January 7, 2005
Black Cultural Center announces spring Cultural Arts Series
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's Black Cultural Center has announced the lineup for the spring 2005 Cultural Arts Series that includes lectures, a historical tour and artistic performances.
"We are confident there will be something for everyone in this spring's slate of events and encourage participation by all in the community," said BCC director Renee Thomas. "The calendar includes the artistic, literary and cultural richness of African-Americans, past and present. The series is designed to increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of African-Americans and their culture."
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Upcoming events include:
• Jan. 17 – Bertice Berry will speak at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall. Her talk is part of the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on campus, sponsored the Office of the Vice President for Human Relations in collaboration with the Black Cultural Center, Diversity Resource Office, Office of the Vice President for Housing and Food Services, and the Boiler Volunteer Network . Berry is an award-winning entertainer, lecturer and comedienne. She also is a best-selling author of several books.
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• Feb. 2 – Jeffrey Johnson will deliver the Black History Month keynote lecture at 7 p.m. in Krannert Auditorium. Johnson is vice president of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network, a non-profit group that works to involve the hip-hop music industry in education advocacy and addressing other societal concerns. A social activist, African Methodist Episcopal minister, public speaker and leadership trainer, Johnson has been seen on CNN, "BET Tonight," MTV and C-Span, and featured in USA Today and The New York Times. He is "Cousin Jeff" on BET's hip-hop video show "Rap City."
• Feb. 11 – The Haraka Writers will present Haraka Love Poems at 7 p.m. in the Black Cultural Center. The group is a collective of student and community writers committed to literary expression of the black experience. This Black Cultural Center ensemble began under the name Creative Writers Workshop in 1973. Five years later the name was changed to Haraka, a Swahili word meaning "expression."
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• Feb. 17 – Nashville Tenn.'s jeff obafemi carr will present his one-man play "How Blak Kin Eye Bee?" at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall. The play explores what it means to be African-American in a changing world, and features acting, interactive music, multimedia imagery and audience participation. An actor and a writer, carr has several plays to his credit, including "Rabbit, The Pear Tree, and The Maheeheehah" and "The Unforgettable Visit: A Kwanzaa Tale."
• Feb. 23 – The Artist-In-Residence Showcase at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall will feature BCC's artists-in residence Twana Harris, composer and singer; Khari Bowden, spoken word artist; K. Iega Jeff, choreographer; and Bill Caise, actor and director. The artist-in-residence program is a fundamental component of the BCC's cultural education program and provides students with opportunities to study with skilled practitioners in the disciplines of African-American choral music, creative writing and theater.
• March 4-5 – The BCC is sponsoring a cultural and historic tour to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. The cost is $100 for the general public and $35 for Purdue students. Registration fees cover transportation, lodging and admission. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center offers lessons and reflections on the struggle for freedom. The center promotes collaborative learning, dialogue and action to inspire freedom movements with exhibits, programs, research and interactive experiences. The preregistration deadline is Feb. 18. Call (765) 494-3092 for more information or to preregister.
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• March 22 – The Dallas Black Dance Theatre will perform at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse. The modern dance company has a mixed repertoire of modern jazz, African and spiritual works. The company has studied, trained and performed with Alvin Ailey, David Parson, Cleo Parker and other performers and teachers.
• March 25 – Haraka Fest will begin at 7 p.m. Students will perform original poetry under the direction of Khari Bowden.
• April 3 – The Black Voices of Inspiration will perform its spring concert at 3 p.m. in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse. The director is Twana Harris. The ensemble's repertoire includes traditional spirituals, gospel and jazz music by African-American composers. Admission is $5 for students and $7 for the general public.
• April 8-9 – The New Directional Players will present its spring production at 7 p.m. in the Black Cultural Center. The director is Bill Caise.
• April 16 – The Jahari Dance Troupe's Spring Revue will be at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse. The troupe performs a repertoire choreographed by K. Iega Jeff that includes African, ballet, folk, jazz, tap and modern dance. Admission is $5 for students and $7 for the public.
Established at Purdue in 1969, the Black Cultural Center is nationally recognized and acknowledged by the Association of Black Culture Centers as one of the best centers of its kind. Thomas said the center helps black students gain a greater understanding of their heritage and supports and enhances cultural diversity on campus and in the community.
Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu
Source: Renee Thomas, (765) 494-3091, rathomas@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: The name jeff obafemi carr is all lowercase.
PHOTO CAPTION:
The Dallas Black Dance Theatre will perform at 7 p.m. March 22 in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse as part of the Black Cultural Center's Cultural Arts Festival. The company's repertoire includes modern jazz, African and spiritual works.
A publication-quality photograph is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/+2005/BCC-dallas.jpg
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