Black History Month began yesterday, and the African American Culture Center is sponsoring events all month to celebrate black history in America.
The month will include a pageant, performances, poetry, a celebration on the Parade Grounds, speakers, a quiz bowl and forums on race, religion and gender.
The theme for Black History Month is “Exploring the African Diaspora.” AACC coordinator Isaac Netters said he hopes to bring the theme to students on campus by creating “programs that educate, enlighten and entertain.”
The month will begin with the Mr. and Miss Imani Scholarship Pageant on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Union. Netters said the pageant is one of the most entertaining events of the month.
The Apollo Players, a troupe for students of color, will perform “Lessons of the Trash Gang” Feb. 11 and Feb. 13 in the Union. The play, written by a University student and performed by students, will illustrate the lives of five generations of black women.
A keynote speaker, Farai Chideya, will address students on Feb. 16 in the Cox Auditorium.
Chideya is an author, radio broadcaster and journalist, who will speak on the accomplishments of blacks in history. Several speakers will speak on race relations and life after college for black graduates of the University.
Netter said the program will be “in your face” and present topics that will make students reevaluate their lives.
“It will be life re-affirming,” he said.
One of the largest parts of Black History Month is “The Reunion,” a coming together of LSU and Southern University.
“The Reunion” will include games, music, food, a cook-off, a talent show and black history trivia.
Earl Ancar, a biological sciences senior, said he is looking forward to the W.E.B DuBouis Quiz Bowl on Feb. 24. He said each year he “learns new information about my black race.”
A new program this year is “The Bridge” a program designed to connect Black History Month and Women’s History Month, which is in March. The program will consist of a panel of local women discussing issues that are common to blacks and women.
Netters said the panel is outstanding. “We’ve never had a group like this,” he said.
Black History Month was nationally recognized in 1972. It had evolved from Negro History Week, which began in 1926. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week because he thought textbooks neglected black history.
Netters hopes to bring the community together through all of the Black History Month programs.
“We want to create a campus community atmosphere,” he said. “We are one step closer.”