February is Black History Month, but festivities begin on campus this weekend with a brunch and speech featuring LeVar Burton.
Burton, who hosts the show "Reading Rainbow," was selected to speak because of his accomplishments as an actor and a role model, said Finnie Coleman, director of African-American studies.
"The theme of the history month is remembering our past and preparing for our future," he said. "Two of his most famous roles are being Kunta Kinte in 'Roots' and Jordi in 'Star Trek.' That's about as futuristic as you can get and also has strong roots in the past."
Coleman said Black History Month is important because it focuses on issues that are often left out of the classroom.
"Part of what it does is recognize a history that mainstream social, education and cultural outlets continue to ignore, in much the same way they ignore Native, Asian and women's contributions," Coleman said. "As long as we have these blind spots in our collective consciousness, we'll always need events like Black History Month to celebrate those things."
Students and faculty members will hold a flag-raising ceremony at 10 a.m. Feb. 1 on campus, followed by a celebration in the SUB, said Cherese Fine, senior student program adviser for African-American Student Services.
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"We always start with raising the flag to honor those who paved the way for African-Americans," Fine said. "It's a flag with African colors - red, black and green. Red is for the blood, black is for the people and green is for the land."
There will be several events in February that celebrate Black History Month, including the Gospel Extravaganza, Blues Festival and video game tournaments.
Cedric Parker, an academic adviser for African-American Student Services, said one of the more contentious events is a luncheon on Feb. 5.
"It will discuss the history of the 'N-word' in society," Parker said. "The student leaders want a lot of questions - you know, like, 'You guys can say it, but why can't we?' We want to create a little controversy to get people thinking."
Fine said Black History Month should be celebrated throughout the year.
"Black history shouldn't be celebrated just in February - it should be year round," she said. "A lot of people are only aware of slavery. They aren't aware of the educators, inventors, scientists, entertainers and all the people that have fought for us to be where we are today."
Coleman said Black History Month can't cover all of African-American history, but it is a way for African-Americans to take pride in their accomplishments.
"Remembering the past is an act of healing. It's not a complaint or an accusation," Coleman said. "There are people who walk around and say, 'I don't know anything about these people.' Well, here's your opportunity to learn about them and their cultures."
African-American Student Services has reserved 25 free tickets for students.
Call 277-5645 for more information.
