Several groups and organizations at the University of Rochester are presenting numerous events in celebration of Black History Month during February under the theme, "Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud."
The Pi Beta chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host the Crimson & Crème Benefit Ball at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, at the Rochester Club Ball Room, 120 East Ave. This event, which serves as the primary fundraiser for the Denise Y. Giles Memorial Scholarship, is open to the general public. Giles was a member of the Pi Beta chapter and passed away in 1989 after earning her bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester. Tickets for the ball are $25 and are available at the Common Market in Wilson Commons on the University of Rochester's River Campus.
The Black Tie Affair Date Auction will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, in the Havens Lounge of Wilson Commons. Students can bid using cash or flex on dates to the formal later this month. All proceeds go to Xavier University, a historically black university that was affected by Hurricane Katrina.
There will be a health exposition on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in Wilson Commons and the Frederick Douglass Dining Center. Booths from local health care companies and agencies will be set up with information on health concerns related to blacks and Latinos. Free workshops and HIV/AIDS testing will also be offered to the public. Registration starts at 9 a.m.
Def Jam poet Georgia Me will take the stage at the Black Students' Union's Poetry Slam at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Resto-Lounge and Night Club, 151 St. Paul St. Admission is free for 21-year-olds and older with proper identification for the general public; University of Rochester students must be 18 years old with college identification.
The third annual Black Tie Affair takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Doubletree Hotel. The formal event is an elegant evening that recognizes and celebrates black achievements. This year's theme is "Harlem Nights," and transportation will be provided. Tickets are $20 for University of Rochester students and $30 for the general public. For more information, contact (585) 275-5911.