Purdue News

January 9, 1998

Black Cultural Center announces spring cultural arts series

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Black-and-white photos of most of the artists are available from the BCC, (765) 494-3092.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Thirteen events are planned for the Black Cultural Center's spring Cultural Arts Series at Purdue University. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

• The series begins with a performance by the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, in Loeb Playhouse, Stewart Center. The company celebrates the African-American tradition in modern dance. Tickets are $16 for the public, $11 for Purdue students, available at campus box offices or by phone at (765) 494-3933 or 1-800-914-SHOW.

• Purdue faculty, staff and students will honor Martin Luther King Jr. through community service on Monday, Jan. 19, in Greater Lafayette. Participants in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service will seek to build bridges of unity and understanding between the university and the community through volunteer activities. The concept of service was at the heart of King's philosophy.

• The BCC, Purdue Galleries and the Greater Lafayette Museum of Art present a Haitian Art Exhibition from Monday, Feb. 2, through Sunday, March 22, in the Purdue Memorial Union Gallery. The works from the Waterloo Museum of Art's collection of Haitian Art give a glimpse of Haiti's complex history. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

• Ivan Van Sertima, world-renowned lecturer, teacher, literary critic, cultural linguist and anthropologist, presents the Black History Month keynote lecture at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, in Room 206, Stewart Center. Van Sertima is the author of "They Came Before Columbus" and will provide his insights on the cultural background of African-Americans.

• Purdue graduate Aquila Barnes presents the play "My People! My People!" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, in Fowler Hall, Stewart Center, as part of Black History Month. In rhythmic speeches and dialogue, the characters express arrogance, humility, pride and anger as they share their opinions on what it means to be black in America.

• An evening of theater and song by the New Directional Players and the Black Voices of Inspiration choir, two of the BCC's performing arts ensembles, closes out Black History Month. They will perform at the BCC Coffee House at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, in Fowler Hall, Stewart Center. This event is co-sponsored by the Purdue Student Union Board.

• Educator and author Patricia Reid-Merritt will present "Sister Power: It's Time for Women of Color to Take Charge" at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, in Room 206, Stewart Center. Her lecture will encourage all to come together and share in the "sisterhood" on the heels of the Million Woman March.

• Surfing the Internet is the topic for four free workshops on Thursday, March 19. "Researching the Black Experience in Cyberspace" is scheduled with BCC librarian Dorothy Washington in the BCC library for 9-10 a.m., noon-1 p.m., 2:30-3:30 p.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m. Participants will learn about searching on the World Wide Web. Registration is required.

• The BCC welcomes special guest poet B-Tree at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, in Room 210, Stewart Center. His poetry has been described as a dive into an enlightened consciousness.

The semester will close with performances by each of the BCC's four performing arts ensembles:

• Haraka Fest '98 at 8 p.m. Friday, March 27, in the East Faculty Lounge, Purdue Memorial Union, will be an evening of original poetry from the Haraka Writers, the BCC's own wordsmiths.

• The Black Voices of Inspiration spring concert will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 5, in Loeb Playhouse, Stewart Center. Under the direction of artist-in-residence Marshall White, the Black Voices of Inspiration plan to present an afternoon of uplifting and joyful sounds. Admission is $5 for the public and $3 for students. Tickets are available at campus box offices or by phone at (765) 494-3933 or 1-800-914-SHOW.

• An afternoon with the New Directional Players is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12, in Fowler Hall, Stewart Center. Artist-in-residence Don Burrus said he hopes the spring theatrical production challenges the audience to think, to laugh and to experience life.

• A "sea of movement" describes the Jahari Dance Troupe Spring Revue at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, in Fowler Hall, Stewart Center. Artist-in-residence Vonda Brooks said she guarantees a performance that will leave even those with two left feet ready to dance.

CONTACT: Renee Thomas, BCC director, (765) 494-3091; e-mail, rathomas@hfs.purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu

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