Black History Month - Bloomington Style 2012: Black Women in History and Culture
Each year, the City of Bloomington Black History Month Committee plans activities and events for the community to celebrate and commemorate the month of February as Black History Month ~ Bloomington Style.
This year's theme is "Black Women in History & Culture." From the American Revolution to the present, African American women have played critical roles in the making of our nation. Their labor and leadership, their motherhood and patriotism, their intellect and artistic expression have all enriched both the African American community, the Bloomington community and the nation at large. Their struggles have been at the heart of the human experience, and their triumphs over racism and sexism are a testimonial to our common human spirit. African American women have been the core of organized black life, but here their strivings have often escaped the gaze of the public and hence their history is too little known. To gain an understanding of the history of African American women is to broaden our understanding of a people and the American nation.
The City's celebration of Black History Month ~ Bloomington Style will kick off with an event featuring Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson Bio (PDF 70.59 KB) of Gary, IN. Mayor Freeman-Wilson is the first African American female to be elected mayor of an Indiana city and the first female Mayor of Gary.
Black History Month Community-Wide Events Calendar
The 2012 Black History Month Calendarfeatures events throughout the Bloomington community. Learn how you can become involved in celebrating Black History Month ~ Bloomington Style!
City of Bloomington Black History Month Events and Activities
City of Bloomington Black History Month Essay Contest
Deadline for Submissions is 5:00pm on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.
The Bloomington Black History Month Essay Contest is designed to encourage youth to learn more about the contributions African Americans have made to our county. The focus of the contest is to celebrate just a few of the achievements of this community and in doing so, encourage Bloomington youth to learn a little more about American History. The essay contest is open to youth in grades 4-12 living or attending school in Bloomington. To receive a list of essay subjects, email safeandcivil@bloomington.in.gov. Essays may be submitted electronically to BHMEssay@bloomington.in.gov or hard copies can be mailed or delivered to Black History Month Essay Contest, City of Bloomington, PO Box 100/401 N. Morton, Bloomington, IN 47402.
The Black History Month Essay Contest Awards Reception is scheduled for February 23, 2012 at 5:00pm at the Banneker Community Center (see below).
2012 Black History Month Essay Contest Guidelines (PDF 739.99 KB)
ENTIRE MONTH OF FEBRUARY
The Art of Patricia Coleman
Showers City Hall Atrium
401 N. Morton Street
Black History Month Committee at City Council
Wednesday, Feburary 1, 2012
7:00pm
Showers City Hall Council Chambers
401 N. Morton Street
2012 Black History Month Kick-Off & Reception
Thursday, February 2, 2012
6:00pm
Showers City Hall Council Chambers
401 N. Morton St., Bloomington
To help kick-off a month long celebration of African American history and culture, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson of Gary, IN will deliver the keynote address. Mayor Freeman-Wilson brings to her post as the first female mayor in Gary's history, degrees from Harvard and Harvard Law, as well as job experience that include stints as Gary's city judge and Indiana's attorney general. There will also be musical entertainment and refreshments. Program will be followed by a reception. For additional information contact the City of Bloomington Safe and Civil City Program at safeandcivil@bloomington.in.gov.
Why I Sing Amazing Grace: The African-American Worship Experience
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
7:00-9:00pm
Second Baptist Church
321 North Rogers Street
For more than two centuries African-American churches have served as a means of inspiration and hope, and emphasized the meaning of individual transformation. The call to worship can vary from denomination to denomination, but many of the same spiritual traditions have lived in the black church for centuries. Join WTIU'S Shameka Neely at Bloomington's historic Second Baptist Church, for a panel discussion regarding WTIU'S 30 minute documentary Why I Sing Amazing Grace: The African-American Worship Experience. The documentary will examine the history of the worship experience. The documentary and the talk will explore topics of spirituality, rituals, power and leadership in the black church. The documentary will air February 26th on WTIU.
Genealogy Workshop
Saturday, February 11, 2012
1:00pm
Showers City Hall Council Chambers
401 N. Morton Street
Free and open to the public
Interested in learning about your ancestors and finding out who you are related to? Have you wanted to fill out that family tree but kept hitting road blocks? Come to this Genealogy Workshop and Donna Stokes- Lucas will show you how to get started, share resources that can help you out and even equip you with tools to get you started on completing a family tree (or adding to the one you have).
Black History Month Essay Contest Awards Reception
Thursday, February 23, 2012
5:00pm
Fairview Elementary School
500 West 7th Street
Mayor Mark Kruzan will present 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place awards to the authors of winning essays. Awards will be presented in the Elementary, Middle and High School levels. First place recipients will have the opportunity to read their essays. Parents, teachers, siblings, and friends are invited to join us in supporting these budding authors and historians. Refreshments will be served. For additional information contact BHMEssay@bloomington.in.gov
Black History Month Gala
Saturday, February 25, 2012
7:00pm
6:00pm Cocktail Reception
Hilton Garden Inn
245 N. College Avenue
Cost: $45
This elegant evening of dinner and dancing culminates the City of Bloomington Black History Month celebration. The evening includes dinner, live music provided by "Just Christie", a silent auction and the presentation of the 2011 City of Bloomington Living Legend and the Outstanding Black Male Leader of Tomorrow Awards.
Tickets are $45 and available at the BCT Box Office beginning January 15, 2012.
The BCT Box Office is located at 114 E. Kirkwood Avenue or on the web at http://www.buskirkchumley.org
City of Bloomington Black History Month Underwriters (as of January 2012)
- Bloomington Hospital Positive Link
- City of Bloomington Community & Family Resources Department
- City of Bloomington Office of the Mayor
- Dr. K. Luke Eades, DDS
- Fifth-Third Bank
- Indiana University Credit Union
- Indiana University Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs
- Ivy Tech Community College
- Longhorn Steakhouse, Bloomington
- Lumina Foundation
- Monroe County Branch NAACP
Special Thanks to City of Bloomington Black History Month Sponsors:
- Creighton King
- Blacks in Government (BIG) Crane Chapter
- Order of the Eastern Star
- Griffin Realty
- Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons -
- Stone City Lodge #54
Media Sponsor - WTIU
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For sponsorship details and benefits or to contribute items or services to the Gala's Silent Auction, contact Beverly Calender-Anderson at safeandcivil@bloomington.in.gov or call (812) 349-3560.
2012 City of Bloomington Black History Month Planning Committee
William Hosea, Co-chair
Beverly L. Smith, Co-chair
Alrick Banks
Elizabeth Bridgwaters
Carl Darnell
Dedric Dennist
Donald Griffin, Jr.
Nicole Griffin
Diane Hanks
Eric Love
Sharlene Newman
Doris Sims
James Sims
Debra Vance
Beverly Calender-Anderson, staff
Featured Profiles
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Information in Black History Month
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