Holy Cross Celebrates Black History Month

As part of Black History Month celebrations at the College of the Holy Cross, Marc Lamont Hill, a leading hip-hop generation intellectual and nationally-syndicated columnist, will give a talk on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom. The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Black Student Union and Education department. His talk will be followed by a question and answer session.

In addition to the talk, the Black Student Union, a student organization that promotes unity among the black community at Holy Cross, is sponsoring a number of other events for Black History Month.

“Black History, as a discourse, is unfortunately taught as merely parenthetical within the larger story of American and world history. The story is often told as linear — slavery, freedom, Civil Rights, and now, Obama — but it is more complex, rich with a heritage that can be told in myriad ways and it is our hope that these programs will assist in telling a portion of this story,” says Tiffany Reid ’10, co-chair of BSU.

“Black History Month celebrates the struggles, achievements, and future of a steadfast people and we invite our student body, faculty, staff, Colleges of Worcester Consortium and Worcester community members to celebrate with us.”

The schedule follows:

Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in Hogan Jenks Suite A, 4th Floor: African-American Quiz Bowl This jeopardy-inspired game will include four categories: politics, history, entertainment and miscellaneous. It will be an opportunity for students to share and learn in a casual setting about the African diaspora — their determination and contributions to world culture.

Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. at Worcester’s Mechanics Hall: Black and Gold Fashion Show A portion of the proceeds from the 12th annual event will go to the American Heart Association and the Haiti Relief Effort. BSU is actively participating in the Student Government Association’s Co-Presidential Task Force on Haiti and the show will include a brief presentation from a Holy Cross Haitian student.

Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. in Hogan Suite C, 4th floor: Love Forum This annual event provides students with the opportunity to speak candidly and ask questions regarding their appreciation, concerns and the unique nature of love within the African diasporic community.

Feb. 16 at 10 p.m. in Hogan Crossroads: 10-Spot The Black Student Union and the Caribbean African Students Assemblage (CASA) will co-sponsor a coffee-house style event in which poets can recite their own poetry or selections from known authors, and performers can sing or play an instrument, showcasing the array of talents within our community.

Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in Seelos Theatre: Good Hair BSU will be showing this documentary-style film on the social, cultural, and historical implications of hair within the black community. Popcorn will be provided. The showing will be followed by a discussion led by the Multicultural Peer Educators, specially trained Holy Cross student volunteers who assist in programming, work with staff and residence assistants, and informally engage other students on topics of diversity.

Pictured: Marc Lamont Hill

February 1, 2010|nm