Rider University Newswire Story

Black History Month at Rider

“African Americans in War and Peace,” is the theme of Rider University’s month-long tribute to Black History Month. Activities are free and open to the public.
     Kicking off the festivities will be seasoned actor Kevin Jackson, who will dramatize the life and history of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Tuesday, February 4 in his solo performance, “Touched By A King.” The curtain rises at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Theater.
     Jackson, who has performed in theaters throughout the country, began his theatrical career in church. As a Rider student during the mid-70s, he founded “Total Experience,” a theater group designed to help students explore their many talents. He also produced and directed a rendition of “Coming Home,” and “The Wiz.”
     Other events this year will include a keynote address by Tuskegee veteran Col. Thomas Highsmith and Dr. Emmanuel Ahia, associate professor of graduation education. Col. Smith will speak Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge of the Student Center. His talk is titled, “Reflections on The Tuskegee Airmen.” On Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m., Dr. Ahia will speak on “The War on Terrorism: Understanding the Bases for Differences in Multinational Perspectives,” in the Student Center’s Multicultural Center Conference Room.
     Other events during the month include:

• A multi-media presentation on the life and work of the late Bob Marley, “Elements of Reggae.” In honor of Bob Marley’s birthday, local Jamaican activist Alvin Francis will deliver the presentation Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m. in the Multicultural Center. Caribbean music, food and refreshments will round out the celebration.

• A performance by St. Benedict’s Prep Boys Choir Sunday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in Gill Chapel.

• The showing of the movie, “The Tuskegee Airmen” on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Multicultural Center Conference Room.

• A closing ceremony featuring African American fashions from slavery through today. The fashion show takes place Wednesday, February 26 at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Theater.

Events are sponsored by Rider's Martin Luther King/Black History Month Planning Committee and the Student Government Association. For further information on Rider's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day/Black History Month celebration, contact the Center for Multicultural Affairs and Community Service at (609) 895-5781.