Celebrate Black History Month with FREE Inspiring & Entertaining Events at Nova Southeastern University – All February Long!

Highlights include an evening with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the FREE Highwaymen African Presence Art Exhibition, family and children’s events, and much more!

FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University (NSU) will honor Black History Month in February 2010 through a variety of activities including engaging art exhibitions, performances, award-winning film screenings, dynamic speakers and compelling educational workshops and discussions.

Highlights of the month-long celebration include:

• The grand opening of new art show Road to Empowerment: Art of the Florida Highwaymen, NSU’s Seventh Annual African Presence Art Exhibition on Feb. 4, which will then be open throughout the month;
• The Strengths of the Black Family film series debuting on Feb. 4;
• Free literary events, including an African American Literature Read-In on Feb. 21 and Author Iva C. Marc sharing African American Poetry on Feb. 28;
• A special evening with Nobel Peace Laureate and human rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Feb. 26;
• And much, much more!

Unless otherwise noted, all events are FREE and open to the public, and will be held at NSU’s main campus at 3301 College Ave. More events are being added all the time, so for the latest updates please visit: http://www.nova.edu/blackhistory/.

The current list of NSU’s Black History Month events includes:

• Road to Empowerment: Art of the Florida Highwaymen
  NSU’s Seventh Annual African Presence Art Exhibition 2010 Grand Opening Thursday, Feb. 4 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., FREE and open to the publicAt a time when being black in Florida meant being subjected to Jim Crow laws and limited opportunity, 26 African American youths from the Fort Pierce/Vero Beach area broke the mold by forming a group of entrepreneurial artists that came to be known as the Highwaymen. These artists helped shape Florida’s history and visual legacy by creating more than 250,000 oil paintings featuring the Sunshine State’s beautiful landscapes. A collection of these inspiring mid-20th century paintings will be on view for FREE from Feb. 4 to April 10, 2010 in the Second Floor Gallery of NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, located on NSU’s main campus at 3301 College Ave. in Davie. The Feb. 4 opening reception will feature hors d’oeuvres, blues music, and dance performances as well as the exhibition unveiling. Call (954) 262-5353.
• Strengths of the Black Family Roundtable with Film Excerpts
  Thursday, Feb. 4, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., FREE and open to the publicNSU’s Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences presents the 3rd Annual Black History Month event, Strengths of the Black Family. The roundtable with film excerpts focuses on how the black family has managed to survive and thrive in a hostile environment that promotes the belief that it is dysfunctional and pathological. This year’s program will feature an open dialogue on the critical issues facing contemporary black families, such as: the future of the black family; single parent households; extended familial relationships; community/village challenges; the marital relationship; fidelity; and mental and physical health concerns. Assistant Marriage and Family Therapy Professor Marriage and Family Debra Nixon, Ph.D., LMFT, will facilitate the discussion. Call (954) 262-3008.
• The Florida Highwaymen: An Evening with Author Gary Monroe
  Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 7-9 p.m., FREE and open to the publicGary Monroe is the author of several books on the Florida Highwaymen, including The Highwaymen: Florida’s African American Artists, and he is the curator of the African Presence 2010 Art Exhibition: “Road to Empowerment, Art of the Florida Highwaymen.” His talk will provide the back-story of the art and look at the artists’ unique aesthetic. He will examine the misconception that their paintings were composite practices with any number of painters contributing to each piece, when in fact each artist painted their own paintings and had a style unlike the others. Location: Second Floor Gallery, Alvin Sherman Library. Sponsored by NSU’s Farquhar College of Arts & Sciences. For more information, call (954) 262-8021.
• Being Black in Business, Past & Future
  Thursday, Feb. 18 from 1:15-2:15 p.m., FREE and open to the publicSponsored by the Graduate Business Student Association at NSU’s H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, the event will feature a panel of four South Florida executives in diverse fields and backgrounds who will discuss their experiences and share advice. Special ethnic food will also be available. Panel includes Preston Jones, DBA, Executive Associate Dean of H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business & Entrepreneurship; Catherine Minnis, President of the National Black MBA Association, South Florida Chapter; Miramar Commissioner Barbara Sharief; and Pat Williams, Manager of Inclusion and Supplier Diversity for Burger King Corp. Location: Carl DeSantis Building, room 3032. Call (954) 262-5149.
