Several groups and organizations at the University of Rochester will be presenting numerous events in celebration of Black History Month during February.
An exhibit by Rochester artist Shawn Dunwoody on "The Recompense of Saint Orenthal" will be at the Hartnett Gallery in Wilson Commons on the River Campus through Sunday, Feb. 6. Dunwoody's work reveals the stereotypes that minorities confront in America by integrating religious symbols, icons, and artifacts. The gallery is open weekdays between the hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and noon to 6 p.m. on weekends. Admission is free.
Jazz singer Bobby McFerrin comes to the Eastman Theater at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4. Tickets are $25, $35, and $75 and are available at Ticket Express or Ticket Master. For more information, call (716) 222-5000. McFerrin's performance is sponsored by the Health Association and Legg Mason in conjunction with Eastman School of Music faculty and students.
Pi Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is holding its Ninth Annual Sisterhood Week from Sunday, Feb. 6, through Friday, Feb. 11. The week begins on Sunday with a Heritage Night from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m at the SUNY Brockport Ballroom. The free event celebrates the richness of black culture through dance, poetry, and music. On Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m., a free discussion on the duality of an individual in the workplace will be held at the Rochester Institute of Technology's Student Union. A "Service Giveaway" auction of typing and tutoring services, hair braiding, and other items occurs at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, in the Gowen Room in Wilson Commons on the River Campus. Sisterhood Week concludes with the Crimson and Crème Benefit Ball at The Top of the Plaza Restaurant in Midtown Plaza at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11. Tickets may be purchased at the Common Market in Wilson Commons for $20 per person and $35 per couple. All proceeds go to the Denise Y. Giles Memorial Scholarship Fund.
On Sunday, Feb. 13, at 3 p.m., the Rev. Norvell Goff, president of the Rochester chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, will speak in the Interfaith Chapel on the River Campus. Following his talk there will be a musical performance by the Baber AME Church Mass Choir. The event is free and sponsored by the Interdenominational Worship Group. The same day, at 6 p.m. in Havens Lounge in Wilson Commons, the Black Students' Union will sponsor Wanna Be a Millionaire?, their version of the popular quiz show, testing participants' knowledge of African and African-American trivia. This is a free event.
"Phiota Luvin' ", a poetry contest sponsored by Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will be held on Monday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m. in the Common Ground Coffee House in Wilson Commons. A $50 cash prize will be awarded to the first place winner.
Actor and activist Derrick Ashong, who was featured in the movie Amistad, discusses music and important issues facing the black community at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, in lower Strong Auditorium on the River Campus. The event is free.
The Pan-African Exposition, from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19, in Wilson Commons on the River Campus, features workshops, a fashion show by urban designer Platinum by Hughes, a dating game, and arts and crafts. In addition, Paul Burgett, Vice President and University Dean of Students, will give a presentation on famous African-Americans in history. The event is sponsored by the Black Students' Union and admission is free.
Caribbean Week, sponsored by the African Caribbean Cultural Club (ACCC), starts at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, in Havens Lounge in Wilson Commons with a discussion on influential leaders in African and Caribbean communities around the world. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, in the Friel Lounge in Susan B. Anthony Halls, there will be a games night featuring a team trivia contest. Refreshments will be available and prizes will be awarded. The week closes out with Poetry Night on Thursday, Feb. 24.
A roundtable discussion on "Diversity: the White Washing of History" will be presented at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, in the Gowen Room in Wilson Commons. The dialogue is sponsored by the College Diversity Roundtable.
The 10th annual "Drew 2000: The New Frontier in Medicine" conference takes place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, in Wilson Commons. Sponsored by the Charles Drew Pre-Health Professions Society, the Office of Minority Affairs, the School of Medicine and Dentistry-Office of Ethnic & Multicultural Affairs, and the Student National Medical Association, this event will explore the future of community medicine and biomedical research.
"The Clorox Complex" of multiracial families and couples is the theme of speaker Elliott Lewis, a Washington, D.C. news reporter, at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, in the Welles-Brown Room in Rush Rhees Library on the River Campus.
For more information about Black History Month programs, contact the Black Students' Union at 275-3068.