|
2009 Black History Month Events
Be Proud. Be United.
Shades of Black - 20th Annual National African American Read-In
Shades of black
Dates: Saturday, February 7, 2009
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Ballroom, SUB
Description: Shades of Black is a unique and extremely entertaining cultural showcase that highlights the different textures and dimensions of the black experience through mediums such as dance, spoken word, step & stroll and song.
For more information Visit www.myspace.com/shadesofblackshow
About Shades of Black
Kwapi T. Vengesayi created Shades of Black while a student at University of Idaho, which debuted on Feb. 22, 2004. Since its inception the show has become one of the most potent cultural events on the University of Idaho campus. More importantly, Shades of Black has established itself as one of the most anticipated cultural showcases within the Pacific Northwest.
Shades of Black Examines Influence of Black Culture
During Historic Moment In the United States, Sharing the Past Is Still Relevant
January 20, 2009—MOSCOW, Idaho—Only a few short weeks after a historic inauguration in the United States, Shades of Black will return to the University of Idaho on Feb. 7 to celebrate the influence of the black culture throughout the world and throughout history.
As the country and the world watch the swearing in of the first U.S. president of African descent, Shades of Black: A Piece of Ebony will highlight the unique culture that continues to influence all parts of the globe and how other cultures continue to influence that same Black experience.
The celebration comes not just as a result of current events. For the sixth straight year, Shades of Black recognizes black culture as expressed through dance, spoken word and music. Performers share intimate experiences as members of this culture through creative expression and engage the audience to help them identify with black culture.
The annual performance plans to draw students from several major universities, as it has in years before. Artists come from schools including Washington State University, University of Washington, Eastern Washington University, Boise State University and more from around the region.
“It’s a little bit Vandal, a little bit Cougar, a sprinkle of Husky, Bronco and Eagle,” says Kwapi Vengesayi, executive producer of Shades of Black and Idaho alumnus.
"The University of Idaho has allowed Shades of Black to grow into a phenomenon. It’s potent, it’s intellectual, it’s powerful, and it’s creative.”
The event is organized, produced and performed once again by an entirely volunteer staff, mostly students and some members of the community. Vengesayi continues to be a driving force behind the event, a role he has held since opening night six seasons ago.
"As the creator and producer, I'm just as eager as the audience to see what the sixth installment will present with a younger core of organizers I've been working with,” Vengesayi says. With a chuckle he admits he is training others to take over the annual performance. “I guess I'm phasing myself out."
The performance is free to everyone, with doors at 6 p.m. at the University of Idaho Student Union Building Ballroom. To view videos from past Shades of Black performances and for more information, go to www.youtube.com/shadesofblackshow.
20th Annual National African American Read-In
Date: February 24, 2009
Time: 11am - 1pm
Location: Reserved Section, 1st floor, University of Idaho Library
We invite you to read a 3-5 minute selection of African American-authored literature. A list of books on reserve at the library for the Read-In under "English 484/Read-In." You can find the authors listed here, List of Authors.
The African American Read-In is sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English, which tallies all readers who participate. The goal is to make the celebration of African American literacy a traitional part of Black History Month activities.
To sign up to read, please e-mail oma@uidaho.edu telling us your name, the author's name, and the title of the selection you'll be reading from. Please give us a 20 minute block of time that you are available to read. Time slots may fill quickly and will be given out on a "first come first served" basis.
We will be raffling off books written by prominent African American authors as we celebrate the greatness of African American literature. Come join thousands of others around this country and the world reading African American literature during Black History Month.
If you would like a copy of the flyer you can get one here: Read-In Flyer.
 |