The News Site of Fresno City College

The Rampage Online

The News Site of Fresno City College

The Rampage Online

The News Site of Fresno City College

The Rampage Online

Black History Month Celebrations Begin

Fresno City College kicked off its celebration of Black History on Monday in the college theater. Black economic empowerment: “Passing the torch” is the theme of this year’s celebration.

 “I hope every student has a great learning experience throughout the next 28 days,” said Dr. Jean Kennedy, instructor of Women’s Studies and coordinator for this month’s events. Kennedy said that a variety of activities are planned throughout this month and that FCC students and staff are encouraged to attend and participate.

“We can’t have a strong enterprise, if we’re not connected,” Kennedy said.

 The “Rites of passage” is will take place this morning in the student lounge at 10 a.m. Kennedy said “the rites of passage is what ties us back to the “Diaspora”. How did we get here? What was the sacrifice that was made? What is the coming-out piece that we need to have? Just because the color our skin is different doesn’t mean we are not connected to the African Diaspora.

So, the rites of passage allow conversations that black men and women need to hear. Along with today’s event, a poetry jam will be held at Fresno State at 7 p.m.

A goal of the Black History Month celebration is to create awareness about health.  On Feb. 9, members of the FCC community will be offered a free HIV testing in front of the bookstore.

“Sex is a beautiful thing; however, I think we’re not being responsible enough, and I don’t think we’re asking all the right questions, nor getting into healthy relationships,” Kennedy said.  Sex is not the only way to contract HIV; it seems to be the predominant way it happens. The bottom line is HIV is the highest at risk for African Americans. Kennedy also said, “We have already lost our young people to gangs and lower income health issues.” She urges everyone to take the test.

Next on agenda, Kennedy said is her favorite event, the “Afrikan Tent” celebration on Feb. 17 in the free speech area.

“The Afrikan Tent is what we call “a safe place in the market place,” Kennedy said, adding that the tent brings people of all different backgrounds together.

“Not only are we building the tent, but once the tent is up, the next day we will have vendors and activities. We’re even looking into having our daycare center come out, so the kids are used to seeing color, energy, and be a part of the African American month as well,” she said.

Kennedy said all students, faculty, and the community are invited. “Come hang out,” said Kennedy, “have lunch under the tent; do your homework or meet a new friend.”

To help provide entertainment during the festivities, Dr. Kennedy said she is hoping for a performance from Reggae band “Green machine” on a day that will be called the Bob Marley Celebration. “We know he had a message in his music, and the message is still alive today in spite of where we are in society,” Kennedy said.  “It’s a day we’re asking all students to wear Bob Marley t-shirts.”

Following the tent, most of the rest of the events will take place at Fresno state.

“On Feb. 28, we’ll go out with a bang,” said Kennedy. “We have our gospel celebration, and it’s awesome. Kennedy said, “One doesn’t have to be religious or spiritual to enjoy this event. Different things mark different culture, and everyone knows that in the African Diaspora, we’re people who are joyous; we love music, and we love to demonstrate through activities.”

She added, “We intend to bring the house down.”

 

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