Iona College Celebrates Black History Month With Diverse Program- Panel Discussions to Art Exhibits

Feb. 3, 2012 - PRLog -- Contact Information: Dawn Insanalli, Director of Public Relations  
Iona College 715 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10801
Phone: 914.637.2726    Email: dinsanalli@iona.edu

New Rochelle, NY (February 2, 2012) From panel discussions on thought-provoking topics to an exhibit of art objects depicting African-American history and culture, Iona College is celebrating Black History Month with a wide range of activities. Since 1976, every U.S. President has designated the month of February as Black History Month.
Entitled “Elements of Black,” the month’s programs, which were organized and are being presented by Iona students and members of the faculty, began today with an opening ceremony featuring a multi-media presentation, “The Road to Freedom.” It highlights the work of those who bonded together to challenge the injustices of racial discrimination and inequality.

Program highlights include:

Tuesday, February 7: “Breaking Down Barriers,” will be a discussion that will focus on stereotypes and how individuals can “break down the barriers” that are experienced anywhere. Noon - 1:00 pm, End Zone, Robert V. LaPenta Student Union.

There will also be an information table in the LaPenta Student Union lobby about the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program’s goal to increase the number of underrepresented and economically-disadvantaged students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health-related fields. Representatives will be on hand to discuss program eligibility.

Friday, February 10: “Black Student Success on a Predominantly White Campus,” will be a discussion led by Iona’s Susan Toliver, PhD, chair of the Sociology Department, about strategies, obstacles, resources and supports for success at the College. Noon - 1:00 pm, Conference Room B, LaPenta Student Union.

Sunday, February 12: “Black History Month Mass” which will be celebrated 7:00 - 8:00 pm in the Arrigoni Center.

Wednesday, February 15: Carlos Robson, spoken word artist. A poetry slam artist, Robson will share his experience about his life and his dynamic ability to blend soul-shaking stories of love, lost and redemption with his stylistic re-interpretations of spiritual hymns and children’s songs. 9:30 pm, End Zone, LaPenta Student Union.

Thursday, February 16: “From the Bottom of My Heart.” February is also National Heart Disease Prevention Month. Information about healthy living will be provided. Noon - 1:00 pm, LaPenta Student Union lobby.

Tuesday, February 21: “Love Has No Color or Borders” will be a panel discussion on interracial and interreligious dating and its challenges. Noon - 1:00 pm, End Zone, LaPenta Student Union.

Thursday, February 23: “The Multicultural Experience on Campus: A Roundtable Discussion.” Students will be invited to talk about their experiences from a multicultural perspective. Noon - 1:00 pm, Conference Room 5, LaPenta Student Union.
Saturday, February 25: Iona College Student Leadership Conference. Students will be invited to explore their personal leadership at this free conference which will include an address by a keynote speaker and two breakout sessions. 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, Romita Auditorium, Ryan Library.

Monday, February 27: “Post Obama: Where Are We Now?” Mary Hagerty, PhD, of Iona’s Political Science Department, will host a panel discussion focusing on the role of race in American elections from expansion of the right to vote as a result of the Civil Rights movement to more current issues of electing public officials. 6:30 pm, End Zone, LaPenta Student Union.

Wednesday, February 29: “Worth a Thousand Words: Art Objects and the Stories They Tell Of African-American History and Culture.” Alona Cooper Wilson, assistant director and curator of the Amistad Center for Art & Culture, will discuss how stories of African-American history and culture can be discerned in art objects from America in the 19th and 20th centuries that will be on display. Noon – 1:00 pm, End Zone, LaPenta Student Union.

For more information about these and other Black History Month events, please contact Leo Pedraza, assistant director of Student Development, at lpedraza@iona.edu.

The program was organized by Iona’s Black History Month Planning Committee in conjunction with the Amistad Center for Art & Culture, Black Student Union, Campus Ministries, Council on the Arts, Council of Greek Governance, Departments of Political Science and Sociology, Gaels Activities Board, Hispanic Organization of Latino Awareness, Inter-Residence Council, Residential Life, Office of Student Development, Students of Caribbean Ancestry, and the Wellness Center.

Founded in 1940, Iona College is a four-year private, co-educational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers and American Catholic higher education. It is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs.