Month of Celebrations: A look at how colleges and universities are celebrating Black History Month.
Black History Collegiate Quiz Bowl: The Quiz Bowl is a favorite African American History Month activity carried over from previous years where select Benedict College students compete against one another to test their knowledge of Black history. Communication Session: Brother to Brother: “Catch my Hand Before I Fall.” An essential session for men only to discuss their hopes, dreams, and fears. Communication Session: Sister to Sister: “Exhale Party,” an essential session for women only to discuss their hopes, dreams and fears. The Benedict College Harambee Festival: One of the largest college-sponsored African American festivals in the nation. A festival for the entire family that has plenty of food, music, fun, art and hard-to-find items and merchandise.
Lecture/Music: James McBride, author of The Color of Water, A Black Man’s Tribute to his White Mother. A reading and concert by the author’s 12-piece jazz band; Poetry: Poetry Slam, a celebration of words by African American writers. Poetry reading by Bergen Community College faculty, staff and students; Lecture: Barkari Kitwana, author of Hip Hop Generation, speaks on young Blacks and the crisis in African American culture.
Music: Faculty pianist Matt Jenson presents a student ensemble performing the music of the Jamaican music icon Bob Marley; Kindred Spirits presented by Ron Reid, concert featuring contemporary compositions for the steel drum and lively soca and calypso arrangements; Performance by gospel group, Take 6. Lecture: Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., Encarta Africana: “W.E.B. Du Bois to John Coltrane.”
