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

FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla.– January 29, 2014 –

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) will honor Black History Month in February 2013 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:

 

Friday, Jan. 31

Grand Opening Reception – “Witness to History: The Photography of Ernest Withers,” African Presence 2014, 11^th Annual Art Exhibition, 6:00 – 8:30 pm.

This exhibition features more than 75 historical photographic works by the late Ernest C. Withers that document the civil rights movement of the 1950’s and 60’s along with famous photographs from the Beale Street music era, and the Negro Baseball League.  The exhibition, which will run through March 16, will be unveiled at 8:00 pm in the NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery. Sponsored by NSU’s Division of Advancement & Community Relations. For more information or to RSVP, call 954-262-5357 or send email to serioux@nova.edu.

 

Monday, Feb 3

“Black History Month: Is it still relevant in the 21st Century?” 6 pm

In the second week of February 1926, historian Carter Woodson launched Negro History Week contending at the time that “if a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world.”

Location: Parker 202.  For more information, contact David Kilroy at 954-262-8021 or dkilroy@nova.edu.

 

Monday, Feb. 10

A Spike Lee Joint: Movie Viewing and Open Discussion, 6:00 pm

Few movie directors have tackled issues of race in America more directly and more insightfully than Spike Lee.   Early Spike Lee films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, and Mo Better Blues challenged traditional Hollywood stereotypes and revolutionized the depiction of black America on the big screen. 

Location: Alvin Sherman Library, room 4009.  For more information, contact David Kilroy at 954 262 8021 or dkilroy@nova.edu.

 

Tuesday, Feb. 25

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

Join students from the Center for Psychological Studies and their faculty mentor, Stephen Campbell, Ph.D., as they discuss their humanitarian relief efforts in Swaziland, South Africa.

 

January 19 through May 17

The Movement: Bob Adelman Civil Rights Era Photography commemorates the 50^th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and features 150 extraordinary photographs by the photographer who captured some of the most compelling and iconic images of the civil rights era.

Bob Adelman Civil Rights Era Photography is presented by AutoNation.

Additional support provided by Simkins Hollis Law Group, PC in loving memory of Dr. Anna Atkins Simkins, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee, Inc., the Community Foundation of Broward and W Fort Lauderdale. Media Partner is CBS 4.

The exhibition is organized by NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale as part of its Foto Fort Lauderdale initiative, and curated by Peter Boswell. 

Location: NSU Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale, 1 E. Las Olas. Blvd.
Cost: Museum admission is $10, $7 seniors and military, $5 students, 12 or younger free
Contact: 954-525-5500 or MOAFL.org;

 

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

 

Friday, January 31

Grand Opening Reception – “Witness to History: The Photography of Ernest Withers,” African Presence 2014, 11^th Annual Art Exhibition, 6:00 – 8:30 pm.

This exhibition features more than 50 historical photographic works by the late Ernest C. Withers that document the civil rights movement of the 1950’s and 60’s along with famous photographs from the Beale Street music era, and the Negro Baseball League. Evening includes refreshments, musical entertainment, giveaways and viewing of the exhibition. Opening Reception will be held on campus in the Don Taft University Center. The exhibition, which will run through March 16, will be unveiled at 8:00 pm in the NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery. Sponsored by NSU’s Division of Advancement & Community Relations. For more information or to RSVP, call 954-262-5357 or send email to serioux@nova.edu.

Saturday, February 1

“Musical Soul: The Sounds of Movement, Part 1,” 2:00 – 4:30 pm

Join us for an evening of lyrical dialogue. Listen to and discuss the soulful sounds of the social Justice movement of the 1960 American Civil Rights Era. Let’s reflect on the musical genius and artistry displayed in songs like “A Change is Gonna Come,” the Civil Rights Anthem composed and sung by the legendary Sam Cooke.  Discussion includes dialogue about freedom fighter songs that reflect the spirituals that got black Americans through, not over, oppression.  Open to the public, opportunity for personal reflection and musical talent. Location: Knight Auditorium, Carl DeSantis Building. Contact Debra Nixon, nixond@nova.edu; 954-262-3008.

Monday, February 3

“Black History Month: Is it still relevant in the 21st Century?” 6 pm

In the second week of February 1926, historian Carter Woodson launched Negro History Week contending at the time that “if a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world.” In 1976 President Ford endorsed official U.S. recognition of what had by that time become Black History Month noting that it gave every American the opportunity “to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”  NSU’s Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences presents a discussion led by Professors David Kilroy and Gary Gershman will lead a discussion about the continuing relevance of Black History Month remains in the twenty-first century. Location: Parker 202.  For more information, contact David Kilroy at 954-262-8021 or dkilroy@nova.edu.

