Lifebeat
Black History Month events
01/29/2006 03:49 PM EST
Black History Month in southeastern New England offers a rich variety of events, including separate plays starring Ricardo Pitts-Wiley, Nehassaiu deGannes and the ensemble of the Providence Black Repertory Company; lectures by NAACP chief Julian Bond and Michael L. Lomax, head of the United Negro College Fund; music, movies, art and lots more.
Here, compiled by Jan Flanagan, is our Black History Month calendar. And as additional events are scheduled, we will record them in the LIVE, Lifebeat and Arts sections each week.
FREQUENT VENUES
Bristol Community College, 777 Elsbree Street, Fall River. (508) 678-2811. All events free unless otherwise noted.
Brown University, Providence. 867-8019.
Bryant University, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield. 232-6946; www.bryant.edu/~icc/.
Johnson & Wales University, Providence. 598-1195, 598-4776, 598-2804.
Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave, Providence. 456-8255.
University of Rhode Island, Kingston. 874-5829; www.uri.ecu/mcc.
THROUGH FEBRUARY 24
Exhibit. Americans Who Tell the Truth, portraits by Robert Shetterly of Americans with moral courage, including Martin Luther King Jr., Langston Hughes, Muhammad Ali, Harriet Tubman, W.E.B. DuBois, Fannie Lou Hamer and Rosa Parks.
JANUARY 30
Film. A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict, University of Rhode Island, Multicultural Center, Hardge Forum, Room 101. Documentary describing the use of nonviolence and nonviolent social movements. Question-and-answer period afterward with Bernard LaFayette Jr. of URI's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies. 4:30 pm.
JANUARY 31
Unity Luncheon, University of Rhode Island, Multicultural Center, Hardge Forum, Room 101. Keynote address by Susan Peterson, a Curry College professor, on the life and accomplishments of Rosa Parks. Martin Luther King Peacemaker Award presentation honoring a student or student organization committed to the pursuit of peace. Noon-1:30 pm.
FEBRUARY 1
--FREE-- Evolution of Black Music, Johnson & Wales University, Pepsi Forum. Audio tour starts with the Spirit of Africa, continues with jazz and Motown and ends in present day with break dancers. Refreshments. 6 pm.
Kingian Nonviolence Workshop, University of Rhode Island, Multicultural Center, Hardge Forum, Room 101. Facilitated by Sgt. Linda Palazzo of URI's Office of Parking Services, a certified Kingian nonviolence trainer. 4-5:45 pm.
Opening Celebration, Bristol Community College, Commonwealth College Center lobby. Celebratory march around campus led by an African drummer from Nigeria; casual get-together featuring authentic African fare after. 11:45 am.
FEBRUARY 1, 13, 22, 28
Film: I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, Bristol Community College. Satirical look at the black exploitation film genre. Discussion after. 7-9:30 pm. Feb. 1: Siegel Health Technologies Building, Room C-111. Feb. 13: New Bedford Campus, room B-47, 135 County St., New Bedford. Feb. 22: Attleboro Center, 135 County St., Attleboro. Feb. 28: BCC/Taunton.
FEBRUARY 1-28
Display: Commemorating African-American Scientists, Bristol Community College, Commonwealth College Center, lobby. Posters of famous black scientists created by BCC students.
FEBRUARY 2
Civil Rights Songfest, University of Rhode Island, Memorial Union, Main Lounge. Led by URI's Cognitive Dissidents. Noon-1 pm.
--FREE-- Film: Ethnic Notions, Rhode Island College, Unity Center. Movie, workshop and discussion about the deep-rooted stereotypes that have fueled prejudice against blacks. 7 pm.
--FREE-- Lifespan Presentations, Newport Hospital, Gudoian Conference Room, 11 Friendship St., Newport. Hosted by Lifespan's African-American/Black Employee Resource Group. 444-7659, 444-8353; www.lifespan.org. Health Disparities in the Black Community by Gertrude Blakely, Lifespan director of diversity. Connections Between the United States and Liberia by Rodney Chesson, which may include Liberian music. 3-5 pm.
FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16
Film/Discussion. The College Truck: America's Sorting Machine, Bristol Community College, Hudnall Admininstration Building, Room D-105. Focus on higher-education issues. 3-4:30 pm.
FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16, 23
Mesa Redonda, Bristol Community College, Commonwealth College Center, cafeteria. Gathering of students, staff, professors and members of the community who chat in Spanish. Noon-1 pm.
