Black History Month Kicks Off Bloomington Style!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2007

For more information, contact:
Beverly Calender-Anderson, Director, Safe and Civil City, City of Bloomington, 349-3560
Maria Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3569

Bloomington, IN -- Mayor Mark Kruzan announced today that the City of Bloomington will kickoff a month of events celebrating Black History on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007, at 6 pm in City Hall.

The kickoff event will feature a presentation called, "The Many Rhythms of African American Music," by Mellonee Burnim and Portia Maultsby, Indiana University Professors of Folklore and Ethnomusicology. In addition, Sigma Gamma Rho and Delta Sigma Theta Sororities will lead a workshop for teens on the history and art of stepping. A reception and entertainment will follow the two presentations.

A number of events have been planned to celebrate Black History Month -- Bloomington Style! This community-wide celebration began in 2005 and planners hope to honor the past achievements and sacrifices of African Americans in Bloomington and beyond, and to recognize African American history as it is being made in our community today.

In addition to the Kickoff Reception on January 31, several events are planned.

February 2:
7 pm in the City Hall Atrium -- Voices and Visions: Celebrating Unique and Individual Voices of Bloomington.
A reception featuring local African American artists whose works will be on display in the City Hall Atrium during the month of February.

February 6:
7 pm at Fountain Square Ballroom -- Roundtable Discussion on Women of Color in the Workplace.

February 10:
10 am - 3 pm at Ivy Tech Community College -- Unity Summit for High School Students.

February 11:
2 pm at the Monroe County Public Library Auditorium -- Men of Color: Men of Style Fashion Extravaganza

February 24:
7 pm at The Bloomington Country Club -- Second Annual Black History Month Gala.

March 3:
10 am - 3 pm at Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center -- Unity Summit for Middle School Students

The tradition of celebrating African American history in February dates back to 1926 and is credited to a Harvard scholar named Carter G. Woodson. Woodson dedicated his life to ensuring that black history was accurately documented and disseminated. Originally Negro History Week, the second week of February was chosen in honor of the birthdays of pivotal black supporters Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Bloomington continues the tradition. The entire community is invited to participate in any and all of the planned events.

In addition to the City of Bloomington, Black History Month -- Bloomington Style! events are sponsored by Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College, Angela's Ebony Hair Designs, Bloomington Black Business and Professionals Association, Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, Griffin and Associates Real Estate, Monroe County Community School Corporation, Monroe County Public Library and Tutto Bene.

For a complete list of Black History Month activities visit the web at [www.bloomington.in.gov/safe|/sections/viewSection.php?section_id=217] or contact Beverly Calender-Anderson, City of Bloomington Safe and Civil City Director at 349-3560 or by e-mail at [safeandcivil@bloomington.in.gov|mailto:safeandcivil@bloomington.in.gov].