The African-American Student Union and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center of Bakersfield College have a number of events planned in recognition of Black History Month.
Speakers, films and entertainment in celebration of the month recognizing black culture are planned
The AASU raffled off products such as Mary Kay and a teddy bear for the week of Valentine’s Day.
On Thursday, it hosted “An Evening of Jazz” in recognition of black music, which was expected to feature a variety of artists at 6 p.m. in the Fireside Room.
On Wednesday, a talent show featuring hip-hop, the other side of black music, is planned.
“We have a dance group and some rap groups for that day,” said Terry Matthews, president of the AASU.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center is lending a hand in celebration of this month by showing students the educational side of black history.
So far, the center has shown films, hosted speakers and displayed art for the students.
The center will host “An Evening of Poetry” at Barnes & Noble Booksellers on Saturday at 7 p.m. The community is welcome to attend.
Novelists from BC and California State University, Bakersfield, are expected to share some of their best poetry.
Dee Slade, president of the African-American Networking of Kern County, will present the history of African-Americans in Kern County Monday in Student Services 151, from noon to 1 p.m.
On Feb. 28, the 16th annual Youth Leadership Conference will be held at BC, with more than 130 high school students expected to attend.
James Tyson of Ebony Counseling Center will bring the “Keeping It Real” drama performance to the conference.
High schools in Bakersfield and outlying areas are invited to attend.
Students will enjoy various workshops that help them understand the need for education, male/female relationships and perseverance.
The “Keeping It Real” performance will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon. These events, as well as a few others will expose students to African American culture as well as entertain.
June Charles, a program assistant in the MLK Jr. Center said, “The (goal), first of all, is to share the heritage and culture of Afro-Americans and hopefully to encourage the students here on campus to even take a class on black history.”