BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2011

California University of Pennsylvania will celebrate Black History Month by showcasing the accomplishments of African-Americans in education, finance and the arts.

Highlights include a Feb. 21 music workshop and lecture with Kendrick “Wyldcard” Dean, a Grammy-nominated composer and record producer who has co-written and produced singles with artists including Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, Danity Kane and Destiny’s Child.

Comedy-club favorite Nore Davis will perform his fast-paced comedy routine Feb. 4, and social commentator Dr. Boyce Watkins will deliver his trademark brand of no-nonsense financial advice Feb. 14 in “How to Get Your Paper Straight.”

Also scheduled to perform:

Feb. 10, Black Violin, two classically trained musicians and their DJ — a group whose signature sound blends jazz, hip-hop, funk and classical strings.
Feb. 11, The Young and Gifted Gospel Choir, talented Cal U singers whose “Celebration of Gospel” will include a special appearance by recording artists King.
Feb. 17, Twin Poets, award-winning slam poets Al & Nnamdi, Philadelphia-based wordsmiths whose work also includes a youth mentoring program focusing on self-expression.

In addition, multicultural educator Brian C. Johnson, of Bloomsburg University, will use Hollywood films to spark a discussion of diversity, and a series of talks sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Institute will feature the research, community involvement and personal interests of various Cal U faculty members.

Cal U students will share their talents in a student variety show, and a step-show contest based on the synchronized routine made popular by the Divine 9 will showcase the “stepping” dance tradition popularized by African-American fraternities and sororities.

Cal U’s Black History Month celebration closes with a trip to the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and the Reginald L. Lewis Cultural Museum in Baltimore, Md.

All Black History Month events are free and open to the public. Visitor parking is available in the new Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance.

Kendrick Dean Brian C. Johnson Dr. Boyce Watkins Nore Davis

Schedule of Events and Featured Videos

Feb. 1-4

Feb. 1
Frederick Douglass Institute Lecture Series - Dr. Corliss Outley and Dr. Myron Floydd
11 a.m.
Vulcan Theatre

Opening Ceremony - Dr. Corliss Outley and Dr. Myron Floydd
6 p.m.
Performance Center, Natali Student Center

Feb. 2
Taste of Africa
AVI will offer dining options from a region of Africa at the Gold Rush and Flatz Convenience Store.

Feb. 3
Soul Food Dinner
4 p.m.
Jozart Studio

Feb. 4
Comedy Show with Nore Davis
7 p.m.
Vulcan Theatre

Nore Davis Highlights

Feb. 7-11

Feb. 7
"Using Hollywood Film to Discuss Diversity" by Brian C. Johnson
6 p.m.
Vulcan Theatre

Feb. 8
Taste of Africa
AVI will offer dining options from a region of Africa at the Gold Rush and Joe's Contemporary American Grill.

Feb. 9
Frederick Douglass Institute Lecture Series - Dr. Michelle Torregano
11 a.m.
Room 103, Eberly Science and Technology Center

Feb. 10
Black Violin
6 p.m.
Performance Center, Natali Student Center

Feb. 11
Gospel Celebration - Young and Gifted Gospel Choir featuring KING
7 p.m.
Performance Center, Natali Student Center

Black Violin Video

Feb. 14-18

Feb. 14
"How to Get Your Paper Straight" by Dr. Boyce Watkins
6 p.m.
Performance Center, Natali Student Center

Feb. 15
Frederick Douglass Institute Lecture Series - "African American Older Male Caregivers: The Untold Story" by Dr. Norma Thomas
11 a.m.
Vulcan Theatre

Feb. 16
Taste of Africa
AVI will offer dining options from a region of Africa at the Gold Rush and Piazza.

Feb. 17
The Twin Poets
6 p.m.
Performance Center, Natali Student Center

Feb. 18
Black Student Union Talent Show
7 p.m.
Performance Center, Natali Student Center

Twin Poets Video

Feb. 21-25

Feb. 21
Kendrick "Wyldcard" Dean: Music Workshop and Lecture
6 p.m.
Learning Resource Center, Morgan Hall

Feb. 22
Frederick Douglass Institute Lecture Series - "Anna Murray Douglass: the Binding Glue of the Frederick Douglass Legacy" by Dr. Mike J. Brna
11 a.m.
Vulcan Theatre

Feb. 23
Taste of Africa
AVI will offer dining options from a region of Africa at the Gold Rush and Sycamore Bistro.

Feb. 24
Black History Quiz Show
8 p.m.
Washington Food Court

Kendrick "Wyldcard" Dean Interview

Feb. 26-28

Feb. 28
National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
Bus will leave campus at 6:00 a.m.
For questions regarding cost and reservations, contact Tonya Kirkland at 724-938-4307.