African Consciousness Celebration set

3:29 p.m., Feb. 10, 2005--UD’s Center for Black Culture is offering a series of events to mark its African Consciousness Celebration 2005, "Lest You Forget: The History, Struggles and Triumphs of Black America."

Events include:

Donna Brazile

“Stirring the Pots In American Politics: Black History Month Extravaganza,” with Donna Brazile, 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 15, in the Multipurpose Room of the Trabant University Center. Brazile has spent her life urging ordinary citizens to get involved in politics. She served as campaign manager for Al Gore’s presidential campaign, making her the first African-American woman ever to manage a presidential campaign. Brazile will speak on topics she explores in her latest novel, Cooking With Grease: Stirring the Pots In American Politics.

“Exploitation or Entertainment? From Auction Block to Hip-Hop," 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18, in Pearson Hall. The program uses hypnotic beats, satirical humor and explosive spoken words to explore the roles of blacks in America, from the auction block of slavery to the hip-hop industry of today. This controversial play will shed light on the negative perceptions and portrayals of black women in the music industry. Tickets are $4 for students and $8 for the general public, and may be purchased at UD box office locations.

“Standing on My Sisters’ Shoulders,” 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 22, in 004 Kirkbride Hall. The award-winning documentary takes on the Civil Rights movement in Mississippi in the 1950s and ’60s from the point of view of the courageous women who lived it and emerged as its grassroots leaders. These women stood up and fought for the right to vote and the right to an equal education. They not only brought about change in Mississippi, but they altered the course of American history. A discussion will follow.

"Lest We Forget: Black Students at the University of Delaware Since the 1960s," 4:30 pm, Thursday, Feb. 24, in the Trabant University Center Theatre. This session involves a panel discussion by successive generations of black students at the University of Delaware since the 1960s. It begins with the reminiscences of representatives of the ’60s generation who pressed for the establishment of a Black Student Union, a Center for Black Culture and the Black American Studies Program. The discussion will provide an opportunity to assess continuities and changes in the student experience on this campus. (This event was postponed because of the weather and will be rescheduled.).

“The Real Lives of Strong Black Women: Transcending Myths, Reclaiming Joy,” with UD alumnus Toby Thompkins, 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, in the Trabant University Theatre. Too often, women of color feel compelled to become “chronic caregivers,” sacrificing the ability to become truly free and fulfilled individuals, which exacts a great emotional and physical cost. In his book, The Real Lives of Strong Black Women, author Toby Thompkins shows how we can supplant the myth of the strong black woman so that women can learn how to better pursue their dreams and care for themselves.

Black Male Development Symposium, 7:30 am-6:30 pm, Saturday, March 5, at Arcadia University, 450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, Pa. The event will provide an opportunity for participants to address the life-threatening issues affecting black male youth and adults. Haki Madhubiti and Sonia Sanchez are among the speakers. The bus will depart the Center for Black Culture at 7:30 a.m. sharp (please arrive by 7:15 a.m.), and return at 6:30 p.m. The conference is free for UD students, $25 for students and $40 general public. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 21, and space is limited. Conference package includes lunch, T-shirt, transportation and membership fees for the African-American Museum in Philadelphia. For more information, contact David Williams, CBC graduate assistant at [dswill@udel.edu].

Cornel West

"Race Matters: An Evening with Cornel West," 7:30 pm., Wednesday, March 9, in the Clayton Hall Auditorium. West, Class of 1943 University Professor of Religion at Princeton University, is one of America's most gifted and provocative public intellectuals. He has won many awards, including the American Book Award, and has received more than 20 honorary degrees. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and his master’s degree and doctorate from Princeton University. Tickets are free for UD students, $5 for UD faculty and staff and $8 for the general public.

18th annual Multi-ethnic Career Development Conference, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, March 19, in the Multipurpose rooms of the Trabant University Center.Registration is due by Friday, March 11.The conference, with its theme “The Real World--Will You Be Ready,” is an opportunity for freshmen and sophomores to meet with recent alumni and learn how to use UD resources to build a successful career. Keynote speakers for the event include J. Phillip Holloman, vice president of Cintas Co., and Otis Ellis, vice president of Morgan Stanley. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. The conference is limited to the first 100 students. For more information or to register, visit [www.udel.edu/CSC].

African Consciousness Celebration event sponsors include the Center for Black Culture, Cultural Programming Advisory Board, Black American Studies, Black Student Union, Women’s Studies and Women’s Affairs.

For more information, call (302) 831-2991.

Editor's note: This article was updated at 2:50 p.m., March 10.

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