TWC celebrates Black History Month with dinners, dances

Since the civil rights movement swept the nation, February has increasingly gained a reputation as a time to celebrate black history.

The Third World Center has scheduled an event for every day of February in order to pay tribute to black heritage. This year's Black History Month has two themes: 'Sankofa' – an Akan word essentially meaning that one must return to the past in order to push forward – and the reevaluation of the black community's priorities, TWC president Kevin Hudson '98 said.

Akan refers to the related languages and the members of a people in Ghana, Akwaaba member Angela Mensah '00 said. Akwaaba, the African student association, is named for the Akan word for 'welcome.'

Hudson said the two themes of the month question the basic priorities of the black community and allow time for an essential reflection on the past.

Yearlong

Hudson emphasized that although February is an important month, the most important activities take place all year long.

"For a number of students it's an opportunity to look to past African-American triumphs in order to look for ways to go forward successfully," Hudson said.

"(The month gives us) the opportunity to reinvigorate for the rest of year and to celebrate our heritage," Hudson said. "It's what we do throughout the year, though, that's important."

Opening ceremonies for Black History Month were held Friday at Liberation Hall in the TWC. The event was "beyond capacity," Hudson said. "The was seating for 150 and there were probably 220 there," he added.

Events during the month will include film showings, discussion groups and special dinner activities. Akwaaba will also host its annual Africa Night during Black History Month.

Africa Night, scheduled for Feb. 27, will include a dinner of traditional African food, a fashion show and a Ghanaian wedding dance choreographed by Mensah. The dance will incorporate traditional Akan music and clothes, Mensah said. The night will also have a yet-to-be-determined speaker.

Simone Brown '00 is co-organizing the fashion show for Africa Night, for which African students will contribute their clothes for display.

"It's going to be an excellent Black History Month. It is open to everyone and we encourage non-African-Americans to come out and learn about the African culture," Brown said.