• Celebrate Black History Month During Bilingual “La hora de cuentos” Storytime
  Thursday, Feb. 18 from 7-8 p.m. (all ages with caregiver), FREE and open to the publicSing, dance, and laugh in both English and Spanish at NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library during this special Black History Month program. After storytime, learn how to help your child become a good reader at Family Literacy University. Call (954) 262-5477.
• Dessert & Diversity Dialogue, “The ‘N’ Word: What’s In a Name?”
  Friday, Feb. 19 from 12-2 p.m., FREE and open to the publicA stimulating discussion of the “N” word, how it is used and portrayed in society. With its extensive use in contemporary hip hop and rap music genres, does the word still have the power to incite and offend? Attendees are encouraged to engage in discussion to break the barriers and stereotypes of the word, discuss views and ideas about the usage of the word and its meaning. Light snacks and beverages will be served. Sponsored by NSU’s Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences and NSU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. Call (954) 262-7293.
• Expressions Café: Open Mic Night “Hip Hop Edition”
  Friday, Feb.19 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (ages 14-17), FREE and open to the publicTeen performers will showcase the arts of African-American culture and history at NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library in honor of Black History Month during this Open Mic night event! Pre-register to perform. All types of expression are welcome, including musical performances, poetry readings, monologues, and more. Performances should be rated “T for Teen” (no offensive language or behavior please). Call (954) 262-5477.
• African-American Genealogical Record Series
  Duplicate sessions available on Saturday, Feb. 20 or Sunday, Feb. 21 from 1-3 p.m., FREE and open to the publicA general exploration of the various African-American Genealogical Record Series available to family historians with a focus on the numerous free resources accessible through NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library. Both sessions will be held in the library in Lab A. Call (954) 262-4575.
• African American Literature Read-In
  Sunday, Feb. 21 from 1-3 p.m., FREE and open to the public
  NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library is hosting this afternoon event to share the joy and legacy of African American literature. Join neighbors and friends as we read works from African American authors and celebrate their literary contributions. Select a work of your choice and read a 3-5 minute passage from your favorite author to the group. 5 Best-Loved African American Literary Classics to get you started include: The Color Purple by Alice Walker; Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston; Native Son by Richard Wright; Roots by Alex Haley; and Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. Call (954) 262-5477.
• Black History Month Themed “Storytime Fun: I Love My Library!”
  Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. (ages 3-5, with a caregiver), FREE and open to the publicCelebrate Black History Month with music and art at NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library! Children will explore the world through literature while developing reading skills. Featured books include Charlie Parker Played Be-Bop and Bring on that Beat by Rachel Isadora. Librarian and Jazz Musician Greg Sidberry will provide live music, and participants will take a special tour of the library’s gallery to see Road to Empowerment: Art of the Florida Highwaymen. Then stay for Family Literacy University to develop your child’s ability to recognize and distinguish sounds of speech in language, and Little Learners Open Lab to explore books about African American jazz musicians. Call (954) 262-5477.
• Black History Month Themed “Tiny Tots Storytime: I Love You!”
  Thursday, Feb. 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. (ages birth-36months, with a caregiver), FREE and open to the publicJoin us as we celebrate National Library Lovers’ Month and Black History Month with books about love by African American authors! Children will explore the world through literature at NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library while developing pre-reading skills. Featured books include Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke and Did I Tell You I Love You Today? by Deloris Jordan with Roslyn M. Jordan. Participants will also take a special tour of the library’s gallery to see Road to Empowerment: Art of the Florida Highwaymen. Call (954) 262-5477.
