Multicultural Academic Student Services kicks off Black History Month events Feb. 1
Multicultural Academic Student Services will host the 2012 Black History Month Kickoff on Feb. 1.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bovee University Center's Down Under Food Court.
The Organization for Black Unity will be handing out small gifts and discussing other events, which will take place throughout the month.
Assistant Director of MASS Keisha Janney said she is very excited about the month’s activities.
“The events that I helped to plan include people who have accomplished a lot or are up-and-coming leaders, so I’m just looking forward to all of them," Janney said.
Student favorites from previous Black History Month celebrations will be returning this year, such as the Black Family Reunion Food Taster, which will take place at 5 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Bovee University Center Rotunda. Students as well as faculty and the community can indulge in southern comfort soul food and fun.
Flint senior Aurielle Wilson said she attended the food taster last year and had a great time.
“It was more than just food," she said. "It was about the meaning behind it, tradition and fellowship with other students.”
The keynote speaker will be comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory. He will deliver the keynote speech at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at Warriner Hall's Plachta Auditorium.
There will also be first-time events included in the BHM calendar, such as a slam poetry contest and a guest speech by hip-hop radio show host Jay Smooth.
Students can show off their skills and have an opportunity to win prizes, which will be awarded to the top three contestants.
Lansing senior Kenny Mans said he always looks forward to Black History Month because of the events.
“I know that the events will be meaningful and I always enjoy myself,” he said.
As usual, there will be a Soup and Substance discussion and art exhibit created by students. Janney said the month is full of activities, and everyone can find something they’re interested in.
“I think all the events are unique, and people will be very interested,” she said.
To find out more about the events surrounding BHM, students can go to the kickoff event or pick up fliers at the MASS office, located in Bovee University Center room 108.
