Bryant commemorates Black History Month

Events include speakers, soul food dinner, fundraiser for Haiti, and the annual Extravaganza fashion show.

Growing up with one black parent and one white parent, Morgan Johnson ’12 (East Providence, RI) is in a fairly uncommon category – fewer than 2 percent of Americans are biracial or multiracial. She recalls family members emphasizing the importance of justice and equality for all, and as the chair of Bryant’s Black History Month committee, she is further communicating this message.

Johnson is helping to plan events that celebrate diversity and educate the Bryant community about the contributions of influential African Americans.

“I grew up in a community that was very diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, and religion,” says Johnson, a communication major who aspires to begin a career in radio or television after graduating. “At Bryant, I’ve been given the opportunity to share these great values with my peers.”

Johnson and her committee came up with the theme for the month, “Not Just African. Not Just American,” to help dispel the stereotype that the month-long celebration is based solely on trials and tribulations of Blacks in the United States.

“We want to emphasize that the history of these people spans far beyond our nation’s borders,” says Johnson. “Black History Month is celebrated worldwide.”

Cultural immersion

The next event at Bryant will be a movie night on Wednesday, February 10, at 9:30 p.m. in Papitto that will feature a showing of “Rosewood,” a dramatization of a horrific racist lynch mob attack on an African American Community in Florida in the 1920s. The February 10 showing off "Rosewood" has been postponed and will be rescheduled.

On Thursday, February 11, students can enjoy a soul food feast in Salmanson Dining Hall from 5 to 7 p.m. The spread will feature smothered pork chops, fried chicken, collard greens, sweet corn, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread made by members of Bryant’s Multicultural Student Union and the Intercultural Center.

The Alliance for Women’s Awareness and the Women's Center will sponsor a talk by Byron Hurt, an award-winning filmmaker, published writer, and anti-sexism activist on Thursday, February 16, at 4 p.m. in Janikies Theatre. Since 1993, Hurt has used his voice and his writings to broaden how people think about gender, race, sex, violence, music, and visual media.

To show the geographical reach of Black History Month, Bryant will host “Ayiti Cheri” (Haiti My Love) on Wednesday, February 17, at 9 p.m. in Papitto to raise money for the relief efforts in Haiti. The community is invited to enjoy Haitian cuisine, listen to traditional Haitian melodies, and watch students perform songs, dances, and poetry in a tribute to the hundreds of thousands who perished in the catastrophic earthquake last month.

Throughout the month, the Black History Month Committee will be conducting the “Spare Change. Make Change.” campaign to raise money for Haiti. Read more about Bryant in ACTION for Haiti.

Appreciating Diversity

Students can show of their knowledge of Africa by taking part in African Trivia Night on Tuesday, February 23, at 9:30 pm in South Dining Hall. The winning team of the Jeopardy^®-style competition will receive a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant of their choice.

The first Global Community Hour of the spring semester on Wednesday, February 24, at noon in Papitto will feature Naa Aku Dua ’12 and Emmanuel Ntim ’13 talking about their home country of Ghana.

Also on February 24 at 3:30 p.m. students are invited to a panel discussion, “The Color of Hate: Crimes Against Black Americans,” in the West Room of the Interfaith Center.

Carol-Ann Lundy '11 (Bridgeport, CT) reads a selection as part of he National African American Read-In.

Bryant’s celebration of Black History Month will conclude on Friday, February 26, with the annual Extravaganza Fashion Show. This year’s show will highlight prominent Black figures in the fashion world and showcase designs by some up and coming local designers. Read about last year's show.

The month-long celebration got off to a thought-provoking start on February 1, as members of the Bryant community read from selections written by their favorite Black authors as part of the National African American Read-In. Earlier this month, students also watched “Precious,” the Academy Award-nominated film based on the novel “Push.” The movie chronicled the true story of Claireece Precious Jones who faced unimaginable hardships growing up in poverty and being abused by her parents.

Preparing global leaders

Shontay Delalue King, director of the Intercultural Center, hopes that by attending events throughout Black History Month, students will develop an interest that they will explore as part of their educational and co-curricular pursuits.

“Educators truly invested in student development understand the importance of learning inside and outside the classroom,” says King. “While Black History Month is officially celebrated in February, it is our hope that the event will spark dialogues that encourage students to want to learn more during their time at Bryant and beyond.”

She says it is imperative for students who will live and work with people from around the world to be exposed to diverse cultures.

“Our job,” says King, “is to not only promote academic success but also provide an inclusive environment that prepares our graduates to enter into a global workforce.”

Check back at www.bryant.edu the week of February 22 to get ticket information and to read a “behind the scenes” look at this year’s Extravaganza.

Black History Month Committee

Morgan Johnson ’12 (East Providence, RI), Chair

Danielle Chin ’13 (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
Bliss Clark ’13 (East Haven, CT)
Jalisa Cox ’13 (Beltsville, MD)
Rocina Dalzell ’13 (Brooklyn, NY)
Karina Evora ’12 (East Providence, RI)
Nicole Fleming ’12 (Waterville, ME)
Nikita Gittens ’13 (Bridgeport, CT)

Cory Glover ’13 (Pawtucket, RI)
Byron Kerr ’13 (Milford, CT)
Norah Justin ’13 (Hyde Park, MA)
Islindy Merius ’13 (Providence, RI)
Emmanuel Ntim ’13 (Accra, Ghana)
Danitra Shorts ’13 (E. Providence, RI)
Mariah Springs ’13 (New York, NY)