FEBRUARY 2-12
Door of No Return, Rites and Reason Theatre, Churchill House, 155 Angell St., Providence. 863-3558. An odyssey of immigrant and native voices in Rhode Island. One-woman show written and performed by Nehassaiu deGannes. Feb. 2-4, 9-11 at 7 pm; Feb. 5, 12 at 3 pm. Folkthought Discussion after Feb. 5, 12 performances. $8.
FEBRUARY 2-MARCH 12
Yellowman, Providence Black Repertory Company, 276 Westminster St., Providence. 621-7122; www.blackrep.org . Couple's friendship blossoms into love while they struggle to free themselves from their parents' influence. Thu 7 pm; Fri-Sat 8 pm; Sun 3 pm. $15, children/seniors $10. Closes March 12.
FEBRUARY 3
Unity Day, Brown University, Third World Center, Formal Lounge. With Anani Dzidzienyo, professor of Africana Studies and co-author of Black and Latino Relations in America. 4 pm.
FEBRUARY 5
Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading (11th annual), RISD Museum of Art, 224 Benefit St., Providence. 454-6500; www.risdmuseum.org. Jazz performance, reception after reading. 1 pm.
FEBRUARY 5-21
Poets and Players, Mixed Magic Theatre, 171 Main St., Pawtucket. 475-6675 or e-mail mixedmagic@cox.net. Area poets present classic and modern works as well as some of their own poems. With Rick Benjamin, Ricardo Pitts-Wiley and bassist Mibbit Threats. Sun, Tue 7 pm.
FEBRUARY 5, 12, 19, 26
Discussion: Lift Every Voice and Sing, Phillips Memorial Baptist Church, 565 Pontiac Ave., Cranston. 467-3300, ext. 3. An examination of the Black National Anthem. With Martha Sobaje and Shelia King. 9-9:45 am. Coffee, goodies provided. Adult series.
FEBRUARY 6
--FREE-- Film: Amandla!, Rhode Island College, Unity Center. The story of black South African freedom and the central role it played in the long battle against apartheid. 7 pm.
--FREE-- Brown University's Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture (10th annual). Coming of Age With King, Brown University, Salomon Center for Teaching. By Michael L. Lomax, president/CEO of the United Negro College Fund. 5:30 pm.
--FREE-- National African-American Read (17th annual), Bryant University, Bryant Center Atrium. Students, faculty and staff present writings that reflect the black experience. 7-8 pm.
FEBRUARY 7
--FREE-- Discussion: Financial Empowerment, Rhode Island College, Unity Center. Learn how to secure money while in college and move toward financial security. With Met Life financial services representative Brian Durrington. 7 pm.
Film/Discussion. Black Men Can Fly: The Story of George S. Lima, Tuskegee Airman, Bristol Community College, Jackson Arts Center, theater. Fall River native and former Rhode Island state Rep. George Lima discusses his experiences as one of the first black airmen in the U.S. military and the social issues he confronted. Showing of 20-minute documentary on Lima's life after discussion. 10-11 am.
FEBRUARY 8
--FREE-- Against the Odds Lecture, Roger Williams University, Main Library, Mary Tefft White Cultural Center, 1 Old Ferry Rd., Bristol. 254-3031. Brown University President Ruth Simmons describes her effort to become the first black to lead an Ivy League institution. 5:30 pm.
An Evening With Julian Bond, Westin Hotel, Narragansett Ballroom, 1 West Exchange St., Providence. 598-1195. Julian Bond, chairman of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) speaks on From the Klan to Katrina: The Legacy of Race. 7 pm. $7. Tickets must be purchased at Johnson & Wales University's Office of Student Activities, 232 Weybosset St., Mon-Fri, 9 am-7 pm. Tickets not available at the door.
FEBRUARY 8-28
Exhibit. Bloodlines Art, Salve Regina University, McKillop Library, 100 Ochre Point Ave., Newport. 847-6650. Exhibit traces a black family's triumph over poverty and abuse. Opening reception Feb. 8, 5:30-7 pm. Mon-Thu 8:30-1 am, Fri 8:30 am-6 pm, Sat 11 am-6 pm, Sun noon-1 am.
FEBRUARY 9
Lecture. Secondhand Clothing and Fashion in Africa, Brown University, Manning Chapel. By Karen Tranberg Hansen, an anthropology professor at Northwestern University. 7 pm.