 

Tuesday, February 4

Diversity Dialogues, “Inclusive Excellence at NSU,” Noon – 1:00 pm

Let’s talk about what diversity management means here at NSU. We will hear from students, faculty, and staff. What does One NSU look and feel like? Presenters include NSU’s own: Delores Smiley, Aaron Hackman, Jonathan May, Arlene Giczkowksi, and Debra Nixon. Open to the public. Location: Horvitz Administration Building, President’s Dining Room.

 

Wednesday, February 5

Live Music with Positively Africa, 10:30-11:30 a.m.  All ages (adults must accompany children).

Celebrate Black History Month and attend a lively and enchanting duo who will perform songs, movement, and demonstrate authentic instruments. Location: Alvin Sherman Library. Free and open to the public. Call 954-262-5477 for more information.

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 2045. For more information, send email to Peter Caproni at pc491@nova.edu.

 

 

Sunday, February 9

“Slavery by Another Name,” Film Viewing and Discussion, 3:00 p.m. 

Screening and discussion of 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.  Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History that uses the power of documentary films to encourage community discussion about America’s civil rights history.   Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.   Location: NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery.  Call 954-262-5477 for more information.

 

Monday, February 10 

A Spike Lee Joint: Movie Viewing and Open Discussion, 6:00 pm

Few movie directors have tackled issues of race in America more directly and more insightfully than Spike Lee.   Early Spike films such as She’s Gotta Have It, Do the Right Thing, and Mo Better Blues challenged traditional Hollywood stereotypes and revolutionized the depiction of black America on the big screen. NSU’s  Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences and the Alvin Sherman Library present a screening of an early a

Spike Lee film and a discussion led by several faculty members from the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences about the debates and controversies that accompanied films in the 1990s. Location: Alvin Sherman Library, room 4009.  For more information, contact David Kilroy at 954 262 8021 or dkilroy@nova.edu.

 

Thursday, February 13

 “’Long is the way and hard’ – The Fight for African American Civil Rights in the Twentieth Century,” 6:00 pm

Civil Rights is arguably the defining issue of the twentieth century and the epic struggle of black Americans to secure the rights guaranteed to them under the Constitution is one of the greatest stories in the history of the nation. NSU’s  Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences presents a lecture by Professor Charles Zelden (author of Thurgood Marshall: Race, Rights and the Struggle for a More Perfect Union) on the protracted and complex twentieth century campaign to end racial inequality in America.

Location: NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery. For more information, contact David Kilroy at 954-262-8021 or dkilroy@nova.edu.

 

Being a Lawyer & Changing the World: Celebrating the Contributions of Black Lawyers. 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Invoking the Griot (Storyteller) tradition, NSU Shepard Broad Law Center and community partners invite you to an evening of stories as told by local leaders who have used their legal skills to change our world – one person, family or community at a time. Special guest speaker will be Eugene Pettis, J.D. ??? president of the Florida Bar Association. Location: Carl DeSantis Building, Executive Conference room, 3000. RSVP: http://nsulaw.nova.edu/events/event.cfm?EventID=4254. For more Information: contact Cynthia Duval, 954-262-6124, duvalc@nsu.law.nova.edu.

 

Saturday, February 15

“Musical Soul: The Sounds of Movement, Part 2,” 4:00-6:30 pm

Join us for an evening of lyrical dialogue. Listen to and discuss the soulful sounds of the social Justice movement of the 1960 American Civil Rights Era. Let’s reflect on the musical genius and artistry displayed in songs like “A Change is Gonna Come,” the Civil Rights Anthem composed and sung by the legendary Sam Cooke.  Discussion includes dialogue about freedom fighter songs that reflect the spirituals that got black Americans through, not over, oppression.  Open to the public, opportunity for personal reflection and musical talent. Location: NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery.  Contact Debra Nixon, nixond@nova.edu; 954-262-3008.

 

Sunday, February 16

Jazz in the Gallery, 2-3 pm

The Jason Hainsworth Quartet will perform jazz 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.

 

Tuesday, February 18

Tuesday Night Movie, 6:30-8:30 pm

Join us for movie night to celebrate Black History Month! Free and open to the public. NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery. For movie title and more information, call 954-262-5477.

 

Thursday, February 20

Book Signing and Discussion – African Presence in Spanish Florida: Black Seminoles, 5:30 – 7:30 pm

In celebration of Black History Month, the Circle of Friends is hosting a discussion of the book, African Presence in Spanish Florida: Black Seminoles, written and presented by cultural anthropologist Rosalyn Howard, Ph.D. Funding for this program has been provided by the Florida Humanities Council. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the book and have it signed. Light refreshments will be served. Location: NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery. Free and open to the public, but reservations are required. No walk ins please. RSVP by Thursday, Feb. 13 to 954-262-4627 or libdev@nova.edu.

