Black History Month - February 2013

Black History Month is an observance of the history of the African diaspora in a number of countries outside of Africa. It began as Negro History Week by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926 in order to educate the American people about African-American history, focusing on African Americans' cultural backgrounds and reputable achievements. Since 1976, it is observed annually in the United States and Canada in February. 

February 2013 Events 

Naturally Me, Natural Hair Demonstration 
Presented by Jennifer Lord
Monday, February 4, 2013
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | SMC CC, Room 351
Jennifer Lord, Founder of Naturally Me Hair Salon in Baltimore, will give a brief history on natural hair, advice on how to transition from processed hair, sample styles for professional settings, and a live demonstration. Refreshments will be provided.

Afro-Caribbean Dance Fitness
Taught by: Jacqueline Dailey (Dental School)
Tuesday, February 5, 2013 | SMC CC, Room 349
Tuesday, February 19, 2013 | SMC CC, Room 349
Tuesday, February 26, 2013 | SMC CC, Room 349
Afro-Caribbean dance fitness is the celebration and fusion of modified West African and Brazilian dance movements and cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise. The class is designed to help elevate your heart rate (burn calories), build endurance and tone the muscles while dancing to the beat of Afro-Caribbean and world music. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to participate in this unique dance fitness experience. The dance movements are broken down and modified to ensure everyone experiences a safe but exhilarating dance fitness cardio workout.

African Ancestry Workshop
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | SMC CC Ballroom B
Presentation on how African Ancestry has enabled people of African descent to trace their ancestry back to their present-day African country of origin by analyzing their DNA.  During the presentation, four individuals will have their ancestries revealed.  Refreshments will be provided. 

Spotlight Artist: Ernest Shaw*
Friday, February 22, 2013
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Come join our spotlight artist, Ernest Shaw, for Black History Month for an art exhibition and reception. Meet the artist, converse about inspiration around the work, and enjoy. Refreshments will be provided.

For Colored Girls
Friday, February 22, 2013
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | SMC CC Ballrooms 
UM faculty, students and staff will reenact Ntozake Shange's play that depicts the interconnected lives of nine women, exploring their lives and struggles as women of color. Donations will be connected in lieu of admissions and they will be donated to a charity dedicated to serving the Black Community.
Please contact Alexis McClellan for audition information.

* Co-sponsored by OASIS (School of Social Work)

Dance Demonstration & Drumming: N-CHAT
Thursday, February 28, 2013
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | SMC CC, Fireplace Lounge
Watch and participate in traditional West African dance with a focus on African culture, emotional release and physical fitness.