--FREE-- Teen Program, Jamestown Philomenian Library, 26 North Rd., Jamestown. 423-7280; www.jamestownri.com/library. Bernard LaFayette Jr., director of the University of Rhode Island's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies, talks with teens about his experiences in the Civil Rights Movement. Question and answer session after. 7 pm.
FEBRUARY 9-MARCH 2
Art Exhibit: On Collecting Art: One Man's Vision, Bannister Gallery, Rhode Island College. Exhibit focuses on objects and material from the fine arts collection of black lawyer Walter Stone. Opening reception Feb. 9, 7 pm. Mon-Wed, Fri 11 am-5 pm; Thu noon-9 pm.
FEBRUARY 10
Celebration, Eleanor Slater Hospital, Regan Building (3 Regan Court), Arnold Conference Center, 111 Howard Ave., Cranston. 462-3655, 462-3462, 462-6953. Vendors, entertainment, refreshments. Lecture by Daniel Brown, president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers, 1 pm. Performance of Only a Woman, Melodie Thompson-Thomas' one-woman play about the only known female Buffalo solider, Cathay Williams, 2 pm.
Music and Movement, Bristol Community College, Commonwealth College Center, lobby. Dance performance by movement specialists Keith Silva and Damra Pao. Noon-1:30 pm.
--FREE-- United States Postal Service Black History Month Program, Main Post Office, 24 Corliss St., Conference Room, third floor, Providence. 276-6981. Speakers include Ray Rickman, former president of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society; David Cicilline, mayor of Providence; Providence Postmaster Dan Doyle and Postal District Manager Don Marshall. Musical entertainment by Music One, Terrell Osborne directing. Display of the Hattie McDaniel stamp, the 29th stamp in the Black Heritage Series. Refreshments, postal products available. 10:30 am.
FEBRUARY 10-12
Embodying Africa: Africanist Weekend Biennale Festival, Catherine Bryan Dill Center for the Arts, Brown University. 863-3285, 480-3982; www.brown.edu/departments/theatre_speech_dance. Each workshop $15, Brown students $10. Each performance $15, Brown students $10. Workshop and performance package discounts.
FEBRUARY 11
Rhode Island Black Heritage Society Heritage Ball (27th annual), Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence. 751-3490. "Historical Contributions to the Arts and Humanities" is the theme. Pre-ball reception, 6 pm; cocktail reception, 7 pm; dinner, 8 pm. Music by Unity. Silent auction. Black tie. $135 per person. To benefit the procurement, collection and preserving of books, pamphlets, letters, manuscripts and other historical materials relevant to the history of blacks in Rhode Island. Advance reservation only; no tickets at the door.
FEBRUARY 13
Debate: African-American Music and the Birth of Rock and Roll, Bristol Community College, Jackson Arts Center, room H-210. Learn about the influence of black performers in the creation of rock 'n' roll. Did the music industry exploit black artists and black culture in creating rock? BCC academic dean Steve Berrien explores this question using Elvis Presley as the flashpoint in the debate. Noon-1:30 pm.
Movie Night/Discussion Forum. Do the Right Thing -- A Spike Lee Joint, Brown University, Harambee House Lounge. 7-9:30 pm.
Speak Out!, Johnson & Wales University, Multicultural Center. Evening of spoken-word poetry. All invited to share their poetry. 7 pm.
FEBRUARY 14
Cotton Club Mixer, Johnson & Wales University, Multicultural Center. Soul food, music, dancing. 5 pm.
Film: Four Little Girls, Bristol Community College, Commonwealth College Center, cafeteria. Documentary by Spike Lee explores a racially motivated crime that resulted in the death of four little girls when a bomb exploded in the basement of a black Baptist church in 1963. 10 am-2 pm.
FEBRUARY 15
--FREE-- The Black Experience, Bryant University, Janikies Theatre. Vignettes of significant events in black history from ancient to modern times, from the woman's point of view. 4 pm.
Ronald K. Brown's EVIDENCE, Rhode Island College, Roberts Hall Auditorium, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave., Providence. 456-8144. Dance performance. 8 pm. $30; senior/student/children's discounts.
Film: Space Jam, Bristol Community College, Attleboro Center, 135 County St., Attleboro. BCC assistant professor Ray Puchot leads a discussion about black exploitation films after the showing. 9-11 am.
Lecture. The Ties That Bind: A History of Multicultural America, Bristol Community College, Jackson Arts Center, theater. By Ronald H. Takaki, a Berkeley professsor. 4 pm.
