CLC observes Black History Month

Fifteen events, including historical presentations, films and uplifting performances, are being offered by the College of Lake County in recognition of Black History Month in February.

“Black history is U.S. history. It is a time for all people. It is a time for gaining knowledge and understanding of the African-American culture, so let’s learn together,” said Jorge Tennin, director of the Multicultural Student Center at CLC, which organized many of the Black History Month events.

The events, free and open to the public, are held on the CLC Grayslake campus, unless noted.

Ÿ Friday, Jan. 28: Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, known as the largest African dance company in the United States, will perform at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre. Tickets are $26 for the general public; $24 for seniors, staff and alumni; $16 for CLC students; and $7 for children younger than 12. For tickets, call (847) 543-2300 or visit clcillinois.edu/tickets.

Ÿ Sunday, Jan. 30: “Power of the Tongue,” 4 to 7 p.m. in C Wing Auditorium (C005). This is a performance of black literary art.

Ÿ Tuesday, Feb. 1: Soulful Art by African-Americans, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Library Atrium.

Ÿ Thursday, Feb. 3: “Blacks in the Military,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Brandel Court. Black military officers will be present to answer questions about the military, their service in Iraq and how to join the military.

Ÿ Tuesday, Feb. 8: “Hotel Rwanda,” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room C005. This 2004 film is based on a true story about Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who housed hundreds of Tutsi refugees during a deadly struggle.

Ÿ Saturday, Feb. 12: “Poetry in Motion,” 5 to 7 p.m. in Room C003. A performance of spoken word poetry.

Ÿ Monday, Feb. 14: Black History Bowl, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room C003. This “think fast” game show will test participants’ knowledge about black history and offers cash prizes.

Ÿ Tuesday, Feb. 15: “Blood Diamond,” 5 to 8 p.m. in Room C005. This 2006 film focuses on the exploitation of the thousands of African people who lost their lives to the diamond business. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly and Djimon Hounsou.

Ÿ Tuesday, Feb. 22: “Rosewood,” 5 to 8 p.m. in Room C005. This 1997 movie focuses on the destruction of the town of Rosewood, Fla., in 1923 and stars Jon Voight, Ving Rhames and Don Cheadle.

Ÿ Wednesday, Feb. 23: “Selma, Lord Selma” at 10 a.m. in Room C005 and 7 p.m. in Lakeshore Campus Conference Center, 1 N. Genesee St., lower level. This presentation/film/discussion will be facilitated by Sheyann Webb-Christburg. As a 9-year-old, she took part in the first attempted Selma to Montgomery march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965, also known as Bloody Sunday.

Ÿ Thursday, Feb. 24: Trace Your Family History workshops from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at the CLC Lakeshore Campus, 1 N. Genesee St., lower level.

Ÿ Thursday, Feb. 24: “Sojourner Truth: The Story of Her Remarkable Life — A Monodrama with Instrumental Interludes” at 7:30 p.m. New York composer/pianist Dr. Kevin Purrone presents the story of 19th century abolitionist Sojourner Truth in 14 scenes narrated by Gwethalyn J. Bronner, executive director of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts. Fifteen musical interludes will be played on flute, piano and percussion.

Ÿ Friday, Feb. 25: “Black Inventors,” 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Brandel Court. See the beautiful artifacts and other contributions black innovators have created throughout history.

Ÿ Saturday, Feb. 26: “27th Annual Salute to Gospel Music Program,” 7 to 10 p.m. at the Genesee Theatre, Waukegan. The headline act for this event will be The Canton Spirituals featuring Harvey Watkins. There will also be performances by the Rev. DeAndre Patterson of Chicago, song writer and twice Stellar Award-nominated recording artist; the CLC Gospel Choir, directed by Dr. Charles Clency; and Word of Life Ministries Choir of Beach Park. The 2011 Harambee Award of Excellence will be presented to the Apostle Ernest and Prophetess Barbara Taylor of Word of Life Ministries Church, Beach Park. Tickets are $19 for the general public, $17 for CLC students, staff, alumni and seniors. Call (847) 543-2191 or (847) 543-2300, or visit geneseetheatre.com.

Ÿ Monday, Feb. 28: “Ain’t I a Woman?” 7 to 9 p.m. in Room C005. This play by Margo Emory Productions celebrates the life and times of four powerful black women: novelist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston; ex-slave and abolitionist Sojourner Truth; folk artist Clementine Hunter; and civil rights worker Fannie Lou Hamer.

For details on these events, call (847) 543-2343 or e-mail jtennin@clcillinois.edu, or contact the CLC Lakeshore Campus, (847) 543-2191.