Indiana State University Newsroom

Every year, the Charles E. Brown African American Cultural Center has the month of February filled with a variety of musical, philanthropic, educational and empowering events in celebration of Black History Month.

The lineup of events is chosen by a committee of representatives from across the university who meet as early as October to decide on events. This year's theme, #BlackHistoryMatters, was chosen directly in response to racially connected events that have transpired over the past 12 months, said Brice Yates, director of the center.

February at the Cultural Center began with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. Feb. 1 in Hulman Memorial Student Union. At 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, a gospel celebration will take place in the Tilson Auditorium.

Other events include a Sunday afternoon Regali Winds performance on the Feb. 12, followed by a Feb. 13 showing of the documentary, "The 13th." The documentary is an in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and how it reveals the nation's history of racial inequality. The Cunningham Memorial Library will also host an "African-American Read-In Chain" in the events area on Feb. 15, with a read-in the following morning at Sarah Scott Middle School.

"The purpose of the events is to provide a month that highlights and emphasizes the celebration of Black history for the ISU campus," Yates said. "Music and gospel are huge components with the black community and brings people together."

For students interested in giving back, there will be a blood drive Feb. 10 at the cultural center.

The month will also provide participants with a presentation on "Past and Present Heroes" at 11 a.m. Feb. 8, a "Know Your Rights" presentation at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 and keynote speaker Tanya Bell on Feb. 23. Both events will be in Dede II of the Hulman Memorial Student Union.

Black History Month will conclude with the B.O.S.S. Ball at 10 p.m. Feb. 25 in HMSU's Dede II and III, and the "Ask Me; Hear Me Project" in the library events area at 2 p.m. Feb. 28.

"Educational events are important to provide that additional learning component that some may not get in their typical classroom setting," Yates said.

Other sponsors and helping hands include the Bayh College of Education, the School of Music, Black Faculty and Staff Caucus, Cunningham Memorial Library, Brotherhood of Successful Scholars, Tanya Bell of the board of trustees and the Office of Inclusive Excellence.

For more information, call the Charles E. Brown African American Cultural Center at 812-237-3811.

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Contact: Brice Yates, Director, Charles E. Brown African American Cultural Center, Brice.Yates@indstate.edu or 812-237-4027

Writer: Kristen Kilker, media relations assistant, Office of Communications and Marketing, kkilker@sycamores.indstate.edu or 812-237-3773