Black History Month features discussions, service and entertainment

BRADFORD, PA – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is marking February as Black History Month with a range of events, from a rhythm and blues vocalist to open forum discussions.

Events are free and open to the public.

Students will begin their observance with a day of service Feb. 5 at The Friendship Table in Bradford, serving patrons from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

On Feb. 6, an open mic night/poetry slam will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons.

A centerpiece of the month’s activities will be the Real Talk Series, focusing on race issues in African-American and American culture. The forums will be “Africa/African-Americans” moderated by Dr. ‘BioDun Ogundayo, associate professor of French and comparative literature, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Mukaiyama University Room; “The Paper Bag Test,” a discussion of intraracial discrimination moderated by Sierra Hairston, assistant director of residence life, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Lester and Barbara Rice Auditorium of Fisher Hall; and “The ‘N’ Word” moderated by Dr. Tracee Howell, executive assistant to the president, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 24 in the University Room.

Comedian Mike Winfield will take the stage in the University Room at 9 p.m. Feb. 12. He has been seen on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” NBC’s “The Office” and Showtime’s “Comics Without Borders.”

The next day, Buffalo rhythm and blues vocalist Denzell Ward and a group of veteran, seasoned musicians will perform at noon in the Studio Theater of Blaisdell Hall. Later on Feb. 13, there will be a free showing of the movie “42,” the Jackie Robinson story, at 6 p.m. at the Bradford Main Street Theater.

On Feb. 18, an “I Love My Hair” program will offer free haircuts and styling for hair of all types from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the University Room.

On Feb. 19, speaker and storyteller Kelli McCloud-Schingen will appear from 8 to 9 p.m. in the Studio Theater. She uses performance and storytelling to explore identity.

On Feb. 20, alumna Romaine Harrod ’11, will return to campus and moderate an open forum from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Rice Auditorium prior to “The Paper Bag Test.”

The entire campus community will celebrate its diversity as the popular One World Cultural Festival takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Frame-Westerberg Commons.

On Feb. 23, the university will sponsor a day trip to Buffalo to visit the African-American Cultural Center and Paul Robeson Theatre. For more information, contact Dr. Ron Binder, associate dean of students, at binder@pitt.edu or 814-362-5084.

On Feb. 25, Black History Month Jeopardy will test knowledge of African-American history with prizes from 6 to 7 p.m. in the University Room.

Midnight Breakfast featuring the Diamond Steppers will begin at 11 p.m. Feb. 27 and last until 1 a.m. in the KOA Dining Hall.

Finally, the last event of the month will be the Miss and Mr. Blue and Gold Pageant from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in Blaisdell Hall.

Events are coordinated by the Black History Month committee and sponsored by African-American Student Union, Student Activity Council, Division of Communication and the Arts, the One World Cultural Festival committee, Residence Life, Alumni Office and other student groups.

For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources at (814)362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu.