January 17, 2007
Nova Southeastern University Celebrates Black History Month
Highlights include Annual Art Exhibition and visit from “The Rock”
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Nova Southeastern University will commemorate Black History Month 2007 with a variety of special events that boasts something for everyone, including art, drama performances, lectures, presentations, film viewing and workshops. All of NSU’s events are free and open to the public.
Highlights of the month-long celebration include the opening of “Keepers of the Dream” African Presence 2007 Art Exhibition on February 8, and Life 101…Personally Speaking with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on February 19.
Below is a complete listing of events for February:
February 3- “Just Us: From Bean Pickers to Presidents” a historical drama about the early Black history of Fort Lauderdale is performed by the Metropolitan Diversity Theater Company, 7:00 p.m., in the Mailman Auditorium. Reception follows play. Reservations required: call (954)262-8179, or visit www.nsutheatre@nova.edu.
February 5 - Drama Workshop with Tony Thompson, will be presented at 6:00 p.m. in the Mailman Auditorium. Tony Thompson, artistic director of the Metropolitan Diversity Theatre Company, will discuss the process of collecting the personal narratives and historical data that inspired his play Just Us: From Bean Pickers to Presidents.
February 7- "Kente Cloth” presented by Cyril Blavo, D.O.
Cyril Blavo, a native of Ghana and professor at NSU, will discuss the origins of Kente, as well as the traditions and cultures associated with the fabric. A hand made weaving apparatus will also be on display. The event will be held in the Terry Building, Hull Auditorium, noon – 1:00 p.m.
February 8 -“The Lived Experiences of a Tuskegee Airman” -World War II Tuskegee Airman, Captain Charles Hill, will speak at noon – 1:00 p.m., in the Terry Building, Hull Auditorium. For more information, contact Rashondia Gaines, at rgaines@nova.edu.
February 8 - Grand Opening Reception, “Keepers of the Dream” - African Presence 2007: 4th Annual Art Exhibition will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Alvin Sherman Library. NSU will join with the Oscar Thomas Foundation to present a collection of works from local high school students which recognize the contributions of the African Diaspora to American history, politics, spirituality and artistic expression. The student pieces, to be displayed in the NSU Gallery through March 8, were inspired by the works of renowned portrait artist and muralist Oscar Thomas.
February 10 - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Expo - This mini expo and forum which will provide information on area services and support groups for family members who are raising relative’s children, will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
February 13- “Back to Africa” Stephen Campbell, Ph.D., professor at NSU’s Center for Psychological Studies, will discuss his recent visit to South Africa and the problems the region faces, such as trauma, mental health issues, and sociopolitical issues. Lecture will be held from noon - 1:30 p.m. in the Alvin Sherman Library.
February 14 - A Bluesy Valentine’s Day at NSU – Blues guitarist Joey Gilmore is the featured guest during this celebration of the blues, 6:30 p.m. at The Flight Deck of NSU’s University Center.
February 15 - “The Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke: A Report of the United States Surgeon General” Guest speakers: Arlene Lester, D.D.S., M.P.H., Commander, United States Public Health Service, Office of Minority Health. The event will be held in the Steele Auditorium, Terry Building, noon – 1:30 p.m.
February 15 - “Factors that Hinder Women of Color from Obtaining Preventive Services” will be presented by
Llewellyn Joseph Cornelius, Ph.D., professor, University of Maryland at Baltimore, School of Social Work. Presentation will be held 6:30 -8:00 p.m. in the Terry Building, Hull Auditorium.
February 16 - Film Screening and Panel Discussion of “Civil Brand,” a thought-provoking film about women prisoners who take over a prison, starring Mos Def, Lisa Ray, Tichina Arnold, and MC Lyte. Film will be shown at 7:00 p.m., in the Knight Auditorium, followed by a panel discussion about issues of race, gender and the US justice system. Event is co-sponsored by the Women’s International Film Festival.
February 17- Minority Law Day, NSU’s Shepard Broad Law Center will present Minority Law Day at 9:00 a.m., at the Law Center on NSU’s main campus. The free event gives high school and undergraduates a taste of what it’s like to attend law school. For more information, visit http://www.nsulaw.nova.edu/.
February 19 – Life 101…Personally Speaking with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will be the guest for NSU’s Life 101...Personally Speaking at 7:00 p.m., in the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on NSU’s main campus. Johnson will be interviewed for one hour, followed by a question-and-answer session. A reception will immediately follow. Limited seating is available. Call (954) 262-7283 for more information.
February 19- Interactive Group Coaching Session, presented by Life Coach Opal O. Murray, this session is limited to 20 participants. Event will be held in the Terry Building, room 1247, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
February 21- Road Scholars: Voices of the Harlem Renaissance,” a Chautauqua-style portrayal of three literary giants: Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and James Weldon Johnson will be presented 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. in the Terry Building, Steele Auditorium.
February 22 - “Beyond Race, Towards a Whole-Genome Perspective on Human Populations and Genetic Variation," will be presented by Morris W. Foster, Ph.D., 7-8:00 p.m. in the Hull Auditorium, Terry Building. Foster is a professor of Anthropology at the University of Oklahoma, and associate director for Population Science of the University of Oklahoma Cancer Institute.
For a complete listing of children’s activities planned at the Alvin Sherman Library, and for more information about NSU’s Black History Month celebration, visit www.nova.edu or call (954) 262-5353.
