Celebrate Black History Month with Educational and Entertaining Events at Nova Southeastern University

FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University (NSU) will honor Black History Month in February 2015 through a variety of activities including engaging art exhibitions, performances, film screenings, dynamic speakers, compelling educational workshops, discussions, and events for all ages. 

Highlights of the month-long celebrations include:

Thursday, February 5

• Afros: A Celebration of Natural Hair,” African Presence 2015, 12^th Annual Art Exhibition 

Exhibition Runs February 5-March 13

NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery

Over five years, photographer Michael July approached a variety of individuals and asked them to participate as subject models for a volume he was creating to chronicle the evolution of the Afro in America. He captured the best Afros as worn by people of virtually every shade, ethnicity, country and age group. Exhibition will feature photographs of black hair as well as a collection of traditional and African American picks, hot combs and other accessories.

• “Race Issues in America: The Ferguson Police Shooting and Beyond,” 6:00 – 8:00 pm

This interactive audience participation event is hosted by the Student Government Association at NSU’s Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) as a special edition of Diversity Dialogues. Location: Performance Theater in the Don Taft University Center. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Debra Nixon, nixond@nova.edu; 954-262-3008.

Thursday, March 12

• “Let’s Speak Truth,” Poetry & Spoken Word Night, 6-8:00 pm

Audre Lorde wrote, “Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives…” Poetry is an intimate affair and the best way to experience it is to see it performed in person. Listen to local spoken word artists and poets during this celebration of creativity. Location:  NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery. For more information, contact Christie Williams at wlchrist@nova.edu, 954-262-2106 or LeThesha Harris, lethesha@nova.edu, 954-262-5476.

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

Wednesday, February 4

Scholar’s Roundtable: “Rwanda Today,” 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Abraham S. Fischler School of Education will sponsor the Scholar’s Roundtable to discuss, “Rwanda Today” a first-hand account of a recent visit to Rwanda, the rebuilding of a nation 20 years after the end of genocide, examining the impact of churches, government, investors and the spirit of the people. Location: 1750 N.E. 167th St., Room 210, North Miami Beach. For more information, contact Susan L. Davis at sdavis@nova.edu or 954-262-8735.

Ripley Ohio: Gateway to Freedom on the “Underground Railroad,” Noon – 1:00 pm

Peter Caproni, Ph.D., from NSU’s Center of Psychological Studies, will explore the role of his hometown of Ripley, Ohio as an early stop on the Underground Railroad. A slave woman who crossed the frozen river to Ripley inspired the character of Eliza in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s landmark book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Location: Maltz Building, room 2047. For more information, send email to Peter Caproni at pc491@nova.edu.

Thursday, February 5

Afros: A Celebration of Natural Hair,” African Presence 2015, 12^th Annual Art Exhibition

Exhibition Runs February 5-March 13

NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery

Over five years, photographer Michael July approached a variety of individuals and asked them to participate as subject models for a volume he was creating to chronicle the evolution of the Afro in America. He captured the best Afros as worn by people of virtually every shade, ethnicity, country and age group. Exhibition will feature photographs of black hair as well as a collection of traditional and African American picks, hot combs and other accessories.

Saturday, February 7

ElderSpeak: Conversations between Black Elders and Millennials about “How we got over,” 5:00 pm

The Graduate School of Humanities & Social Scienceswill sponsor the Elder Talk. Professor Debra Nixon, Ph.D., will facilitate an open dialogue between black elders and younger generations about how they thrived and survived navigating through a larger oppressive system. Location: NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library,Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery.For more information, contact Debra Nixon, nixond@nova.edu; 954-262-3008.

Sunday, February 8 

Film Viewing and Discussion – “Hidden Colors Documentary: Exposing a History of Global African Presence and Influence” 3:00 pm

The Graduate School of Humanities & Social Sciences will sponsor the screening of the three part documentary series Hidden Colors, which tells the real and untold history of people of color around the globe. Directed by Tariq Nasheed, the film discusses some of the reasons the contributions of African and aboriginal people have been left out of the pages of history. The first film in the series is Hidden Colors: The Untold History Of People Of Aboriginal, Moor, and African Descent, followed by  Hidden Colors 2: The Triumph of Melanin;  and finally, Hidden Colors 3: The Rules of Racism. Discussion will follow screening moderated by NSU professor Debra Nixon, Ph.D. Location: Carl DeSantis Building, Knight Auditorium. For more information, contact Debra Nixon, nixond@nova.edu; 954-262-3008.

