Black History Month events planned at UW-Green Bay
GREEN BAY — The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has planned Black History Month events that will make participants laugh, cry, think and be inspired.
The University celebrates Black History Month 2009 with a wide range of free events throughout February, starting with a kickoff day on Monday, Feb. 2. Free educational materials, lapel ribbons, stickers and flyers about Black History Month will be distributed in the Cofrin Library’s first-floor alcove throughout the day.
Comedian James Ervin Berry, of Milwaukee, brings laughs to Green Bay on Tuesday, Feb. 3, with a set in the University Union.
Berry’s likeable personality, down-to-earth attitude and fun-loving nature generates big laughs, according to his website.
The next night (Wednesday, Feb. 4), Juilliard-trained actress Maya Lilly tells eight stories of eight characters by herself in the play, “Mixed: A One Woman Show.” The play has been described as the first truly multi-cultural portrayal of Americans ever, her website reads.
“Mixed” includes narratives of those ignored by the U.S. Census for years; those who have fallen through the cracks of the political system; those who were once told by doctors that they might be born “degenerate” or “deformed.” After centuries of misunderstanding, these stories make the audience understand what it is to belong to many cultures and, simultaneously, to none, according to her website.
Later in the month, on Tuesday, Feb. 24, Original Freedom Writer Manuel V. Scott will give a presentation on hope and transformation.
Scott, a renowned speaker whose story was told in the Hollywood movie “Freedom Writer,” draws upon his experiences to help him inspire people to shake off mediocrity and live up to their greatness, according to his website.
Scott had dropped out of school, turned to a life of crime and was heading down a path that would have “destroyed” him. But Scott was able to beat the odds stacked against him and turn his life around. He shares the story of his “amazing transformation” in his presentation.
Other events include a Soul Food Dinner on Friday, Feb. 6; a Racial Awareness Workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 17; the showing of the movie “Freedom Writers” on Monday, Feb. 23; and Black History Night at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame on Thursday, Feb. 26.
For more information contact the UW-Green Bay American Intercultural Center at (920) 465-2720.
Events
Kick Off Celebration
Come and get Black History Month ribbons, stickers and event flyers of UW-Green Bay Black History Events.
Monday, Feb. 2, All-day event
Location: Cofrin Library Alcove, Free.
Comedian James Ervin Berry
Come laugh with Milwaukee comedian James Berry.
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 8 p.m.
Location: Phoenix Club, University Union. Free.
http://www.berryfunny.com/
“MIXED: A One Woman Show”
Watch the talents of Juilliard-trained actress Maya Lilly as she tells the stories of people who often are forced to identify as “Other.”
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m.
Location: Christie Theatre, University Union. Free.
http://www.mayalilly.com/
Soul Food Dinner
Sample the sights, scents and taste of an African-American cuisine.
Friday, Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Ecumenical Center. Free.
Reservations are required. Call (920) 465-2720 to reserve your seat
Racial Awareness Workshop
Panel discussion on interracial dating
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2 p.m.
Location: Christie Theatre, University Union. Free.
“Freedom Writers” Film
Sit back and watch a film based on a true story about a teacher who gives inner city kids the one thing they needed the most—a voice of their own.
Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m.
Location: Christie Theatre, University Union. Free.
Original Freedom Writer Manuel V. Scott
Become inspired by an Original Freedom Writer, Manuel V. Scott, as he challenges audience members to rise to new heights with his message of hope and transformation.
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m.
Location: Phoenix Room B, University Union. Free,
http://www.manuelvscott.com/
Black History Night at the Packers Hall of Fame
Listen to Green Bay Packers coaches and players discuss their life experiences, African-American issues and their contributions to the league, the community and beyond.
Thursday, Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m.
Location: Lambeau Field Atrium, 1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay. Free.
To register, call American Intercultural Center at (920) 465-2720, or stop in the AIC Office (University Union Room 150). Registration is due by Friday, Feb. 20.
Black History Month events at UW-Green Bay are sponsored by the American Intercultural Center, the Black Student Union at UW-Green Bay, the UW-Green Bay Diversity Task Force, the UW-Green Bay Education Department, and the UW-Green Bay Leadership Task Force.
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