FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC SETS AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH EVENTS

Dr. Otis Alexander	Baba Jamal Koram	Nguzo Saba African Drum and Dance Company

DANVILLE, VA. January 22, 2008 - Danville Community College has planned a variety

of events during February to celebrate African-American History Month. The celebration kicks off on February 1 and continues throughout the month.  Activities include a look at the

 African-American Experience through Literature; a step show performance; poetry readings; storytelling, African dance, gospel choir, and a discussion of Danville’s “Bloody Monday.”  In addition, there will be a history challenge game, and the annual sickle cell anemia testing and fundraising drive.  

“This year’s celebration includes something for everybody,” says Joan Tarpley-Robinson, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Committee Chairperson. “This year’s planning committee included students, faculty, staff, and administrators, and our goal was to offer a variety of events.”

Tarpley-Robinson added that all events are offered free of charge and are open to the public. The schedule is as follows:

 February 1, 2008:

“Funning, Fueling & Fussing – The African-American Experience in Literature” presented by Dr. Otis Alexander, Director of the Danville Public Library. Alexander continued his formal studies at Ball State University, Oberlin Conservatory of Music Voice Performance Pedagogy, International University for Graduate Studies in St. Kitts, West Indies; Harvard Graduate School of Education Leadership Institute, and Southeastern University.  He has also studied voice with Charlotte Wesley Holloman and William Jones.  He performed the principal role in William Grant Still’s Highway I, USA at Chrysler Hall, danced in Slave song directed by Oscar Brown Jr and Lonnie Levister at the Black American Theater, directed choral ensembles at the Harrison Opera House, and mounted original choreography at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Little Theater in Trinidad.  Recently, Alexander performed with the Danville Symphony Orchestra, and he is a member of the Danville Area Choral Arts Society. Location: Two sessions are planned at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Location: Temple 110.

February 5, 2008:

Annual Poetry Café. Enjoy an evening of poetry, including readings of both original and traditional African-American poetry by DCC students and employees and by invited community guests. Light refreshments provided in coffee house atmosphere. 6 p.m., Temple 109.

February 7, 2008:

What was “Bloody Monday”?, A discussion of “Bloody Monday”- Danville’s mark in Civil Rights history which occurred June 10, 1963. Discussion will be led by Dr. Thurman O. Echols, pastor of Moral Hill Baptist Church, and Danville’s Mayor Sherman Saunders. Location: 11 a.m., Temple 110.

February 14, 2008:

Sickle Cell Anemia Trait Testing will be conducted for students and the community Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary blood disorder that affects mostly people of African ancestry, but also occurs in other ethnic groups, including people who are of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descent.  Sickle cell anemia occurs when a person inherits two abnormal genes (one from each parent) that cause their red blood cells to change shape. Instead of being round, these cells are curved in the shape of a crescent moon.  About one in 12 African Americans carries the sickle cell trait, but may not have the disease itself. This annual event is jointly sponsored by the African-American Culture Club, the Danville-Pittsylvania County Sickle Cell Anemia Association and local volunteer nurses. Location: 10 a.m. until noon, in the Temple Building,

Sickle Cell Anemia Fundraising Drive will be conducted throughout the day by members of the DCC African-American Culture Club. All proceeds benefit the Danville-Pittsylvania County Sickle Cell Anemia Association. Location: Temple Building.

February 15, 2008:

Gospel Choir Fest, featuring the Inspirational Voices of Winston-Salem State University , directed by Minister Kevin Scott, and the DCC Gospel Ensemble. Be prepared for an uplifting celebration. Location: 7 p.m. in Oliver Hall (Temple Building, Room 110).

February 19, 2008:

African-American History Challenge includes teams from DCC student clubs and organizations competing in a Jeopardy-like contest to see who knows the most about African-American history and culture.  Prizes will be awarded to the clubs and members. Location: 11 a.m. in Oliver Hall, Temple Building, Room 110

February 22, 2008:

Annual Step Show offers a repeat performance of last year’s successful show, featuring area Greek sororities, fraternities and step teams. Come early and get a good seat Location: 7 p.m., Temple 110,    (Please note this event may not be suitable for children under age 12).

February 26, 2008:

“Baba Jamal Koram - The Story Man”. Koram brings his entertaining works to DCC. He is a practitioner and teacher of the African-American Spoken Word Traditions. He is a respected leader in the world of storytelling who uses stories to uplift, inspire, and encourage the positive growth of the community. Baba Jamal, who holds B.A., M.S. and Ed.S. degrees, has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival, Kennedy Center, Smithsonian museums, National Black Storytelling Festival, regional festivals and schools nationwide. Location: 11 a.m. Temple 110.

February 26, 2008:

Nguzo Saba African Drum and Dance Company of Danville, VA Let your mind, body and spirit become one with the drums! Managed by Josephine Knight, and founded by Raymond Robertson, the group includes adults and children from the Danville and Greensboro areas. They perform a variety of selections including West African and American Drumming and Dance. Baba Jamal Koram makes a special guest appearance with the group.  Location: 6 p.m., Temple 110.