City kicks off Black History Month with “Lessons in Leadership”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 30, 2013

For more information, please contact:
Beverly Calender-Anderson, Safe and Civil City Program Director, City of Bloomington Department of Community and Family Resources, 349.3560, andersb@bloomington.in.gov

City kicks off Black History Month with "Lessons in Leadership"

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Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington rolled out its ninth incarnation of Black History Month - Bloomington Style at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 401 N. Morton St. The program was preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m.

This year's theme is "Lessons in Leadership" and will recognize black leaders from the past and present as well as examine what must be done to develop effective future leaders. The kickoff program will feature Detroit Free Press columnist and Church Street Media CEO Rochelle Riley. Leadership, service and personal success are common themes in Riley's work.

Additional City of Bloomington Black History Month events include:

• Feb. 5: "Black Leadership in the Music Industry," a lecture presented by Logan H. Westbrooks
  6:30 p.m. at City Hall
  Westbrooks holds an important place in the music industry. As one of the first people to lead a black music division at a major label, he opened doors to other black artists and executives. As the founder of Source Records, he provided opportunities for many great musicians.
• Feb. 11: President Obama's second term - Where do we go from here?
  6 p.m. at City Hall
  This forum will examine how local residents can take action in the political process and help elect leaders who represent their interests in Bloomington, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C.
• Feb. 21: Black History Month essay contest awards reception
  6 p.m. at Fairview Elementary School, 500 W. Seventh St.
  Join parents, teachers, siblings and friends as Mayor Mark Kruzan presents awards to the authors of the winning Black History Month essays.

The City's month-long celebration will be topped off with the eighth annual Black History Month Gala at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 245 N. College Ave. The Gala will be preceded by a reception and silent auction at 6:30 p.m. In addition to dining and dancing, the evening includes the presentation of the 2013 Living Legend award to Clarence and Frances Gilliam. Clarence is a retired engineer and former president of the NAACP's Monroe County branch. Frances is the author of a book about Bloomington's black history and was the longtime membership chair for the local NAACP. The Commission on the Status of Black Males will also present the Young Black Male Leader of Tomorrow award.

Tickets for this event are $45 and are available at the BCT Box Office, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., at [www.buskirkchumley.org|www.buskirkchumley.org] or by calling 323.3020. For a complete listing of Black History Month activities throughout the community, visit [www.bloomington.in.gov/bhm|www.bloomington.in.gov/bhm] or contact Beverly Calender-Anderson, the City's Safe and Civil City director, at 349.3560 or at [mailto:safeandcivil@bloomington.in.gov].

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