Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
February 03, 2004
U of G to celebrate Black History Month
Black History Month celebrations at the University of Guelph will begin Thursday with a student group discussion on images and perceptions of minorities at 5 p.m. in Room 441 of the University Centre.
The discussion is the first in a series of events and activities being held on campus throughout the month of February, co-ordinated by the university’s C.J. Munford Centre. Other activities include movies, a poetry night, student group presentations and a peace exhibit. The Munford Centre was created in 1995 in honour of retired history professor Clarence Munford to provide a focal point for anti-racism and race relations resources and a drop-in centre for students.
Movies will be run Feb. 9 to 11 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 12 at noon in the Munford Centre, located in Room 054 of the MacKinnon Building, and are limited to 20 people per show. The films are Queen, Do the Right Thing, American History X and When We Were Kings. There will also be a poetry night Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. in the University Centre, featuring the works of Toronto performer Dwayne Morgan.
From Feb. 23 to 25 there will be daily presentations in the University Centre by various student groups focussing on different cultures and their contributions to black history. Monday will feature Latino contributions; Tuesday, West Indian and Wednesday, African. The Munford Centre will also have an information table set up throughout the week.
In addition, Feb. 26 to 28 the Ghandi, Ikeda and King Legacy of Peace Exhibit, which examines the work and dedication of the three leaders to building world peace, will be displayed in the University Centre. The Central Student Association worked to bring the exhibit to campus.
Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m., Fiesta Africarbenia will be held in Peter Clark Hall. The event is a showcase of talent from diverse backgrounds celebrating black history. Tickets are $7 and are available at the door. The event is sponsored by the Latino Student Association, West Indian Student Association, African Student Association and the Munford Centre.
“A Conversation About Blackness: Politics of Representation” will be held Feb. 29 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in Norforlk United Church. Community members, including Spanish professor Dorothy Odartey-Wellington, local writer Rozena Maat, and several U of G students will speak at the event. A drum circle, a dance performance and a live painting will also be performed. The event is free, but small donations are welcome. Bus tickets and free babysitting are available. Contact (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56748 for more information.
February was officially declared Black History Month in 1995 by the federal government in an effort to encourage people to explore the richness of African history and culture.
For more information, contact the C.J. Munford Centre at (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56911.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
