MCC to honor Black History Month
McHenry County College will host several events in celebration of Black History Month. This year's theme is "Believe, Achieve and Succeed" and events are open to the public and at no charge. The events are sponsored by the Black History Month Programming Committee which includes representatives from Student Life, Multicultural Programs, Professional Development, and the English and Humanities Departments at MCC. For information, contact the MCC Student Life Office at (815) 455-8550.
Faces of Black History: A live musical show salutes many well known celebrities, personalities and history makers in an entertaining and educational format for all ages from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 in the conference center. From Negro spirituals to rap, this four-member cast takes the audience on a high energy excursion through African-American culture.
The New American Slavery - The Prison Industrial Complex: Vincent Gaddis, associate professor of History at Benedictine University and chairman of the department of history, philosophy, theology and global studies, will speak from 5:30-6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 in Room B166-167. He is also the pastor of New Generation Christian Center, a nondenominational, multiracial congregation in Aurora.
Courageous Conversations about Race: During the lunch hour, students will listen to LaMetra H. Curry from the College of Education at Northern Illinois University, who will address the question, "How do our attitudes, beliefs, and value systems effect our every day actions?" from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16 at Room B166-167. This program is for students only.
Cultural Sensitivity in the Classroom: LaMetra H. Curry from the College of Education at Northern Illinois University will present "Cultural Sensitivity in the Classroom" from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16 in Room B166-167. Curry will address how to have conversations about diversity with students and he will provide strategies for teachers on how to enable students to succeed in our cross cultural society.
Story Hour -The Unsung African Americans Who Have Achieved and Inspired: A fusion of story and music celebrating the achievements of African-Americans who have impacted all of society from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 in Room B166-167. Free refreshments will be available.
How will Barack Obama's Presidency Shape our Future, in Regards to Race?: Vincent Gaddis, associate professor of History at Benedictine University and chair of the department of history, philosophy, theology and global studies, will speak from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 in Room A211. He is also the pastor of New Generation Christian Center, a nondenominational, multiracial congregation in Aurora.
Historical Moment, Historical Rhetoric?: Eric Niemi, MCC adjunct faculty member, will present the program that explores the question, "The American Public already knows that President Barack Obama is an exceptional orator, but is he an exceptional rhetorician as well?" 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Feb. 24 in Room B166-167. Participants will discuss the rhetorical and argumentative techniques used in Obama's inauguration speech to critically evaluate its effectiveness.
African Dance - Cultural Journey & Workout: In addition to an energy-packed African dance lesson, this event will feature techniques, terminology and fundamentals of African dance, incorporating steps from traditional West African dances into combinations. It will be from 2:30-3:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 in the MCC Commons Area. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and be prepared for an aerobic workout.