• 6th Annual Carrie P. Meek Outstanding Education Leadership Achievement Awards
  Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6-9 p.m. at Signature Grand in DavieThe prestigious evening affair, hosted by the Black Heritage Council of NSU’s Fischler School of Education and Human Services, was established in honor of former Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek’s work as a lifelong educator and public servant. The fundraising event draws hundreds of educators, government officials, business, and community leaders from Dade and Broward counties each year for an evening of entertainment and recognition honoring the lives of individuals whose work have positively impacted the African American community. The keynote speaker will be educational legend Abraham S. Fischler, NSU’s education school’s namesake. Tickets are $50. Visit www.FischlerSchool.nova.edu/bhc for more information or to purchase tickets.
• Distinguished Speakers Series Presents: Archbishop Desmond Tutu
  Friday, Feb. 26 from 7-8:30 p.m., FREE and open to the publicNSU’s Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences Division of Humanities will welcome Nobel Peace Laureate and human rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as part of the college’s Distinguished Speakers Series. Tutu will present “Good vs. Evil: Human Rights or Humans Wronged,” corresponding to the academic theme for 2009–2010, ‘Good and Evil.” The event will take place in NSU’s Don Taft University Center Arena. This event is FREE and open to the public; however, tickets are required for admission. Tickets will be available to the general public beginning Monday, Feb. 1. For more information, visit www.fcas.nova.edu/articles/dss/desmondtutu or call (954) 262-8236.
• NSU Nursing Students Provide Health Screenings at the Sistrunk Historical Festival & Parade
  Saturday, Feb. 27 at 8 a.m., FREE and open to the publicNSU’s College of Allied Health and Nursing will provide health screenings at the oldest African American Festival in Broward County – the Sistrunk Historical Festival and Parade – named in honor of Dr. James Sistrunk, one of the county’s first black physicians. Call (954) 262-1274 or email blitwin@nova.edu.
• Black Law Student Association presents NSU Law Day
  Saturday, Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., FREE and open to the publicThe free event gives high school and undergraduates a taste of what it’s like to attend law school. Event will be held in NSU’s Shepard Broad Law Center. Call (954) 262-6121.
• Local-motion: A Black History Month Celebration of South Florida Dance
  Saturday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m., FREE and open to the publicThis unique and dynamic dance show pays homage to Black Dance in South Florida through performances by key South Florida based dancers of African descent. The featured performers are: Clarence Brooks, Assistant Professor/Director of Dance at Florida Atlantic University and former member of several companies including Nikolais/Louis Dance; the Delou African Dance Company; and Live In Color Dance Collective, a Miami-based Urban Funk/Hip Hop dance group which has been featured on Dance Fever, America’s Best Dance Crew and in music videos with artists such as Missy Elliot and Brooke Hogan; Lu Welters, Director of Jubilee Dance Theatre and a former Alvin Ailey Dancer; and Augusto Soledade, Artistic Director of Brazz Dance Theater. Location: the Performance Theater at NSU’s Don Taft University Center. Sponsored by NSU’s Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences. For more information, call 954-262-7613.
• African Diaspora Genealogy Group
  Saturday, Feb. 27 from 12:30-2 p.m., FREE and open to the publicJoin this research support group for those family historians with African roots or interests, looking to share their journey of exploration into the past. The group will meet in NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library in Lab A. Call (954) 262-4575.
• Author Iva C. Marc Shares a Passion for African American Poetry
  Sunday, Feb. 28 from 4-6 p.m., FREE and open to the publicSouth Florida native author Iva C. Marc shares her spiritual, sensual and social love themed free verse, sestina and prose work featured in her first published poetry book, “MOIST.” Come to NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library and be a part of the creative process and share your talent. Her book will be available for purchase and signing. After enjoying the poetic feast, indulge in the mouth-watering organic delicacies of Be Organic. Call (954) 262-5477.

For more information on additional events, please visit http://www.nova.edu/blackhistory/.

Media Contact:
Andra Liwag, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5309 (office), 954-873-8494 (cell), andrali@nova.edu