Groups have big plans for Black History Month

Black History Month has arrived and the African Student Association, Black Student Union, and NAACP are ready to celebrate and educate.

"This month is particularly special because one month is taken out of the year to recognize and honor the achievements of African Americans," said Sharee Hereford, a sophomore business management major, and vice president of the NAACP at UB.

The Black Student Union, a club boasting 82 active members, will be holding their regular general meetings Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in 145B Student Union.

"A lot of the issues we talk about at the meetings are political and economic issues that go on within the African American community," said Simone Hicks, the president of the Black Student Union and a sophomore dual major in political science and economics. "It is a way to come to a resolution about certain issues."

Wednesday meetings run an hour and a half long and about 60 students attend each week, she said.

The month's topics are: "The Genocide of the African American Youth: AIDS," the "Underground Railroad," "Endangered: The Black Family," and "Self Hatred: Why do we deny our culture?"

African SA and NAACP general meetings are held Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Student Union in Rooms 145B and 145A respectively.

"We're trying to educate people a little more about Africa," said Joyce Eleda, a sophomore chemistry major, and treasurer of the African SA.

According to Eleda, this month's meetings will also include spotlights on countries in Africa.

At the beginning of this month's heavy focus on the historical and social struggles of African Americans, BSU plans to take a carefree trip in an effort to enjoy the present as much as learning about the past.

From Feb. 4 to 6, in conjunction with Alpha Phi Alpa, the Black Student Union has a ski trip in the Catskills planned. Tickets are on sale at the Sub-Board I ticket office.

"That's just an extra fun activity," Hicks said.

On Monday, Feb. 7, Black Women United, a Black Student Union committee, plans to meet in 145A Student Union at 5 p.m. The group usually meets every other week to discuss issues affecting women of color.

On Feb. 8 the Black Student Union, the NAACP, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. will be holding a Health Fair in the SU special events area.

Feb. 9 is Founder's Day for the NAACP. To commemorate, the organization plans on taking over the SU lobby.

"We're giving away free stuff, there will be music. And we're going to be talking about our founders, black history, black inventors, black people who have historically impacted America," said Sharee Hereford.

The Black Student Union annual Harlem Night will be held on Feb. 12 in Harriman Hall on South Campus at 6:30 p.m. in the main hall. According to Hicks, this year's theme "Stompin' at the Savoy" was chosen because the Savoy was one of the few night clubs during the Harlem Renaissance era to allow the entrance of blacks.

"It is a tribute to the Harlem Renaissance," Hicks said. "(There will be) performances, spoken word. There will be beverages and food served."

Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, Black Women United and Black Men United, another BSU committee, are holding a meeting in 145A Student Union at 5 p.m. to discuss "Black Love."

The Office of Multicultural Affairs will join forces with the three major organizations to host an African Bazaar in the SU on Feb. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"It is an awareness bazaar to dispel any stereotypes people may have," said Joel Payton, a senior early childhood education major who is president of the African Student Association.

Payton said foods and talent from different African countries will be the main focus of the event in order to show the "uniqueness of each culture."

The African Student Association's annual "Jambo," a Swahili word meaning "welcome," will be held on Feb. 19.

In a pageant-like contest to find a Mr. and Mrs. Jambo, five men and five women will choose an African country and tell the audience about the country in a unique way. SanKofa!, UB's own African dance troupe, will perform at this year's "Jambo" and traditional African food will be served to lend to the atmosphere of a celebration of African culture. This year's prizes will be $200 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third.

"We use this as a way for people to learn about the countries and to see the beauty within those countries," said Eleda. "We're expecting about 400 people."

Tickets for the event, from which a portion of the proceeds will be donated towards AIDS and education in Africa, are now available at the SBI ticket office.

The following day, Feb. 20, Black Women United will be hosting a Men's Appreciation dinner in Goodyear at 6 p.m.

"It's basically a tribute to the African American males in our community," said Simone Hicks.

At the end of the month on Feb. 26, the Black Student Union will host Black Explosion, their high-profile annual dinner and fashion show, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Tickets for this year's show, with its theme "A Red Carpet Affair," are on sale in the Sub-Board I ticket office.

For Eleda, this month is much more than a series of isolated celebrations.

"We remember our past every day and at all of our meetings. For us, every month is significant," she said. "It's year-round. Every month we make sure we celebrate our history and our culture."