

Over 100 students gathered Tuesday night in the Benson University Center for a celebration of black history through music, poetry, and personal reflection. Eric Watts, an assistant professor of communication, was the master of ceremonies.

Senior Keisha Bates of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority said representatives from the men's basketball team, the football team, the Black Student Alliance and Gospel Choir as well as from Greek organizations Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, and Phi Beta Sigma spoke at the event, which included a candlelight vigil.

Other events that AKA has organized included an African-American movie night Feb. 4 and "The `Blunt' Facts on Marijuana," a forum in which medical experts spoke to students about marijuana's effects on the body, Bates said.

The last of AKA's events will be held Tuesday, when Ed Reynolds, '69, the first black American to graduate from the university with honors, will speak in Pugh Auditorium at 8 p.m. "All of our forums are open to all students," Bates said.

Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity has also held events to celebrate Black History Month, including a formal and "Black Jeopardy," in which students competed in a black trivia contest, senior Eric Grate of Alpha Phi Alpha said.

Delta Sigma Theta sorority is celebrating this month as well, said senior Shawntae Ferguson. The organization has compiled a reading list of black history material that is posted in the library and being distributed by some English professors.

Ferguson said a group of students will travel to Winston-Salem State University Feb. 27 to meet with and view the artwork of a black artist.

The sorority has also printed up flyers containing facts relating to black history and posted them around campus. An informational newsletter for all students was to be distributed today, Ferguson said. "It's about educating," she said, adding that the month is not only an opportunity to celebrate but also to give back.

Events scheduled for next week include a performance by the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble in Brendle Recital Hall at 8 p.m. on Monday and the "Black Comedy Tour" featuring Arnez J from BET. The comedy show will be held Wednesday at 10 p.m. in Pugh Auditorium and is sponsored by Student Union and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Gospel Choir members sing in the Benson University Center Tuesday as part of a celebration of Black History Month.