News Archive

R-MWC Celebrates Black History Month

Events feature wide range of artists and speakers

2/6/2006 1:52:32 PM

   

LYNCHBURG — Randolph-Macon Woman’s College will celebrate Black History Month with a wide array of speakers, musicians, film makers, and business leaders. Events begin Feb. 1 and run through March 27. Most events are free or have minimal cost.

Dr. Carter Woodson founded the study of black history and established Black History Month in 1926. Many significant events including the birth of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, the passing of the 15th Amendment, and the founding of the NAACP occurred during the month of February. It is a time for all Americans to remember, celebrate, and take action to improve our society.

The djembe women’s ensemble, Nataraja, kicks off the college’s festivities with rhythmic hand-drumming in the Houston Memorial Chapel at 7 p.m. on Feb.1. R-MWC’s Black Woman’s Alliance will also host Paul Rishell and Annie Raines, two well-known acoustic blues and gospel musicians who have opened for Ray Charles and played on the Conan O’Brien Show. A lecture from Leon Bates, a leading American pianist whose work is known internationally, will be held in Wimberly Recital Hall on Feb. 27 and a visit from Lisa Simmons is scheduled for March 27. Simmons is founder and president of The Color of Film Collaborative, Inc., which is a non-profit organization that works to create more diverse images of people of color in the media as well as supporting independent filmmakers of color.

Other Events Include:

  • Dinner and a Movie: A showing of the movie Soul Food on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. in Smith Banquet Hall. For reservations, call 434-947-8809, cost $7 general admission, $3 R-MWC students.
  • Crash: A showing of the urban drama Crash, which takes a bold look at racial issues in modern, post 9-11 America. The movie stars Sandra Bullock and Don Cheadle. Feb. 7, Smith Hall Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
  • 9th Annual Gospel Extravaganza: A night of dance, song, worship, and praise that recognizes the significant role of gospel music in the history and daily lives of Black Americans. Feb. 11, 7 p.m., Houston Memorial Chapel.
  • African-American Entrepreneurs: Panel discussion with several African-American entrepreneurs from central Virginia. Feb. 19, Houston Memorial Chapel, 3 p.m.
  • Unbelievable Flavor: A student production from the “Flava” series by R-MWC’s Heritage Ensemble. It will feature new arrangements of classic African literature and music, including MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech, Maya Angelou’s “And Still I Rise,” and various works by Stevie Wonder. Feb. 22 & 24, Smith Hall Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
  • Mellotones Steel Drum Band: The band will play in RMWC’s Cheatham Dining Hall on Feb. 26, 11 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. Cost: $8.00, which includes buffet style brunch.




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CONTACT: Brenda Edson, Director of Communications
434-947-8142