Events set for Black History Month

The Pittsburgh Dance Ensemble will have a workshop this month.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The annual African Marketplace and lectures on racism, law enforcement and the black community, and the genocide in Darfur, Sudan, highlight Youngstown State University's schedule of events for Black History Month.
Black History Month, also called African-American History Month, is celebrated every February.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a black Harvard University scholar, is credited for setting aside a time to reflect upon the accomplishments of black Americans. Woodson organized the first Negro History Week during the second week of February in 1926.
The History.com Web site says he chose that date to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass, a former slave and abolitionist, and President Abraham Lincoln, two men who impacted the lives of black Americans.
Over time, the weeklong celebration evolved into a month of recognizing the contributions of black Americans to U.S. history.
What's planned
Starting off YSU's monthlong celebration is the African Marketplace, from noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 3 in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center.
In typical African tradition, vendors and people from all walks of life convene at the marketplace to buy art objects and sample a wide variety of goods and products, and to catch up on the latest news in town.
YSU's marketplace draws vendors from Ohio and neighboring states with artistic creations from Africa and the African diaspora. The atmosphere is festive and graced by Harambee Youth Group and the Drum Circle of the Unity Building of Youngstown.
Other events are:
Feb. 5: 6:30 p.m., auditorium of McDonough Museum of Art, panel discussion on art: "The Color of History," by Walter A. Constant. Constant was trained in traditional methods of painting and drawing and has a bachelor's degree in studio art with painting and graphic concentrations. Constant was trained by master abstract expressionist Al Bright, professor emeritus at YSU. Co-sponsored with the College of Fine and Performing Arts.
Feb. 8: 7 p.m., Chestnut Room, Kilcawley Center, "Lecture on Diversity," by Mohammed Bilal, a former MTV "Real World" star and diversity consultant. He has helped many people in colleges and organizations move beyond mere tolerance of differences to accepting diversity through his 12-step program. His interactive presentation is co-sponsored with the Office of Student Diversity.
Feb. 14: 8 p.m., Peaberry's Cafe, Kilcawley Center, "Horns 'N' Things." The jazz group from Cleveland has performed to countless audiences nationwide. Co-sponsored with the Office of Student Diversity.
Feb. 17: 3:30 p.m., dance workshop by the Pittsburgh Dance Ensemble, Chestnut Room. Children, 5; adults, 10; 7:30 p.m., ensemble performance, Chestnut Room. The ensemble is a successor to the ReSunSum Dance Group, which began in 2004. Led by Bea Mitchell, the group is made up of expert and professional dancers and drummers with a broad repertoire of African dance and song.
Feb. 19: 7 p.m., Ohio Room, Kilcawley Center, lecture: "Confronting Racism in America Today," by James E. Clingman. Clingman is the nation's most prolific writer on economic empowerment for black people. His weekly syndicated newspaper column, "Blackonomics," is featured in hundreds of newspapers, magazines and newsletters. He is the author of five books.
Feb. 23: 7:30 p.m., Room 2068, Kilcawley Center, lecture and reception: "Law Enforcement and the Black Community," by Sgt. De Lacy Davis, a police officer commonly known in his East Orange, N.J., community as Brother De Lacy. Davis joined the police department in 1986 and has been an instructor at the Essex County Police Academy and a New Jersey state-certified firearms instructor. He has testified in Congress on police brutality. Davis received the prestigious Renault Robinson Award by the National Black Police Association, and has traveled frequently to West and South Africa. He has a master's degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University. A book signing and reception will follow the lecture.
Film, forum, more
Feb. 24: 7:30 p.m., planetarium, Ward Beecher, feature film: "This America." The film presents the adventures and challenges of an African immigrant facing conflicts of survival and adaptation in American society. The documentary was produced by an African film company based in New York.
Feb. 26: 7 p.m., Ohio Room, student public forum "Going Beyond Stereotypes." A student forum on stereotypes between Africans and black Americans. It will examine perceptions and images of Africans by black Americans, and vice versa, and seek ways to transcend their prejudices. Selected faculty members will share their observations. Forum moderator is Madonna Chism Pinkard, community relations director, WFMJ/WBCB Television.
Feb. 28: 7:30 p.m., Ohio Room, lecture "Understanding the Genocide in Darfur" by Dr. Isam Amin, an associate professor of geological sciences at YSU and a native of Sudan. Amin will attempt to explain the Darfur genocide and examine the causes and possible solutions to the human tragedy. Co-sponsored by the Valley Committee of Conscience.
Event parking is available at the Lincoln Deck and Lot 24 next to the McDonald's restaurant on Fifth Avenue. For more information on any event, contact YSU's Africana Studies Program at (330) 941-3097.