With events ranging from a soul food dinner to professor discussions to a couture ball, the African American Society at Bowdoin is not holding back in its endeavor to expose all students to the various festivities occurring on campus to celebrate Black History Month.
"We are putting on a plethora of events," said Khristianna Jones '10, president of the African American Society at Bowdoin.
Traditional events sponsored by the African American Society during the month of February include last week's Soul Food Dinner at Thorne Hall, weekly African American Studies Professor discussions, and the Ebony Ball to be held at the end of the month.
On Tuesday nights in Thorne, professors from the Africana Studies department discuss their research projects. Thus far, students have heard from Carleton College Associate Professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies Kimberly Smith, who focuses her research on why African Americans pay attention to the environment.
This past week marked the beginning of the Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremonies, which take place in the Russwurm House at 8 p.m. nightly.
"We light a different candle every day to recognize the seven principles of Kwanzaa," said Jones.
While many of the events focus on historical aspects of black history, the African American Society also wants the month to include fun activities for the entire campus to enjoy.
These events include dances, coffee houses and a showcase of the Russwurm House, which the African American Society is ready to open after two years of renovations.
"The [Russwurm] House is very historic, and we recently received renovations," said Jones. "We want people...to appreciate the space and we would like to get other groups involved with the space. We want the campus to know that even though this is where the [African American] Society is located, it is open to the community."
As part of the Russwurm showcase, the house will host a Valentines Day themed party tonight from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m., which will feature DJ Cynecal.
New this year, Jack Magee's Pub will host an African American coffee house on February 18. The coffee house already has many performances scheduled, including a performance from Professor of Africana Studies Judith Casselberry.
The African American Society is also co-hosting a screening of the film "Bamboozled" with the Bowdoin Film Society on February 19 and 20 in Sills Auditorium.
The Russwurm House plans to host a screening "A Look at Bowdoin Diversity," a documentary made by Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology Roy Partridge and Associate Professor of History and Africana Studies Emeritus Randolph Stakeman on February 24.
"They put together a documentary about diversity at Bowdoin," said Jones. "It's a collective perspective that dates back many years."
The Russwurm house will host a reception on February 26, featuring student performances and a gallery of images that will show the progress society has made since the house was founded.
The Ebony Ball, one of the oldest Black History Month traditions at Bowdoin, will to be held on February 27 in Moulton Union. This year's theme is "couture".
"[The Ebony Ball is] our biggest tradition," said Jones. "It's our signature. We always have the Ebony Ball."
However, the ball is not only limited to Bowdoin students.
"We get in touch with other multicultural societies from Bates and Colby," said Jones. "We've had a great turnout [in past years]."
The celebrations will conclude with a chapel service led by a guest pastor on February 28th at 7 p.m.
"We really want the Bowdoin community to recognize Black History month—what February really means," said Jones. "I want people to learn about our culture, our history, the historical figures that have paved the way. I want people to know about the house, its' importance, and how much society has grown over time."