Lifespan Presentations, Miriam Hospital, Steven Baron Lecture Hall, Fain Building, 2nd floor, 164 Summit Ave., Providence. Hosted by Lifespan's African-American/Black Employee Resource Group. 444-7659, 444-8353; www.lifespan.org. Health Disparities in the Black Community by Gertrude Blakely, director of diversity at Lifespan. Musical performances highlighting African-American and black cultures. 3-5 pm.
Native American Film Series: Trudell, Brown University, Smith-Buonanno Hall. 7 pm.
Student Showcase of African-American Culture, Bristol Community College, Commonwealth College Center, cafeteria. Program includes song, dance, music, poetry and the visual arts. 11:30 am-1 pm.
Trivia Game Show, Johnson & Wales University, Harborside Recreation Center, 2nd floor lounge. Win cash and have fun learning about Black History Month. 9 pm.
Women of Color Reception, Brown University, Faculty Club. 5-7 pm.
FEBRUARY 16
David "Fathead" Newman, jazz saxophonist, Bryant University, Janikies Theatre, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield. 232-6377. 7:30 pm. $5 advance, $10 door. Part of the President's Cultural Series in conjunction with Black History Month.
Movie Night: The Gospel, Johnson & Wales University, Harborside Recreation Center, 2nd floor lounge. 9 pm.
N-Word Panel, Brown University, Salomon Center for Teaching 001. 7 pm.
Platanos and Collard Greens, Pepsi Forum. Play addresses racial issues between the African-American and Latino cultures. 7 pm.
FEBRUARY 16-28
Exhibit. Gallery at 17 Peck, 17 Peck St., Providence. 331-2561. Black-and-white selections from photographer Kevin T. Cox's Portraits of Jazz series including Bobby McFerrin, Sonny Rollins, Nancy Wilson, Wynton Marsalis and other legendary icons. Opening night reception for Cox, Feb. 16, 6:30-8:30 pm. Mon-Fri 8 am-6 pm, Sat 11 am-5 pm, or by appointment.
FEBRUARY 16-MARCH 5
Driving Miss Daisy, Mixed Magic Theatre, 171 Main St., Pawtucket. 475-6675 or e-mail mixedmagic@cox.net. Comedy about a quarter-century relationship between an aging Jewish widow and her black chauffeur. Ricardo Pitts-Wiley and Joan Dillenback star. Thu 7 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm. Post Show Music and More, jazz, blues, folk, comedy and spoken word in an intimate setting, Fri-Sat 10 pm. $20; discounts available for students, seniors, group rates. Closes March 5.
FEBRUARY 17
--FREE-- David Myers' Story/Soul Food Buffet, Bryant University, Janikies Theatre. David Myers, a black man, spent 26 years of his life believing he was white. Hear his story and insight on race in America. Soul food dinner after. 6-8 pm. RSVP for dinner at bryant.edu/~icc/soulfood.htm.
Rebirth Fashion Show, Rhode Island College, Gaige Auditorium. Featuring hip-hop fashions from the newest designers. 7 pm. $10.
FEBRUARY 18
Black History Banquet, Providence College, '64 Hall, Slavin Center, 549 River Ave., Providence. 865-1065; www.providence.edu. With guest speaker the Rev. Jeffrey A. Williams of the Cathedral of Life Christian Assembly. 6-8 pm. $10, college students with ID free. Advance reservations.
FEBRUARY 19
Celebration, University of Rhode Island, Feinstein Campus, Paff Auditorium, 80 Washington St., Providence. 277-5000. Featuring vocalist Kim Trusty, accompanied by the URI Big Band, Joe Parillo directing, performing music of the Sophisticated Ladies to the Queen of Soul, jazz, blues and rhythm and blues. 3-5 pm. $10 advance (by Feb. 15), $15 at door, URI students $5. Includes coffee, tea, pastries.
Gospel Fest, Johnson & Wales, Pepsi Forum. Featuring the Johnson & Wales Gospel Choir and gospel groups from local churches. Brother Granger Simmons and Mrs. Lashundra from WBRU's Gospel Hour. 3 pm.
FEBRUARY 20
Rhode Island College Praise Ensemble, Rhode Island College, Sapinsley Hall. Gospel music concert. 7 pm. $3.
FEBRUARY 21
Maasai Jewelry Sale, Rhode Island College, Donovan Dining Center. Handmade jewelry by the indigenous women of East Africa. Noon.
