Black History Month celebrations get underway

Join the Virginia Tech community in celebrating Black History Month. This year, events get underway early with the fourth annual celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

Throughout campus a number of events are planned during the two weeks of celebration that honor King’s legacy. The theme of Virginia Tech’s 2009 Black History Month celebration is “The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas.”

Among the many highlights of Black History Month is the African American History Bowl. Join the Virginia Tech Black Student Alliance on Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires Student Center. Come and test your knowledge of African American history with this interactive game. Players can compete for cash prizes up to $1,000.

Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. in Colonial Hall, Squires Student Center is the “Ella Baker Tour.” Ella Baker, who lived from 1903 to 1986 was a NAACP organizer who is credited with mentoring students who formed the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in 1960. The Ella Baker Tour panel discussion will include veterans who will talk about their experiences with the Civil Rights Movement and how it relates to students grassroots efforts today. Immediately following the discussion a reception will be held in the Jamestown Room, Squires Student Center.

Nearing the end of the month long celebration is the third annual Black History Month Gospel Concert featuring Kirk Franklin on Sat., Feb. 21 in the Burruss Hall auditorium, doors will open at 4:30 p.m.. Kirk Franklin is a world renowned contemporary gospel musician. The cost for this event is $20 for students with a valid Virginia Tech identification and $25 for the general public. Tickets for the concert can be purchased through the University Unions box office beginning Jan. 30.

Other events related to black history are planned throughout the months of January and February and include a variety of speakers, forums, films, and presentations. More information can be obtained by visiting Multicultural Programs and Services, a department within the Division of Student Affairs or viewing the Black History Month 2009 poster. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.