SUNY Rockland Community College Presents Activities For African American History Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: December 19, 2007

CONTACT: Lisa Saunders

(845) 574-4244

SUNY Rockland Community College Presents Activities For African American History Month

Suffern, NY - SUNY Rockland Community College and the African American History Month Committee are presenting events in honor of African American History Month celebrated nationwide in February. All of the following events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Schedule of Events for African American History Month 2008

Monday, January 21

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jazz Concert

6 - 9 p.m., Cultural Arts Theater

Admission: General $30; Seniors/Students $20

Sponsored by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Multipurpose Center

For further information, contact (845) 425-8910.

January 21 - February 28

Black Dolls: From Mammy to Barbie™

Library Media Center, Rotunda

The evolution of the portrayal of African Americans in popular culture can be seen in dolls. Early examples typically demonstrate negative stereotypes. However, modern dolls illustrate more realistic and positive depictions of African Americans. Several collectors display their collections, including African American memorabilia, rag and porcelain dolls, and children’s toys such as Barbie™ dolls.

Sunday, February 3

Dedication of Dr. Jacqueline L. Holland Collection

3 - 5 p.m., Library Media Center, Rotunda

In recognition of Dr. Jacqueline L. Holland’s generosity and commitment to Rockland Community College, the College’s collection of books on African American literature and culture will be named the Dr. Jacqueline L. Holland Collection. The collection includes approximately 300 books donated by Dr. Holland and the African American Historical Society of Rockland County. Dr. Holland served on the Board of Trustees from 1979-1997, served as Chairperson from 1990-1992 and was awarded the status Trustee Emerita in 1998.

Tuesday & Wednesday, February 5 & 6

Black Achievement Awards

7:30 p.m., Cultural Arts Theater

Black Achievement celebrates academic achievement, outstanding participation and accomplishment of local children of color in the categories of community service, artistic expression, athletic ability and accomplishment, leadership activity and personal triumph and success.

For further information, contact (845) 574-4700/786-2392.

Snow Dates: Tues., Feb. 26 & Wed., Feb. 27.

Friday, February 8

Bellas Gate Boy starring Trevor Rhone One-man play

7:30 p.m., Cultural Arts Theater

Admission: General $25; Students (with ID’s) $15

Sponsored by JAMCCAR (Jamaican Civic & Cultural Association of Rockland)

For further information, contact (845) 354-5369/425-7327.

Tuesday, February 19

Hip Hop’s Cultural Impact

6 -9 p.m., Student Union, Room 3214

What is Hip Hop culture about? Is rap music just about sex, violence and money? What are the culture’s positive attributes? Who determines what music sells? Panelists, including Dr. Mickey Hess, author of Is Hip-Hop Dead?: The Past, Present and Future of America’s Most Wanted Music and D. Shanks, journalist for HHNLIVE, will address these and other questions.

Thursday, February 21

The Literary Triumphs and Challenges of African American Authors

11 a.m.-1 p.m., Technology Center, Ellipse

Author Corey Burkes will discuss the concept and vision behind his first book, "Butta and the Tower of Bling." A panel of faculty and students will join Mr. Burkes in discussing the potential challenges as well as opportunities for individuals interested in getting published when publishing houses restrict certain authors by genre.

Tuesday, February 26

Career Mosaic: A Multicultural Perspective of Today’s Careers

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Student Union, Room 3214

Co-sponsored by Student Development Center

Panelists will provide information on a variety of occupations that will enable students to make the link between the importance of their education and career choices. Panelists will also share their career paths, answer questions and give tips for success.

Bridge Event to Women’s History Month:

Thursday, February 28

Women in Jazz

7:30 p.m., Black Box Theater

Co-sponsored by Performing Arts Department

RCC adjunct and historian, Erica Kaplan, examines the contribution of women to the development of jazz in the 20th century. She will trace a lineage of female musicians from early blues and New Orleans traditions through Chicago, Kansas City swing, bebop and contemporary jazz. Major innovators such as vocalists Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday, pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams, big band leader Toshiko Akiyoshi and trombonist arranger Melba Liston will be highlighted.

For further information, contact members of the African American History Month Committee at (845) 574-4758/4396.

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Rockland Community College, a unit of the State University of New York, is located 25 miles northwest of NYC. The majority of its students transfer to four-year colleges, and many find immediate employment upon earning their associate's degree or certificate. The College also offers others, from preschoolers to senior citizens, the opportunity to simply learn something new. Quality education...at a price you can afford.