Goucher College is celebrating African Heritage Month with a series of events, performances, and lectures designed to honor achievements in the African Diaspora.
“Of Ebony Embers”
Monday, February 3
7 p.m. | Hyman Forum, the Athenaeum
The Core Ensemble’s performance “Of Ebony Embers” is a chamber theatre work that celebrates the lives of Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Claude McKay, three great Harlem Renaissance poets.
StarPower: A Simulation Game
Tuesday, February 11
3:30 p.m. | Heubeck Lounge
StarPower is a real-time, face-to-face, non-computer-based simulation of an organization or system in which leaders are given unlimited powers to make and change the rules of the simulation. The purpose of this event will be to explore the dynamics of wealth and power in our communities.
DC Theatre Trip
Saturday, February 15
Noon | Washington, DC
Join the Goucher Theatre Department, Umoja, and Lotus on a trip to Washington, DC, to see Yellow Face, a memoir of playwright Henry Hwang, and The Tallest Tree in the Forest, the true story of actor and activist Paul Robeson. Both plays explore concepts of racial identity and the impact of speaking up. The trip is in celebration of the Lunar New Year and African Heritage Month. The cost is $30 for Goucher students and includes tickets to both plays, dinner, and transportation. For questions and reservations, contact Alvin Eng assistant professor of theatre, at Alvin.eng@goucher.edu. Tickets are limited.
Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute
Monday, February 17
5:30 p.m. | Hyman Forum, the Athenaeum
This year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute program will focus on someone who shared Dr. King’s vision for racial equality: Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president and prominent freedom fighter. Like Dr. King, Mandela led a movement that transformed his society in the struggle against racial discrimination. The event also will include dances from South Africa, performed by Lesole’s Dance Project. Please RSVP by February 12 to aisha.rivers@goucher.edu or by calling 410-337-6243.
Dessert and Follow-up Discussion on Yellow Face and The Tallest Tree in the Forest DC Theatre Trip
Tuesday, February 18
6 p.m. | Geen Community Center
Participants will discuss the plays Yellow Face and The Tallest Tree in the Forest and critical concepts of racial identity. If you are unable to attend the DC theatre trip, contact Alvin Eng, assistant professor of theatre, for the opportunity to read Yellow Face and get more information on The Tallest Tree in the Forest.
ArtOfficial ENTelliGents – A Conversation on Multiculturalism, Innovation, and OnlineJournalism
Wednesday, February 19
7 p.m. | Buchner Hall
Christopher A. Daniel, an Atlanta-based music and pop cultural journalist, will discuss multiculturalism and innovation in relation to building a personal brand in the digital age.
Film Screening of Inequality for All
Thursday, February 20
5 p.m. | Buchner Hall
This documentary follows former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich as he looks to raise awareness of the country’s widening economic gap. Following the screening, there will be a webcast discussion with Reich.
The Art of Performance Poetry (and Open Mic) with Bruce George
Friday, February 21
7 p.m. | Soper Room, Julia Rogers Building
Bruce George is the co-founder and curator of “Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam” television showcase for HBO. A Peabody Award-winner, a frequent television and theatrical producer, and an activist known for his outreach to socioeconomically disadvantaged artists. George is the author of The Bandana Republic: A Literary Anthology by Gang Members and Their Affiliates.
Black Box Discussion
Thursday, February 27
5 p.m. | Buchner Hall
If you have ever wanted to ask what it’s like to be black but didn’t want to appear racist or offensive, this event will give you the opportunity to become informed with the goal of minimizing assumptions and creating positive dialogue. Boxes will be placed around campus to receive written questions about the black experience. The discussion will be facilitated by Raj Ghoshal, Goucher College assistant professor of sociology and anthropology, and Nadiera Young, graduate assistant in the offices of Community Living and Student Engagement.
Sponsored by Goucher’s offices of the Dean of Students, Multicultural Student Services, Community-Based Learning, and Student Engagement; Umoja: The Black Student Union; the Elizabeth B. and David Allan Robertson Lectureship Fund; the Isabelle Kellogg Thomas Lectureship on English; Connections Program; Theatre Department; Communication and Media Studies Department; Africana Studies Department; Political Science Department; Creative Writing Program; Goucher Democrats; Lotus; the Goucher College Library; Mother LLC; and SGA.