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The month of February has been designated as Black History Month at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo to raise awareness about the African American experience in the U.S. and create cultural connections between the diverse populations of the university community.

The Civil Rights Movement, which benefited all under-represented minority groups, evolved from the aspirations of African Americans and the need for this population to be recognized and included as vital members of society. In spite of this, the future that was envisioned by civil rights leaders and their communities has not materialized or reached a level of equity among these groups which is reflected in the ongoing institutionalized racism and discrimination that occurs in every corner of the nation.

UH Hilo, in collaboration with Hawaiʻi Community College is planning several events for Black History month on the UH Hilo campus.

  • The Loving Story film documentary
    Thursday, February 5, 6–7:30 p.m.
    Location: UCB 100
    Free
    Q and A to follow with Deloris Guttman, historian from the African American Diversity Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi.
  • Eric Bibb, blues guitar
    Wednesday, February 11, 7:30 p.m.
    Location: UH Hilo Performing Arts Center
    Fee: $30 general, $25 discount and $17 UH Hilo/Hawaiʻi CC students (w/valid ID) and children 17 and under
  • Prince Ea, Award winning rapper and YouTube sensation from St. Louis
    Tuesday, February 17, 6 p.m.
    Wednesday, February 18, 12 p.m. talk story session
    Location: Campus Center 301
    Free
  • Readings from El Hajj Malik play
    50th anniversary of his assassination
    Thursday, February 19, 12 p.m. (The menu will feature soul food)
    Location: Dining Room in Campus Center
    Friday, February 27, 6:30–9:30 p.m. (The reading will be followed with a discussion and pot-luck)
    Location: Campus Center, Room 301
  • Kyle Abraham, Abraham.in.motion Dance Co.
    Tuesday, February 24, 7:30 p.m.
    Location: UH Hilo Performing Arts Center
    Fee: $35 general, $30 discount and $20 UH Hilo/Hawaiʻi CC students (w/valid ID) and children 17 and under
  • Donald Suggs, publisher and executive editor of the St. Louis American Newspaper
    Wednesday, February 25, 2–3:30 p.m.
    Location: UCB 127
    Free

For more information, please contact the Minority Access and Achievement Program office at (808) 932-7461.

Visit the UH Hilo Stories website for the full story and video clips from some of the performers.

—By Susan Enright

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