MIAMI, Jan. 11, 2010 – This year, Black History Month will likely be a celebration of major significance…paying tribute to the diverse African Diaspora and its achievements, events, and other contributions of black Americans, and most of all, the historic inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama. Miami Dade College’s (MDC) eight campuses are hosting a myriad of important events throughout the month of February. Most events are free but some refreshments and other vendor items may have to be purchased. Below is a brief list of confirmed events and activities.
For more information about MDC’s Black History events, contact the Student Life department at one of the campuses listed below.
MDC Hialeah Campus, 1776 W. 49th St., Hialeah, 305-237-8700/8736.
Monday, Feb. 8, 2009
Poetry Readings
Noon to 1 p.m.
Come share your best poetry to celebrate the struggles and progress of blacks in America. (Pavilion Room).
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2009
7 to 8 p.m.
CJ Players: Socio-Drama
CJ Players is an ensemble that presents and exposes a social issue. Actors delight and engage audiences to the point that audiences become actors. Socio-Drama is a new way of learning about social issues. (Room 1120).
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2009
Development of Miami Beach
Noon to 1 p.m.
You may think you know Miami Beach, but it hasn’t always been a fun, accessible, and free for all place. This presentation will include a display of pictures, video footage, and a description of the development of Miami Beach from the perspective of the Miami Beach Police Department.
Hosted by MDC-Hialeah Chief of Public Safety Jeffrey Jacobs. (Room 1120).
Monday, Feb. 22, 2009
Djembes N Jazz: Dance, Poetry & Music
7:30p.m.-8:30p.m.
This is a percussion ensemble of four members among which there are drummers, poetry readers, and jazz vocalists, and African dancers. Djembes N Jazz incorporates West African rhythms into Jazz. Join us as we celebrate the night with drums, poetry, dance and music. (Pavilion Room).
MDC Homestead Campus, 500 College Terrace, Homestead – 305-237-5065.
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2009
Darfur Seminar- Part I
11:15 a.m.
A three-part series that chronicles the Sudanese genocide in Darfur. Hosted by Magdalena Lamarre, history professor. (Room F-222).
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2009
Sounds of Africa Soul Food Festival
Noon
Join as we ignite your mind, body, and soul with the illustrious colors and powerful sounds of Africa featuring drumming and Capoeira. A martial art that originated in Africa, Capoeira blends elements of ritualistic fighting and dancing. Participants must give a donation for South Africa before indulging their taste buds in home-style Southern cooking. (Café Patio).
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2009
Shades of Black Knowledge Bowl
Noon
As members of a myriad of ethnicities, the significance of Black contributions extends beyond North America and Africa. Come and appreciate the multiculturalism of Blacks as we test your knowledge of historical contributions. (Room F-222).
Thursday, Feb. 18, 2009
Souls of Black Girls
11:15 am
Join us for a film screening of Souls of Black Girls. This original motivational piece was produced by The Links, Inc., a non-profit organization comprised of professional women of color. (Student Lounge Patio).
MDC InterAmerican Campus, 627 S.W. 27th Ave., Miami – 305-237-6000/6163
Thursday, Feb. 11 – Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010
The East African Rift Zone
This webcast is about the East African Rift Zone. The splitting of the Arabian, Nubian, and Somalian tectonic plates is taking place in this region. In effect, East Africa may be the site of the Earth’s next major ocean. Visit http://faculty.mdc.edu/rrevuelt to view this presentation 24 hours a day.
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010
From slave in colonial Haiti to Caudillo in Spanish Florida – The life of General Georges (Jorge) Biassou
10 to 11 a.m.
A presentation and discussion on Georges (Jorge) Biassou, one of the leaders of the slaves’ general revolt in colonial Haiti. Biassou fought the French army under Spanish flag as a general on the island of Hispaniola. In 1796, he was transferred to Spanish Florida where he lived for five years, as a black Caudillo, until his 1801 burial in Saint Augustine. (Room 401).
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010
The Psychology of Motivation
3 to 4 p.m.