FEBRUARY 22
Film: The Underground Railroad, Bristol Community College, Commonwealth College Center, cafeteria. 10 am-2 pm.
Presentations: What's Next in the Darfur Crisis? Aiming Toward Peace and Justice, Rhode Island College, Faculty Center, Main Dining Room. The Ethno-Historical Roots to the Conflict, by Richard Lobban of Rhode Island College. Economic Perspectives, by Michael Kevane of Santa Clara University. Contemporary Humanitarian Crisis, by Ali b. Ali Dinar of the University of Pennsylvania. The ICC: Human Rights and Gender Abuses, by Carolyn Fluehr-Lobban of Rhode Island College. Aaron Bruce of the Unity Center moderates. 10 am-2 pm.
FEBRUARY 23
Discussion. Jibreel A-A.K-A. Khazan: Civil Rights Pioneer, Bristol Community College, New Bedford Campus, 188 Union St., room 161, New Bedford, Mass. Khazan, formerly Ewell Blair Jr., is one of the "four freshmen" from North Carolina State A&T University who staged a sit-in demonstration to protest racism at a F.W. Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C., in 1960. The event sparked a national sit-in protest against racism and played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement. Khazan discusses his experiences and the nonviolence movement. 1 pm.
Divine Rhythm Dance Workshop, Brown University, Harambee House, 8 pm.
Unity Celebration (7th annual), Rhode Island School of Design's Met Dining Hall, 55 Angell St., Providence. 454-6781. Performers, artists and unity dinner featuring an eclectic mix of soul food and entertainment. 4:30 pm. Food served until 9 pm. Price a la carte.
FEBRUARY 24
Extravaganza Night, Bryant University, Multipurpose Activities Center. Music, dancing and fashion show featuring clothing by black designers. 8-10 pm. Doors open 7 pm. $5. Advance reservations: 232-6946.
Gospel Music Concert, Brown University, Salomon Teaching Center 101. 6 pm.
World Cultural Dinner, Brown University, Andrews Dining Hall. 7 pm.
FEBRUARY 25
Celebration, St. Michael's Church, Oxford Street, Providence. 278-2552. Mass at 5 pm, with dinner/guest speaker after in the church hall.
FEBRUARY 26
--FREE-- Lecture, Bristol Historical & Preservation Society, 48 Court St., Bristol. 253-7223. By Joaquina Bela Teixeria, executive director of the Black Heritage Society. Refreshments after talk. 2 pm.
FEBRUARY 27
Film: Rosa Parks, Bristol Community College, Commonwealth College Center, cafeteria. 10 am-2 pm.
FEBRUARY 28
Cultural Exposition, Bristol Community College, Commonwealth Center, lobby. Interactive cultural expressions including a sampling of food, art, performance and music. 11 am-2 pm.
Lifespan Presentations, Rhode Island Hospital, Gaige Auditorium, 593 Eddy St., Providence. Hosted by Lifespan's African-American/Black Employee Resource Group. 444-7659, 444-8353; www.lifespan.org. Footsteps from Past to Present by Phyllis Anderson-Miller, director of patient relations and coordinator of the African-American/Black Employee Resource Group at Rhode Island Hospital. Walk of Fame display highlighting African-American and other Rhode Island Hospital employees of color. Vendors selling African-American speciality items, performances by the Providence Black Repertory Theatre, other musicians, dancers; light refreshments. 3-5 pm.
MARCH 1
Historic Soul: Celebrating African-American Heritage Through Music, Bristol Community College, Commonwealth College Center, cafeteria. Musical group Historic Soul leads listeners through a musical celebration of black contributions of American culture through jazz, rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues. 10 am.
A Taste of Africa -- Dinner Celebration, Rhode Island College, Faculty Center. Food and festivities from throughout the African Diaspora. 7 pm.
MARCH 3
Black Women's Appreciation Dinner, Brown University. Time/location to be announced.
MARCH 4
Shades of Brown, Brown University, Alumnae Hall. 20th anniversary band concert. 8 pm.
APRIL 22
Boston African-American National Historic Tour. (508) 678-2811, ext. 2433 or e-mail hcosta@bristol.mass.edu. Free 1.6-mile walking tour along the Black Heritage Trail through historic Beacon Hill, guided by a National Park Ranger. Tour concludes at the Museum of Afro-American History. Bus leaves from Fall River campus for Boston. 8:30 am. Reservation required. Call April 3-19. Participants encouraged to bring lunch, wear comfortable shoes.
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