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January 28, 2013

Black History Month events celebrate diversity at ULM

The University of Louisiana at Monroe Black History Planning Committee and the ULM Diversity Committee invite the community to participate in a series of educational and entertaining events—from music and the arts to speakers and exhibits—in honor of Black History Month.

All events are free and open to the public.

“I am very pleased about the quality of the programming offered at ULM in observance of Black History Month,” said Dr. Wayne Brumfield, Vice President for Student Affairs at ULM.

“The community, our faculty, staff, and students will enjoy and learn from the variety of speakers and programs. I appreciate the hard work of the planning committees and their efforts to bring exposure to the accomplishments of African Americans in our great country.”

Events are as follows:

Monday, Feb. 4:
At 7 p.m., in the University Conference Center, located on the seventh floor of the ULM Library, Ernest Cubit (B.S. ’87) of Texas Industries will be the featured speaker.

Cubit, born and raised in Natchez, Miss., is the General Manger of the Expanded Shale of Clay (ESC) Business Unit of TXI, based in Dallas, Texas.

He leads a nationwide team of over 150 individuals and 20 distributors who manufacture and sell Expanded Shale and Clay Aggregates throughout the Western United States.

A reception will follow, and refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, Feb. 6:
At noon, the “African American Contributions to the World” event will take place in the Student Union Building food court area.

The event showcases contributions from African Americans in the areas of science, history, education, politics, and the arts.

At 7 p.m., in the University Conference Center, located on the seventh floor of the ULM Library, Dr. Donald Wayne Smith (B.A. ’67) will provide students and community members insight into his life.

A reception will follow, and refreshments will be served.

Thursday, Feb. 7
“A Celebration of African Americans in the Arts Concert” will kick off at 7:30 p.m. in the Emy-Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall.

This concert features music and dance composed and choreographed by African American musicians and choreographers. Visiting artists include Dr. Valerie Francis, professor of voice at Nicholls State University, Dr. Wilfred Delphin, Artist in Residence at Xavier University in New Orleans, and Composer Stacey V. Gibbs of Detroit, Mich.

Monday, Feb. 18:

At 7 p.m. in SUB Ballroom A, Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, (B.A. ’83) assistant professor of Counseling at Texas A&M Commerce, will speak. Hendricks is a ULM alum and former Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Man of the Year.”

He has written five books and specializes in alcohol and drug addiction counseling. Hendricks is president of the Commerce Texas Rotary Club. A reception will follow, and refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, Feb 20:
At 7 p.m., in SUB Ballroom A, ULM’s own Dr. Wayne Brumfield, Vice President for Student Affairs, will speak on the topic:  “Why we remember and celebrate Black History.”

This event is sponsored by ULM’s National Panhellenic Council.

Thursday Feb. 21:
The “Black History Arts Exhibition” will be held at 5 p.m. in the University Conference Center, located on the seventh floor of the University Library.

This event will feature the work of both local and ULM artists. A reception will follow, and refreshments will be served.

Sunday, Feb. 24:
A Gospel Concert will be held at 4 p.m. in the Emy-Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall.

The ULM Interdenominational Ensemble, Little Flower Catholic Church Choir, and the Zion Travelers Male Chorus will perform.

The theme for this year’s concert is “Redemption Songs.”

Monday, Feb. 25:

Ernest James Hill will speak at 7 p.m. in the University Conference Center, located on the seventh floor of the ULM Library.

Hill is a critically acclaimed author, and President and CEO of Ernest Hill Enterprises.

According to his newsletter, the company serves to promote Hill’s literary works and to speak messages of faith, hope, and redemption to the consciousness of his readers.

Reviews of Hill’s work have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Publisher’s Weekly, the Philadelphia Tribune, Kirkus Review, and Book-list.

He lectures widely and has made numerous national radio and television appearances.

A reception will follow, and refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, Feb. 26:

At 7 p.m. in SUB Ballroom A, the ULM Department of Communication will present the Traveling Scholar Artist Series featuring Dr. Javon L. Johnson.

Johnson is the Artistic Director of “Say Word,” an organization that mentors teenagers and promotes creative self-expression through spoken word poetry in Los Angeles, Calif.

Johnson merges race and gender theory with comedy, lyricism, and rhyme schemes.

He has appeared on HBO’s “Def Poetry Jam,” BET’s “Lyric Café,” TVOne’s “Verses & Flow,” and he has co-authored a documentary titled “Crossover,” which aired on Showtime, in collaboration with the NBA and Nike.

A reception will follow, and refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, Feb. 27:

At 7 p.m. in SUB Ballroom A, ULM’s Campus Activities Board will present Dr. Peter Q. John’s “Free Dreams.”

John hosts a weekly radio talk show, focusing on personal and self-responsibility.




For more information, contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at 318-342-5215, or e-mail wbrumfie@ulm.edu

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