BAM! dance troop kicks off ECC Black History Month
BAM!, a Chicago dance troupe, will showcase the best in tap and percussive dance as part of Elgin Community College’s celebration of Black History Month.
The troupe will perform at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, in the Advanced Technology Center Auditorium at the college, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Part of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, BAM! is a resident performing and teaching ensemble with an extensive repertory including the classics, contemporary jazz tap and experimental rhythmic expression like body drumming. The ensemble’s presentation, titled “We All Got Rhythm,” demonstrates that rhythm is an innate form of human expression found in every culture throughout the world.
Other events during Black History Month include the following. All events are free and open to the public unless noted.
For information, call the Student Life Office at (847) 214-7370.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, learn about the “Evolution of Dance” between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Student Resource Center Jobe Lounge. Learn a dance made popular in the black community like hip-hop, stepping, slide, and other dances at the top of each hour.
On Thursday, Feb. 9, watch the 2010 film, “For Colored Girls” at noon in the ATC Auditorium. This film adaptation of the novel “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf” portrays issues that impact women, especially women of color. The first 20 guests will receive a copy of the book.
Starting Monday, Feb. 13, through Thursday, Feb. 16, take a stroll through the “Capturing Diversity Exhibit” in the Student Resource Center hallway. This exhibit demonstrates whether people can or can’t judge a book by its cover by challenging them to place a face to a name.
On Monday, Feb. 13, see the film “Good Hair” at 12:30 p.m. in the ATC Auditorium. Comedian Chris Rock explores the wonders of African-American hairstyles in this 2009 documentary film.
On Wednesday, Feb. 15, watch “Freedom Riders” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the ATC Auditorium. This television documentary tells the story of brave men and women, black and white, young and old, who headed for the Deep South in 1961 to test the Supreme Court ruling outlawing segregation in all interstate public facilities.
On Tuesday, Feb. 21, Mardi Gras Masquerade Parade will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Resource Center Hallway. ECC celebrates Fat Tuesday with colorful tabletop floats, masks and beads.
On Wednesday, Feb. 22, join in “Tunnel of Oppression” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Resource Center Community Room. This eye-opening and consciousness-raising activity allows participants to fully understand oppression and discrimination.
On Thursday, Feb. 23, join in “Who Am I?” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Jobe Lounge. People will be challenged to test their knowledge of black heroes and history makers in this trivia challenge.
On Tuesday, Feb. 28, join the DJEMBE Drum Circle from noon to 1 p.m. in the Jobe Lounge. Members of this ECC club invite the audience to join them in a drum circle and learn the history of the African drum.