Black History Month 2012 at SMU

SMU annually celebrates Black History Month with a variety of events, which are free and open to the public:

February 2-26
	In Full Color! A Look at Black History Through Art The history of black comics as shared by comic-book historian William H. Foster III, featuring civil rights-related art from SMU’s Embrey Human Rights Program collection. A reception will be held 2-4 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Texas Visual Arts Association gallery in the Plaza of the Americas in downtown Dallas. The event, curated by James Disco and Zane Steadman, is presented by the TVAA. For more details, visit tvaa.org or call 972-951-7879. Location: Plaza of the Americas, 700 N. Pearl St., Suite G-207 Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
February 3
	Nikki Giovanni The Association of Black Students presents a lecture by the renowned poet, commentator, activist and educator. More about Giovanni. Location: Hughes-Trigg Student Center Theater Time: 7:30 p.m.
February 4, 11, 18, 25
	Community Service Days Black Men Emerging leads four Saturdays of service in the Dallas area. Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
February 6
	Black Inventors and Inventions The Association of Black Students presents a unique collection of inventions, rare artifacts, African art, sculptures, paintings and historical articles from Black newspapers. Location: Hughes-Trigg Student Center Commons Time: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
February 9
	“Where Are All the Good Black Men?” Black Men Emerging hosts a moderated discussion of “the Good Black Men problem,” seeking the true issues and finding solutions. Location: SAMSA Suite, 300 Hughes-Trigg Student Center Time: 7:30 p.m.
February 10
	Hilltop Renaissance A night of free food, live jazz, poetry and spoken-word performance, interspersed with segments on the history of the Harlem Renaissance. Presented by Omega Psi Phi. Location: Hughes-Trigg Student Center Varsity Time: 7 p.m.
February 16
	African Students Association 2nd Annual Extravaganza Performances celebrating African-American, South American and African culture, with a post-show dinner featuring African, Moroccan and Caribbean food. Location: Hughes-Trigg Student Center Theater Time: 7 p.m.
February 17
	Alumni Reception and Scholarship Kick-Off “Harnessing the Past to Unbridle the Future” is the theme of the Black Alumni of SMU reception to celebrate 13 of its history makers and introduce the inaugural Black Alumni Scholarship, which will be awarded this spring. Among the honorees will be some of the first African-American athletes to play for SMU, as well as alumni who championed civil rights on campus and established the annual SMU Civil Rights Pilgrimage. A slideshow of photographs, press clippings and other documents from the SMU Archives will play during the event. For information contact Mary Jo Dancer at 214-768-1303 or mjdancer@smu.edu. Location: Centennial Hall, Hughes-Trigg Student Center Lower Level Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
February 22
	State of the Black SMU A panel discussion of issues affecting SMU’s Black student population, followed by a town hall-style debate. Presented by Omega Psi Phi. Location: Hughes-Trigg Student Center Forum Time: Noon - 1 p.m.
February 23
	From “I Have a Dream” to “Yes We Can” Performer Barry Scott chronicles America’s struggle for equality through the words of Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama. Presented by the Association of Black Students. Location: Hughes-Trigg Student Center Theater Time: 8-10 p.m.
February 24
	“I Have a Dream” Re-enactment The SMU Fine Arts Community/Residence Life and Student Housing presents a public re-enactment of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps and front lawn of Dallas Hall. Location: SMU Main Quad Time: 7-11 p.m.
February 27
	Progression of the Black Woman Sisters Supporting Sisters presents a journey through the history of the American Black Woman through interactive performance art. Location: Hughes-Trigg Student Center, 1st Floor Time: 5-9 p.m.
February 28
	Excellence Ball The Association of Black Students inaugurates a new annual event. Location: Hughes-Trigg Student Center Ballrooms Time: 7:30 p.m.

Black History Month, observed in February in the United States, seeks to educate the American people about African-Americans' cultural backgrounds and achievements, recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Each year, the U.S. President issues a proclamation to call attention to the importance of the observance.