Iowa State hosts Black History Month activities

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State continues the annual tradition of observing Black History Month with several on-campus events scheduled this February. From lectures to panel discussions to the performing arts, students, faculty and staff will have many opportunities to immerse themselves in the African-American culture.

Melanie Smith, who works with diversity issues in the office of the executive vice president and provost, said Black History Month is an opportunity for African-Americans to garner attention for their contributions around the world.

"It's important [to recognize Black History Month] because the contributions of African-Americans tend to get lost throughout the year," Smith said. "It's a good opportunity to remember some things we don't always hear about."

A case in point, according to Smith, is Frederick Patterson. Smith said she, too, recently discovered that Patterson, who established the United Negro College Fund, received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in veterinary medicine from Iowa State.

"That's a pretty significant contribution," Smith said.

Smith said she looks forward to the day when the contributions of African-Americans are remembered throughout the year, not only during Black History Month.

"It's important to continue the tradition until the recognition of African-Americans becomes mainstream," Smith said.

Following is a listing of Black History Month events at Iowa State. For more information about any event, contact the person or Web site listed for that event.

Thursday, Jan. 24

4 p.m., Celebration, honoring Martin Luther King Jr., musical performances and speakers, Great Hall, Memorial Union, (515) 294-9934.

Friday, Feb. 1

7 p.m., Concert, Restoration & Prayze Gospel Choir, Gospel Soul Innovators, New Baptist Church Children's Choir and others, free, Great Hall, Memorial Union, (515) 294-9934.

8 p.m., Film, "Banished," three U.S. towns in the early 20th century forced their African-American populations to leave, free, Pioneer Room, Memorial Union, (515) 296-6848.

Monday, Feb. 4

Noon, Panel discussion, "Classroom Climate for Students of Color at Iowa State," ISU alum Modupe Labode will join students, administrators and faculty to discuss the campus experiences of students and faculty of color, free, Sun Room, Memorial Union, (515) 294-9934.

8 p.m., Lecture, "The Lost History of the Civil Rights Movement," Modupe Labode, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, free, Sun Room, Memorial Union, (515) 294-9934.

Thursday, Feb. 7

6-9 p.m., Silent auction, Mid-Iowa Community Action, supports Story County residents living with HIV or AIDS, $15, 3M Recreation Building, 900 N. Dayton Ave., (515) 956-3312.

Saturday, Feb. 9

6-9 p.m., Social Justice Summit (formerly the Multicultural Leadership Summit), to increase student awareness of social issues and help them become agents of change on campus (continues 1-7 p.m. Feb. 10), free, Sun Room, Memorial Union, (515) 296-6848.

Sunday, Feb. 17

3 p.m., Performance, "Addy: An American Girl Story," a young slave and her mother flee a North Carolina plantation in 1865 on the Underground Railroad, $24.50, Stephens Auditorium, (515) 294-2479.

Monday, Feb. 18

10 a.m., Performance, "Addy: An American Girl Story," $4, (see Feb. 17).

Monday, Feb. 25

8 p.m., Lecture, "The Color of Our Future," Farai Chideya, National Public Radio and author, free, Sun Room, Memorial Union, (515) 294-9934.