In February, ETSU will observe Black History Month to honor the history and achievements of African Americans.
While there is much to celebrate, there’s also room for progress, an East Tennessee State University faculty member said Tuesday.
“Over the last 40 years, African Americans have made good strides,” said Dr. Elwood D. Watson, associate professor of history and interim director of African American studies at ETSU.
Watson said political and cultural contributions from African Americans have helped, along with changes in federal government, like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and Brown v. Board of Education.
“We now have more African Americans in the higher echelons of government and in the corporate world, and the African-American middle class is expanding,” Watson said.
However, he said, circumstances have worsened for working class and poor African Americans.
“Unemployment, poverty, out-of-wedlock births are increasing,” he said. “All of that goes together.
“Things can improve. There’s room for improvement.”
ETSU will observe Black History Month with series of events that began Feb. 3 and will end March 3.
Highlights include a semi-formal dance Feb. 12 in the Culp Center ballroom. DJ music and refreshments provided.
Students are also invited to attend a comedy show on Feb. 15 featuring comedians Ronnie Jordan, Darren “D.S.” Sanders and Sylvia, who have appeared on Black Entertainment Television’s Comic View.
Admission is free to students with a valid I.D. and $5 for non-students.
The Multicultural Career Fair will take place Feb. 22 from noon until 3 p.m. in the Culp Center ballroom.
Local and regional businesses will attend to inform students about their companies and recruit. Attendees are encouraged to bring their resumes.
A poetry slam on Feb. 23 will provide the opportunity for students to observe and critique performances and participate themselves.
The poetry slam starts at 7 p.m. in the Martha Street Culp Auditorium.
On Feb. 24, the Academy Award-nominated film Ray, about the life of singer Ray Charles will be shown in the same auditorium at 7 p.m.
Also, a “Gospel Extravaganza,” featuring the ETSU Gospel Choir and other area choirs, will be held on Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. in the Martha Street Auditorium.
The theatrical performance, Seven Quilts for Seven Sisters: A Stitch in Time will be shown March 3 at 7 p.m. in the Martha Street Culp Auditorium. The performance “explores the history of quilt-making and how it flourished in early African American slave life,” as well as depicting “the joys of sisterhood and the trials of slavery.”
Campus organizations presenting the events include the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Black Affairs Association and Buctainment.
For more information on Black History Month events, please call the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 439-6633, or e-mail them at mcstaff@etsu.edu.

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