January/February 2001

Black History Month Activities at Mason Offer Diversity By Lynn Burke During February, the George Mason University community will have available a number of opportunities for observing Black History Month--activities that will appeal to many interests and tastes. “There is something for everyone,” says Angela Wright, assistant director of cultural education and academic programs in the Office of Diversity Programs and Services. The university will kick off Black History Month on Feb. 1 with a panel discussion of “King’s Legacy in a New Political Era” in the Johnson Center Multipurpose Room at 1:30 p.m. The program, presented by the African American Studies Program, features speakers Vickey Wilcher, executive director of the D.C. Republican Committee; the Honorable Nelson Diaz, former general counsel for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Toni-Michelle Travis of Public and International Affairs; and Ron Walters, a professor from the University of Maryland at College Park. Robinson Professor Roger Wilkins will moderate. That evening, a candlelight vigil for Martin Luther King Jr. hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will begin in front of SUB II at 6:30 p.m. Also scheduled for that evening is a choral concert in the Harris Theater presented by the Music Department. New to the Black History Month schedule this year is a poetry slam sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The fraternity is also sponsoring a lecture by adjunct professor Andrew Ryan and an African market at the Johnson Center Atrium kiosk where vendors will offer for sale Greek paraphernalia, jewelry, gifts, and books. Of special interest to women will be an evening of discussion called “Sistah to Sistah” sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., on Feb. 21. Other activities include the second annual Student Recognition Gala, films, a battle of the bands, and the return of the popular black history trivia contest. In addition, a Soul Food Lunch and a Soul Food Night are planned for Feb. 15 at the Campus Crossroads. Another highlight will be the Gospel Extravaganza featuring university singers and local choirs on Feb.18 in the Johnson Center Multipurpose Room. The month’s activities will wrap up on Feb. 25 with more music. At 7:30 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall, the gospel quartet The Mighty Clouds of Joy, joined by the Campbell Brothers, provide a jubilant close to the month’s activities. A full listing of the month’s events can be found at Today @Mason at www.gmu.edu/today/index.html. For more information, call the Office of Diversity Programs and Services at x32700.