 

Saturday, February 22

NSU Volunteers at the Sistrunk Historical Festival & Parade, Noon – 2:30 pm

Nova Southeastern University’s College of Health Care Sciences and College of Pharmacy will provide health screenings and resource information 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. Location: Samuel Delevoe Park, 2520 NW 6^th Street, Fort Lauderdale. Contact Bini Litwin, 954-262-1274 or blitwin@nova.edu.

 

Tuesday, February 25

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

Join students from the Center for Psychological Studies and their faculty mentor, Stephen Campbell, Ph.D., as they discuss their humanitarian relief efforts in Swaziland, South Africa. During their trip, the students provided psycho education, peer counseling, and psychological interviews. Students will discuss their goals for the upcoming summer 2014 Swaziland trip as well. Throughout February, students will be collecting new or gently used clothing and toys to support the children and adolescents in need. Location Maltz Building, room 2055. For additional information, please contact Nicole Milano at nm519@nova.edu and LeKisha Mixon at lekish88@aol.com.

 

Wednesday, February 26

Raise a Reader @ Sharkey’s Storytime! Fables and Folktales, 10:30-11:30 am

Ages 3 to 5. Celebrate Black History Month with tales from Africa, including “Why Mosquitos Buzz in People’s Ears,” a West African tale retold by Verna Aardema, “Anansi the Spider,” a tale from the Ashanti adapted and illustrated by Gerald McDermott  and “Beautiful Blackbird” by Ashley Bryan. Location: Alvin Sherman Library. Free and open to the public. Call 954-262-5477.

Thursday, February 27

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

Center for Psychological Studies doctoral 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 2045. For more information, send email to Siddika Mulchan at sm2048@nova.edu.

“Dance, Theatre, Art and the Story of Ruby Bridges,” 6:00 pm

The amazing story of Ruby Bridges, the first black child to attend an all-white elementary school in the segregated South, is arguably one of the least celebrated of the many stories of courage and perseverance that characterized the struggle for justice in the Jim Crow era.  Perhaps the most famous reference to Ruby Bridges is in the Norman Rockwell painting The Problem We all Live With (1964), but more recently her story served as the inspiration for an original multimedia dance piece by Jamaican American choreographer Afua Hall titled Red.  Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences presents a discussion led by Professor Elana Lanczi, who collaborated on and performed in Red, on the inspiration behind the project and the enduring power of the story of Ruby Bridges.  Location: NSU’s Alvin Sherman Library, Adolfo & Marisela Cotilla Gallery. For more information, contact David Kilroy at 954-262-8021 or dkilroy@nova.edu.

 

Thursday, March 13 

“Let’s Speak Truth,” Poetry & Spoken Word Night, 6:00 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 or 954-262-2106.

 

Special Community Health Events

African Americans are almost twice as likely to have diabetes as compared to the general population. More than 11% of Hispanics and 12.6% of non-Hispanic blacks have diabetes.

As part of Black History Month, Nova Southeastern University’s Health Professions Division will host a series of Inter-professional Diabetes Education and Advocacy (IDEA) workshops to increase awareness about diabetes and provide practical lessons to improve the health of the participants and their families in Broward County.

Faculty members and students  from NSU’s Colleges of Health Care Sciences, Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, and Optometry will present on important topics such as “Diabetes and Healthy Eating,” “Diabetes and Medical Management,” and  more. Each seminar is a free, one-hour long session that is open to the community and concludes with a question and answer session.

• Saturday, February 1, 10:00 am – “Power over Diabetes: An Overview”
• Saturday, February 8, 10:00 am – “Diabetes and Healthy Eating”
• Sunday, February 16, 2:00 pm – “Diabetes and Medication Management.”

Workshops will be held at NSU’s University Park Plaza, Nursing Simulation Skills Lab, 3400 South University Drive, Suite 3400, Davie. For more information, visit www.nova.edu/chcs/idea.

 

January 19 through May 17

The Movement: Bob Adelman Civil Rights Era Photography commemorates the 50^th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and features 150 extraordinary photographs by the photographer who captured some of the most compelling and iconic images of the civil rights era.

Bob Adelman Civil Rights Era Photography is presented by AutoNation.

Additional support provided by Simkins Hollis Law Group, PC in loving memory of Dr. Anna Atkins Simkins, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee, Inc., the Community Foundation of Broward and W Fort Lauderdale. Media Partner is CBS 4.

The exhibition is organized by NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale as part of its Foto Fort Lauderdale initiative, and curated by Peter Boswell.  Location: NSU Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale, 1 E. Las Olas. Blvd.
Cost: Museum admission is $10, $7 seniors and military, $5 students, 12 or younger free
Contact: 954-525-5500 or MOAFL.org;

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 27,000 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. Celebrating 50 years of academic excellence!

 

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