Sankofa: Celebrating Our Past While Informing Our Future

February

“Sex in the Dark: Part I” (panel discussion)
Thursday, February 4, 2010 at Noon in WTC 141 & 142 

Trip to House of Blues in Chicago
Sunday, February 7, 2010 (meet at RVC Lot 10 for 8:00 a.m. departure)

“Cotton Patch Gospel”
Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. at RVC Studio Theatre

“Ain’t I a Woman” performance
Monday, February 15, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Performing Arts Room

Synopsis: Ain’t I a Woman! celebrates the life and times of four powerful African American women: renowned novelist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, ex-slave and fiery abolitionist Sojourner Truth, exuberant folk artist Clementine Hunter, and fervent civil rights worker Fannie Lou Hamer. The musical score is drawn from the heartfelt spirituals and blues of the Deep South, the urban vitality of the Jazz Age, and contemporary concert music by African Americans. Ain’t I a Woman! is a joyful exploration of the trials and triumphs of four passionate and accomplished women.

Africa Day
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center Atrium

The African Students of the Multi-Cultural Club will be sharing their culture with the Rock Valley College community. They will be clarifying the misconceptions that people have of Africa. African food will also be served!

Born with a Broken Heart: Discussions with Creola Colon and Joyce Higgins
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. in the Student Center Atrium

Includes discussion and book signing with the authors.

About the book, Born with a Broken Heart: Born With a Broken Heart is an autobiography that appeals to the human sensibility in four ways:

First, it is a saga of the indomitableness of the human spirit over poverty, disease and bigotry.

Second, it is a story of spiritual growth from loneliness, doubt and superstition to personal experience of the constant presence of God.

Third, it is a social documentary of the life of a black woman in a male-dominated culture who learns to overcome each challenge that culture presents.

Lastly, it is a medical history of the overcoming of heterotaxy, a deadly genetic disease carried from mother to son, and the modern miracles occurring in medicine every day- with, as Creola would say, the help of God. 

-Amazon.com

March

University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Choir
Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at Pilgrim Baptist Church
&
Monday, March 22, 2010 at the RVC Student Center Atrium- Teaser performance at noon; Full concert at 6:00 p.m.

The internationally recognized University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Vesper Choir, under the direction of Dr. Michael J. Bates, Professor of Music, and Interim Chair of the Department of Music, is nationally recognized among historically Black colleges and universities for its diverse repertoire and excellent performances.  This 65-70 member select ensemble, founded in the 1940s by Professor Ariel “Pops” Lovelace and conducted for more than 40 years by Professor Shelton J. “Fessor”  McGee, has a rich choral tradition that includes numerous performances on radio and television, as well as performances across the United States and most recently internationally over the Internet. 

The Vesper Choir has produced a long line of distinguished singers, performers and professionals in other work fields and academic disciplines, including Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, prominent theologian, pastor and author; Mr. Smokey Norful, noted contemporary gospel artist; Mr. James McKissic, concert pianist performing in Europe and the U.S; and others. 

Trip to Alvin Ailey Dance Company performance
Saturday, March 27, 2010 at Roosevelt University in Chicago- Bus leaving from Lot 10 at RVC at 11:30 a.m.

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation is the umbrella organization that supports the activities of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, The Ailey School, Ailey Arts In Education & Community Programs and The Ailey Extension.

AADF's mission is to further the pioneering work of Alvin Ailey by establishing an extended cultural community which provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people. This performing arts community plays a crucial social role using the beauty and humanity of the African American heritage and other cultures to unite people of all races, ages and backgrounds.

April

“Sex in the Dark: Part II” (panel discussion)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. at WTC 141 & 142 

Trip to Milton House Museum in Milton, WI
Saturday, April 17, 2010- meet at RVC Lot 10 for 10:00 a.m. departure

Sankofa Banquet for graduates (by invitation only)
Friday, April 30, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the RVC Student Center Atrium

Events are sponsored by the Black History & Culture Committee of Rock Valley College.

Contact the Student Life office (815-921-4184) for more information or to register for trips.