Cornell West To Keynote CA Black History Event
NORTHRIDGE, CA - Cal State Northridge’s Department of Pan African Studies, the Black Student Union, and the African Student Organization will present a variety of events in celebration of Black History Month centered around the theme, “Cultural Competence: 21st Century Consciousness.”
Cornel West The keynote event will be “An Evening with Dr. Cornel West” at the Valley Performing Arts Center at California State University, Northridge on Thursday, Feb. 3. West, a renowned author and civil rights activist, will be speaking on themes of social justice and civil discourse. The event is free for all CSUN students, faculty, and staff. “We are pleased that Dr. West has agreed to spend time with us. He is brilliant, thought-provoking, and committed to social justice,” said Karin Stanford, chair of the Pan African Studies Department (PAS). “The CSUN community will benefit greatly from his insight.” Jodi Murray, vice president of the Black Student Union (BSU), said although many celebrities were considered to be the featured speaker, the organizers decided to choose a political figure. “We picked him because he is the present-day leader of our generation, and more people need to listen to what he has to say,” she said. Murray said that many of the month’s planned events focus on cultural issues, featuring networking activities and information on community outreach. She said the organizers wanted to present the message of Black History Month with an “innovative twist.” “We want to show people that CSUN can do more and think outside of the box,” she said. A reggae concert fundraiser is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 22, in the Grand Salon. Organized by the African Students Organization (ASO), the event will feature a live band and refreshments. Proceeds will be donated to the Orphans and Vulnerable Children Program led by the nonprofit humanitarian organization, Project Africa Global. The program supports children affected by the AIDS epidemic in Swaziland, South Africa. “AIDS is an issue ASO is determined to tackle by increasing public awareness of the severe impact it is having on our people,” said Adaku Anyanwu, president of the ASO. Other events planned include: • “The Conversation: Mending Communications Between the Black Male and Black Female” cultural workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. in the Flintridge and Balboa rooms; • Harambee Student Association High School Conference on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 9 a.m.; • “The Prevailing Slave Narrative: God Don’t Like Ugly” as presented by Pan African Studies professor Monica Turner on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 10:45 a.m. in Sierra Hall, Whitsett Room; • A panel presentation on “Infidel: Liberation Considerations Regarding the Impact of Ayaan Ali on the Postmodern Black Diaspora” featuring students in the PAS 350 Advanced Writing class and moderated by PAS professor Johnie Scott on Thursday, Feb. 24, from 4 -5:15 p.m. in Sierra Hall 102; • Rhe National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. Stepshow on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m.; • And a lecture by Charles Jones, founding chair of the Department of African American Studies at Georgia State University and past president of the National Council for Black Studies, on “Africana Studies: The State of the Discipline” on Monday, Feb. 28, at 11:30 a.m. in Sierra Hall, Whitsett Room.
