Black History Month Activities at UC

Kicking off the month with the Kuamka Week Extravaganza 2010 and ending with a benefit concert to help the victims of the Haiti earthquakes, the University of Cincinnati celebrates Black History Month remembering the past, reaching out in the present and rising to the future.

UC’s African American Cultural & Research Center celebrates 18 years of excellence through its annual creative programming and special events.

“Kuamka is a Swahili word that means ‘in the beginning.’ Our theme, ‘Reviving the Legacy,’ will link all of our programs and activities together,” said Ewaniki Moore-Hawkins, assistant director of the African American Cultural & Research Center (AACRC). “This year we are celebrating 11 years of our Kuamka activities in the first week, the Annual Kuamka Extravaganza 2010. The week will feature ‘The Mr. & Ms. Kuamka Pageant’ and the ‘Rites of Passage’ for our first year Transitions students.”

The 11th Annual Kuamka Extravaganza 2010 begins on Feb.1 and ends with a semi-formal ball on Feb. 6. Black History Month activities continue through the month, concluding with a stirring concert by the multitalented AACRC Choir, under the direction of P. Eric Watford. A portion of the proceeds from the concert will be directed to the Haiti earthquake relief efforts.

Details

Feb. 1, 2010 — Meet Mr. and Ms. Kuamka
Location: MainStreet Cinema, Tangeman University Center (TUC)
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Come out and officially be introduced to our 2010 Kuamka candidates! They will be answering impromptu questions from a panel of judges on a myriad of topics. They will be critiqued on poise, their ability to answer the question, and the clarity of their responses. We hope to see you there!

Feb. 2, 2010 — Kuamka BYOO (Bring Your Own Opinion) Black Family Discussion
Location: 400C, TUC
Time: Noon –1:15 p.m.
United Black Student Association and the AACRC have partnered to provide a forum to discuss the successes and struggles of the black family. This is a topic we know faculty, staff and students will have an opinion about, so bring your lunch and be prepared to share as we delve into deep issues involving the black family.

Feb 3, 2010 — Kuamka Talent Show
Location: Great Hall, TUC
Time: 7 p.m.
So you think you got talent? Well, our Kuamka candidates certainly do! This event will showcase our candidates’ artistic abilities through song, dramatic interpretation, dance and much more!

Feb 4, 2010 — Kuamka: Act Like a Lady — Be a Man Program
Location: African American Cultural and Research Center
Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Join the Lambda Society, Collegiate 100 and the AACRC as we discuss the roles of African American men and women. Stereotypes, myths, “do”s and “don’t”s — nothing will be off limits! Come and be a part of what is sure to be a lively discussion.

Feb 5, 2010 — Kuamka: Be a Match — Save a Life Preview Event
Location: African American Cultural and Research Center
Time: 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Are you ready to save a life? All it takes is a swab! African Americans suffer at disproportionately higher rates from diseases that call for bone marrow transplants. Come find out more information about how you can be a part of the Bone Marrow Registry and hear from a transplant recipient who has a greater quality of life as a result of people like you who want to make a difference!

Feb 6, 2010 — Kuamka Extravaganza 2010: Red, Black, Green & Gold Ball
Location: Great Hall TUC
Time: 7 p.m.
Attire: Semi-formal or African garb
Free tickets available in the AACRC

Let’s party! Kuamka week and competition culminates with the Red, Black, Green and Gold Ball. The extravaganza will feature the Rites of Passage program for our Transitions students, the Kujifunza academic ceremony and the coronation and crowning of our new Mr. and Ms. Kuamka. Be there to see who will wear the crown!

Feb. 7 – 13, 2010 — United Black Student Association’s Black Love Week
The annual "Black Love Week" commemorates and celebrates love in the black community. The general purpose of Black Love Week is to explore the many facets of love and its place in the African-American community. This year's theme is "A Chocolate High."

Feb. 16, 2010 — Student-Faculty Roundtable, sponsored by A&S, the Office of the Provost and the Vice Provost for Student Affairs.
Topic: "Obama and Race in America: Have Race Relations Really Changed?"
Location: 800 Swift Hall
Time: 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Feb. 20, 2010 — AACRC Choir Winter Concert:
Experience the message of hope through song.
Location: Great Hall TUC
Time: 6 p.m
Tickets: $7 in advance or $10 at the door (a portion of the proceeds will benefit the victims of the Haiti earthquakes)

The theme for the concert will highlight “Black History,” as the AACRC choir will offer, along with music, their overall talents to blend the messages of hope, love and encouragement. Also, through various artistic and expressive ways, the choir will share powerful presentations of singing, rapping and dancing as a way to show support to the victims of Haiti.

Tickets may be purchased at the African American Cultural and Research Center or from any choir member for $7 in advance and $10 at the door (a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Haiti). For more information, please call 513-556-1177 or by visiting the AACRC Web site.

Feb. 22, 2010 — Distinguished Lecture by Orlando Patterson (Harvard University and "The New York Times"), sponsored by A&S, the Office of the Provost and the Vice Provost for Student Affairs.
Topic: "Obama and Race in America"
Location: MainStreet Cinema, TUC
Time: 3 p.m.

Feb. 23, 2010 — Student Discussion: A Meeting with Orlando Patterson (Harvard University and "The New York Times"), sponsored by A&S, the Office of the Provost and the Vice Provost for Student Affairs.
Location: 3230 Recreation Center
Time: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m

A&S Departments Recognize Black History Month
Lecture, 'Obama and Race in America,' to feature Orlando Patterson of Harvard University.