Black History Month is a time for all of us to “remember not everyone came over on the Mayflower,” says Kenny Holmes, Student Life Specialist for the Center for Student Leadership & Activities.
“African Americans have overcome a great many obstacles and struggles from the founding of this country through the Civil Rights movement, and up until today,” says Holmes. “It’s especially important for younger generations to remember that many African Americans persevered in the face of adversity.”
That’s why Student Life and several other organizations here at Santa Fe are hosting a month-long celebration of Black History Month packed with 12 events that anyone with a taste for history and culture is welcome to attend. Here are some highlights:
Food for Your Soul is a tasting event at which students and staff can taste a variety of foods traditionally eaten by African Americans. Sample dishes such as chicken and rice, cornbread, collard greens, and more! Food for Your Soul will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8 in the Oak Grove.
On Friday, Feb. 18, students can travel to Georgia where they’ll visit the historically black Albany State University. Those going on the trip will learn about the university’s rich background and the role it played during the Civil Rights movement. The next stop in Georgia will be in Macon to visit the Tubman African American Museum, named after the famous anti-slavery advocate Harriet Tubman, for students to see the powerful exhibits of African American art and history. This trip begins at 7:30 a.m. with students meeting in S-29/30 and ends at 11:30 p.m. Students can register online at this link.
The Sankofa African American Museum on Wheels is a historical traveling museum focusing mainly on the pain of slavery. The exhibit comes to campus on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 21 and 22, with the exhibits set up in R-01. Viewing times are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. both days. This is an impressive display of over 30 6-foot tables with a plethora of African-American artifacts, writings, and collectibles spanning from the mid-1800s to the period of the Emancipation Proclamation.
When students want a break from history lessons, they can attend two Block Parties, one from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24 at the Blount Center in downtown Gainesville and the other from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 at the Andrews Center in Starke. Both parties are fun-filled family events with barbeques. At the Blount Center, a group led by Professor Leon Larson will perform some hand-drumming. For the kids there are plenty of fun activities, including face painting, sack racing, and a bounce house.
The Black History Month Appreciation Dinner will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25 in R-01 to honor and pay tribute to the African American faculty and staff who have served at Santa Fe College.
For details about Santa Fe’s other Black History Month celebrations, contact Student Life Specialist Kenny Holmes at 352-381-3787. And to view a calendar listing all Santa Fe’s Black History Month events, please click here.
~ This press release was written by College Relations Intern Jennifer M. McKeown
CONTACT:
- Kenny Holmes, Student Life Specialist, 352-381-3787 or kenny.holmes@sfcollege.edu
- Julie Garrett, media relations, for assistance facilitating your story, 352-870-2924 (cell) or 352-395-5430 (office) or julie.garrett@sfcolllege.edu