“Race Issues in America: The Ferguson Police Shooting and Beyond,” 6:00 – 8:00 pm

This interactive audience participation event is hosted by the Student Government Association at NSU’s Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) as a special edition of Diversity Dialogues. Location: Performance Theater in the Don Taft University Center. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Debra Nixon, nixond@nova.edu; 954-262-3008.

Tuesday, February 10

“Race and the Justice System” Panel Discussion, 7:00-9:00 pm

Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences and the NSU Black Student Union will host a panel discussion of “Race and the Justice System.” Panelists include: Chanae Carter, president, NSU Black Student Union;

Daniel Y.  Nicolas, MBA, president, Urban League Young Professionals Network; George Kakoti, Ph.D., attorney and NSU associate professor; Gary Gershman,  J.D., attorney and NSU professor, Major Gregory Salters, Fort Lauderdale Police Department; and Germaine Smith-Baugh, Ed.D., president and CEO, Urban League of Broward County. Location: Carl DeSantis Building, Knight Auditorium. For more information, contact Chetachi Egwu, Ph.D. at 954-262-8073 or egwu@nova.edu.

Wednesday, February 11

Sharkey’s Storytime: Positively Africa, 10:30-11:30 a.m. AllAges with caregiver. Dance and sing along with musical duo, Positively Africa! This free program for children of all ages will include a demonstration of authentic, handmade musical instruments. Location: Alvin Sherman Library. Call 954-262-5477.

Discussion: Humanitarian Work and Psychological Support in South Africa, Noon – 1:00 pm

Join the graduate students from the Center for Psychological Studies and their faculty mentor, Stephen Campbell, Ph.D., as they discuss their 2014 humanitarian trip to Swaziland, South Africa. During their humanitarian trip, the students provided psychological education, counseling and interventions on topics including domestic violence, suicide prevention, substance use, and HIV/AIDS. They also collaborated with Saving Orphans through Healthcare and Outreach (SOHO), a non-profit organization that exists to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of orphans and vulnerable children in Swaziland.  Location: Maltz Building, room 2047. For additional information, please contact Nicole Milano at nm519@nova.edu.

“Show Time at the Apollo,” 7:00-9:00 pm

NSU’s Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the Black Student Union will sponsor a talent show based on performances at New York’s Apollo theater. Location: Hollywood Mailman Building, Auditorium. For more information, please contact Tamara Antoine at ta389@nova.edu.

Sunday, February 15

Jazz in the Gallery, 2-3:00 pm

The Inner Court group will perform jazz music in celebration of Black History Month. Location:NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery.  Free and open to the public. Call 954-262-5477 for more information.

Film Viewing and Discussion – Hidden Colors 2: The Triumph of Melanin, 3:00 pm

The Graduate School of Humanities & Social Sciences will sponsor the screening of the second part of documentary series Hidden Colors, directed by Tariq Nasheed. Location: Carl DeSantis Building, Knight Auditorium. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Debra Nixon, nixond@nova.edu; 954-262-3008.

Wednesday, February 18

“Slavery by Another Name,” Film Viewing and Discussion, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Abraham S. Fischler School of Education will sponsor a screening and discussion of the documentary film “Slavery by Another Name,” facilitated by Professor Debra Nixon,   LMFT, Inclusion and Diversity Facilitator.   Even as slavery ended after the Civil War, new forms of forced labor kept thousands of African Americans in bondage until the onset of World War II. Location: NSU Fischler School, 1750 N.E. 167th St., North Miami Beach, room 210.  For more information, contact Susan L. Davis, at sdavis@nova.edu.

Lawyers Tell Stories Networking Reception, 6:30 pm

The Shepard Broad Law Center and the Black Law Students Association will host the second annual evening of storytelling and networking with attorneys and students. Under the theme “My Brother’s Keeper,” members of the legal community will share stories about black men. Location: Carl DeSantis Building, Sales Institute, room 3000. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Cynthia Duval at duvalc@nsu.law.nova.edu.

Thursday, February 19

Film Viewing and Discussion: “Paris is Burning,” 7:00-9:00 pm

Farquhar College of Arts & Sciences will host a screening of “Paris is Burning,” a 1990 film that chronicles the ball culture of New York City and the African-American, Latino, gay, and transgender communities involved in it. The film is considered to be a thoughtful exploration of race, class, gender, and sexuality in America. Discussion will follow screening with panelists Clarence Brooks, associate professor and director of Dance at Florida Atlantic University and Octavio Campos, dancer/choreographer and artistic director of Camposition, a non-profit dance company that combines performance with activism, interactive outreach programs and professional development trainings.Location: Carl DeSantis Building, Knight Auditorium. For more information, contact Augusto Soledade, at 954-262-8274 or asoledade@nova.edu.

Friday, February 20

“Know your Roots” Fashion Show & Culture Night, 7:00-9:00 pm

NSU’s Greek Council will sponsor a fashion show with an emphasis on culture and history. Location: Taft University Center Pit. For more information, please contact Tamara Antoine at ta389@nova.edu.

Saturday, February 21

Blacks in Innovation: A Technology Fair, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

NSU’s Office of Innovation and Information Technology will host Blacks in Innovation: A Technology Fair, geared toward middle school students, ages 12-15 years old. The fair will include several interactive sessions where students will view the contributions of Blacks in technology; learn about aerial photography and video with the use of a quadcopter, view a drone flight demonstration; see a demonstration of 3-D printing; explore Robotics (the use of automation to secure a perimeter and help farmers watch crops); Video Production (Gopro footage editing and correction, with video and photo composition); visit web sites relating to learning various programming languages; discuss Mac computers vs PCs;  explore the process of creating digital art from concept to completed design in a brief demonstration; learn about writing Code; and more. Free and open to the public. Location: Alvin Sherman Library. For more information, contact Jasmine Morales at jasmmora@nova.edu.

Sunday, February 22

Film Viewing and Discussion – Hidden Colors 3: The Rules of Racism. 3:00 pm

The Graduate School of Humanities & Social Sciences will sponsor the screening of the third and final part of documentary series Hidden Colors, directed by Tariq Nasheed.Location: Carl DeSantis Building, Knight Auditorium. For more information, contact Debra Nixon, nixond@nova.edu; 954-262-3008.

Wednesday, February 25

Assessing Transition Readiness Among Sickle Cell Patients, Noon – 1:00 pm

Graduate student Siddika Mulchan will discuss the numerous difficulties that are associated with the transfer of adolescents with chronic illnesses from pediatric to adult care. Specifically, she will discuss the issue of transition for individuals with sickle cell disease. The development of an assessment measure incorporating the perceptions of sickle cell patients and providers to determine transition readiness will explored in this talk. Sponsored by NSU’s Center for Psychological Studies. Free and open to the public. Location: Maltz Building, room 2047. For more information, send email to Siddika Mulchan at sm2048@nova.edu.

Thursday, February 26

Soul Food Fete, Noon – 1:30 pm

Abraham S. Fischler School of Education will host thisPot luck lunch of global ethnic foods.  All invited to share a dish of your favorite soul food and come taste those of others.  Event will include music, spoken word and surprises. Location:  Ballroom, Location: 1750 N.E. 167th St., Room 210, North Miami Beach. For more information, contact Susan L. Davis, sdavis@nova.edu or 954-262-8735.

Friday, March 13 ( New Date)

“Let’s Speak Truth,” Poetry & Spoken Word Night, 6-8:00 pm

Audre Lorde wrote, “Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives…” Poetry is an intimate affair and the best way to experience it is to see it performed in person. Listen to local spoken word artists and poets during this celebration of creativity. Location:  NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery. For more information, contact Christie Williams at wlchrist@nova.edu, 954-262-2106 or LeThesha Harris, lethesha@nova.edu, 954-262-5476.

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

*All events will be held on NSU’s main campus, unless otherwise specified.

**NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library is also hosting Black History Month activities for children, teens and families. Visit www.nova.edu/library/main for a full listing of events.

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About Nova Southeastern University: Situated on 314 beautiful acres in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a dynamic, fully accredited research institution dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs at all levels.  NSU is a not-for-profit independent institution with an enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. NSU awards associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, doctoral and first-professional degrees in a wide range of fields.  NSU is classified as a research university with “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and it is one of only 37 universities nationwide to also be awarded Carnegie’s Community Engagement Classification.  For more information, please visit www.nova.edu.

Media Contact: 
Vera Mandilovitch | Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5309 (office)
954-882-3570 (cell)
vmandilovitch@nova.edu

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