A look at how motivational speakers such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama have utilized their oratory skills to inspire and motivate individuals to support a cause and challenge the status quo. (Room 1126).
Monday, Feb. 22 – Friday, Feb. 26, 2010
Annual College Fair and Career Week
Visit with representatives from Historically Black Colleges & Universities from around the U.S. and find out why you should apply and what it will take to succeed. Learn the facts about applying for admission, find out about scholarship opportunities and why you should attend a Historically Black College. Prepare for career opportunities, explore and learn how you can use the Student Employment Portal to create a resume and search for jobs. Enter the Resume Café and receive assistance working on your resume while you enjoy a cup of coffee or hot tea on us. For more information about this event contact the Office of Advisement and Career Services at 305-237-6133.
MDC Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104th St., Kendall – 305-237-2000/2321.
Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010
Michelle, Melyssa & Medea: The influence of media constructions of Black womanhood on belief systems
11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Dr. Dionne Stevens examines three representations of Black womanhood - angry Black Woman, Sex Kitten and Big Mammy through an examination of how the media frames such Black women as First Lady Michelle Obama, Hip Hop video vixen Melyssa Ford and film character Madea. The ways in which these representations are embedded within a unique historical experience and continue to influence psychological outcomes today will be discussed. (Room 6120, McCarthy Theater).
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010
Economic Empowerment in the Black Community: A three-dimensional approach (personal, Community and global)
12:40 p.m. to 1:55 p.m.
A panel discussion focusing on personal finance tools for economic empowerment; the effect of the current economic crisis globally; and its impact on the Black community. Panelists will include local business and civic leaders. Hosted by Dr. Karen Hawkins. (Room 6120, McCarthy Theater)
Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010
Cotton Club
7 to 9 p.m.
In the spirit of the 1920’s Harlem Renaissance era, student, faculty, staff, and community artists perform song and dances and recite poetry and prose. In this sixth-annual event, tributes are made to legendary musicians, singers, and writers. For more information, contact co-hosts Deborah C. Powell, 305-237-2340 or Vanya Albury 305 237-2884. (Room 6120, McCarthy Theater).
MDC Medical Center Campus, 950 N.W. 20th St., Miami – 305-237-4000/4213.
Mon., Feb. 1
Kick-off/Tastes of the Diaspora
Noon to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Come celebrate the start of this momentous Black History month by embracing the culture with a taste of the Diaspora. Enjoy various dishes and experience diversity in its truest form. Entertainment includes a musical tribute to Michael Jackson by the Northwestern Senior High School PAVAC Program. Also, enjoy the sounds of the steel drum. (Atrium, Bldg. 1).
Wed., Feb. 17, 2010
Panel Discussion: History of Black Nurses
Noon to 1 p.m.
Join us as we have an open panel discussion on the History of African-American nurses in Miami. Nurses will be present to discuss the state of the health care system in today’s economic times. (Atrium, Bldg. 1).
MDC Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. 2nd Ave., downtown Miami – 305-237-3193/3536.
Friday, Feb. 5, 2010
Gospel Explosion!
7 to 9 p.m.
An evening of African-American religious music, featuring traditional and contemporary gospel in song and dance.
Guest artists include Men of Destiny, Quiet Storm, Abundant Living Ministries and many more. Hosted by Winifred Williams, (Room 3210).
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010
Cupid’s Corner
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
A view of African-American wedding traditions topped off with a taste of literature, music, and dance. (Student Life Patio, Building 2).
Wednesday, Feb.17, 2010
Jazz at Wolfson Presents…Terell Stafford on trumpet
Noon
Described as “one of the great players of our time and a “fabulous trumpet player” by piano legend McCoy Tyner, Stafford is a gifted and accomplished professional musician whose latest release, Taking Chances: Live at the Dakota, has received critical acclaim. (Chapman Conference Center, Room 3210).
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010
Documentary Viewing - Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: Godfathers and Sons, a film by Marc Levin
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Set in Chicago, this 2003 film follows hip-hop legend Chuck D and producer Marshall Chess as they collaborate on a project bringing together veteran blues artists and contemporary hip-hop musicians. (Room 2106).




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