Be Local by celebrating Black History Month
Celebrations are already underway as the nation observes Black History Month, an annual recognition of the achievements of African Americans and their role in U.S. history.
Programs and events open to the public are scheduled at the East End United Community Center in Uniontown, Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, in North Union Township and California University in California.
Be Local means joining in celebrations that mark a richness of history and culture.
“It’s a showcase of diversity,” said Matthew Crutchman, executive director of the East End United Community Center of programs that celebrate Black History Month. “It’s great to have our youths excited about it.”
Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, located at 2201 University Drive in Lemont Furnace, is hosting the Camara West African Drum and Dance Company at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Student Center (Williams Building) on campus.
Founded by Guinea-born drummer Yamoussa Camara in 2007, the Pittsburgh-based company of musicians and dancers performs “unique and exciting arrangements of West African music punctuated by original choreography and authentic costumes made in Guinea,” according to the company’s website.
Camara teaches African Drum Ensemble at the University of Pittsburgh and West African Dance at Point Park University, in addition to several community workshops for adults and children. More information can be found at www.camaradrumanddance.com.
The East End United Community Center along with the Pittsburgh Pirates will be hosting an event entitled “Long Live Their Legacy” at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at the EEUCC, located at 150 Coolspring St. in Uniontown.
This 45-minute interactive presentation by Joel Gray, the Pirates’ community outreach coordinator will provide information on Negro League Baseball, its ties to the city of Pittsburgh and the significance it plays in today’s game.
The EEUCC in conjunction with Fayette County Community Action Agency Inc. will also present the movie “Selma” at 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Fayette County Community Action Adult Recreation Center, located at 137 N. Beeson Blvd. in Uniontown.
In addition, the EEUCC will host its annual soul food dinner at 11 a.m. to 3 pm. Feb. 9; African-American inventors youth presentation at 5 p.m. Feb. 15; black history program at 3 p.m. Feb. 17 when judging will also be held for a coloring contest for preschool and kindergarten students that is currently underway; children’s movie “Pride” at 4 p.m. Feb. 20; cookie sale, Feb. 22; and poster/poetry awards dinner and youth choir at 6 p.m. Feb. 28.
For more information, call the EEUCC at 724-437-1660.
California University of Pennsylvania is also hosting a series of events during Black History Month to celebrate the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and African-American culture with the theme, “The Legacy Lives in US!”
The university released this schedule. Admission is free and the public is invited, unless otherwise noted.
Feb. 6 — Central Bank Blood Drive, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Natali Student Center Performance Center. To make an appointment, call the Cal U Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning at 724-938-4784 or visit www.centralbloodbank.org.
Feb. 7 — “Long Live Their Legacy: A Celebration of Negro League Baseball,” 1 to 2 p.m., Duda Hall, Room 103. Joel Gray, Pittsburgh Pirates’ community outreach coordinator, presents this Black History Month initiative designed to help educate students about Negro League baseball.
Feb. 19 — Soul Food Luncheon, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Gold Rush Culinary Center. Diners enjoy a menu created from recipes and stories from members of the Cal U community. “Soul food” is a term used for an ethnic cuisine traditionally prepared and eaten by African Americans of the Southern United States.
Feb. 21 — Black Arts Festival & Multicultural Affairs Night at Cal U Basketball, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. in the Convocation Center. Enjoy men’s and women’s games against Seton Hill University. Halftime performances will include tributes to Black History Month. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students. Cal U students with valid CalCards and children under age 12 are admitted free.
Feb. 1-28 — The Dream Legacy Service Challenge. During Black History Month and to honor King’s life of service, campus organizations can compete in this challenge sponsored by the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning and the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Education.
Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Ted Flowers at 724-425-7231 or by email at tflowers@heraldstandard.com. Discount cards are available at the Herald-Standard, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, and at the Greene County Messenger, 82 W. High St., Waynesburg.