Factoid:For more information, call the Office of Student Development at 618-453-5714

Beginning today, the Carbondale community and the University launches its celebration of Black History Month with almost 40 events highlighting the struggles and achievements of African-Americans.

This year’s theme, “Generation Black:Constructing a future on the foundations of the past,” aims to trace back through history as a means of becoming more informed and prepared to pass on the teachings of inclusiveness and equality to future generations.

“If we put our heads on straight and know that this is what matters, we can all learn and pass it on,” said LaShonda Carter, a graduate student studying workforce education from Phoenix, Ill.

Carter, who is on the Black History Month planning committee, said she hopes students especially will take advantage of the opportunities to engage in the wide array of events and activities that will “illuminate your mind.”

“The speakers have so much wisdom and we are graced to sit at their feet and learn from their experiences,” Carter said. “As a student, to experience all the events for no charge is an honor. If you have the time, why not come?”

Ekwueme Michael Thelwell, professor of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, will usher in February’s celebration with his keynote address at 7 p.m., Tuesday in the Student Center Auditorium. Thelwell, who wrote the autobiography of late civil rights leader Stokely Carmichael, “Ready for the Revolution,” and the novel, “The Harder They Come,” will speak about Carmichael’s legacy. At noon that day, he will also be at the University Bookstore for a book signing session.

Besides Thelwell, some of the month’s highlights will include visiting lectures from Bobby Seale, the co-founder of the Black Panther Party, and Robert Ferris, professor of art history at Yale University.

“He’s one of the first art historians to document the aesthetic categories informing a particular body of traditional African art, particularly Yorubian art,” said Peter Chametzky, SIUC associate professor of art history.

Carter hopes students will make the effort to take part in the events.

“Students don’t really take advantage of it,” Carter said. “They’ll say ‘Oh, it’s just Black History Month,’ and then think about where the next party is and I think that’s where the problem comes in.”

The committee hopes the diversity of the events will attract more individuals. Aside from lectures; panel discussions, musical performances, film viewings and art exhibits will round out the month. Most events are free of charge.

Some of the events taking place off campus include Seales’ speech at the Carbondale Civic Center.

Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole said he plans to take part in several of the University-sponsored events.

“The activities are not just for the University, the staff and the students,” Cole said. “It’s really for the entire community.”

Paulette Curkin, Student Development coordinator, said people from all backgrounds ought to honor Black History Month, which is in its 79th national year.

“Especially for those who are not African-American, we should show by example to students … that celebrating Black History Month is for everyone,” Curkin said. “[Being a part of the month-long celebrations] makes me a richer person and increases my personal awareness.”

Echoing that thought, Kevin Winstead, coordinator of the Black Affairs Council, said black history is “American history.”

“As a University, we should be the frontrunner for educating students about what’s happening and what has happened in the past,” Winstead said.

Reporter Jane Huh can be reached at [email protected]