The University of Miami celebrates Black Awareness Month 2014 this semester with a series of events ranging from lectures and discussions to an oratorical competition and scholarship pageant. Sponsored by United Black Students and other UM organizations, Black Awareness Month activities run February 1 through March 3.
This year’s theme: “Ubuntu: I Am Who I Am Because of Who We Are.” An Nguni Bantu term most prominent in the Southern African region, “Ubuntu” means literally “human-ness” and is often translated as “humanity towards others.”
“It embodies the essence of interdependence for mutual benefit—an ideal that all communities of the black Diaspora strive for and strongly adhere to,” says UBS President Suzette Ikejiani. “As a primary goal of the month-long celebration, we hope to emphasize the interconnectedness of the global community and the many ways in which our own identities are shaped by those that surround us. We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members from all walks of life to join us in paying respects to the past and looking forward toward a bright future.”
All events, with the exception of the Royal Heritage Ball on March 1, are free and open to the public.
<b>Day of Service</b>
Sponsored by Butler Center for Volunteer Service and Leadership Development, Multicultural Student Affairs, and United Black Students
Date: February 1
Time: 9 a.m.
Registration: Student Activities Center
<b>Opening Ceremonies</b>
Sponsored by Miami Speaks and United Black Students
Date: February 4
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Wesley Art Gallery
<b>Black State of the U</b>
Sponsored by Tau Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Date: February 6
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Student Activities Center (Senate Room)
<b>House of Black Culture</b>
Sponsored by African Student Union, Africana Studies Program, Caribbean Students Association, Organization for Jamaican Unity, Planet Kreyol, and United Black Students
Date: February 10
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: UC Patio
<b>What Does the Camera Capture: A Look at Black America Through the Media’s Lens</b>
Sponsored by Future Black Communication Professionals
Date: February 11
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Shoma Hall (School of Communication)
<b>Career Symposium</b>
Sponsored by Toppel Career Center
Date: February 12
Time: noon
Location: Student Activities Center (East Ballroom)
<b>Gospel Explosion</b>
Sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, the Department of Religious Studies, and United Black Students
Date: February 13
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: UC Patio
<b>Black Beauty Fair</b>
Sponsored by United Black Students
Date: February 17
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Activities Center Ballrooms
<b>UM Professor of History Donald Spivey Presents: “If Only You Were White”</b>
Sponsored by Office of Alumni Relations and UM Black Alumni Society
Date: February 19
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Newman Alumni Center Library
<b>The Art of Words Oratorical Competition</b>
Sponsored by Tau Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Date: February 19
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Student Activities Center (Activities South)
<b>Greek Philanthropy Showcase</b>
Sponsored by National Pan-Hellenic Council
Date: February 21
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: UC Patio
<b>Ms. UM Caribbean 2014 Pageant</b>
Sponsored by Caribbean Students Association
Date: February 22
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Gusman Concert Hall
<b>UNLearn: Fruits From the Same Tree</b>
Sponsored by United Black Students
Date: February 24
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: UC International Lounge
<b>Brother’s Appreciation Dinner</b>
Sponsored by Mu Nu Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
Date: February 27
Time: 7:20 p.m.
Location: School of Communication Courtyard
<b>Royal Heritage Ball</b>
Sponsored by Division of Student Affairs, Graduate School, Pier 21, Student Government, UM Black Alumni Society, and United Black Students
Date: March 1
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Student Activities Center Ballrooms
<b>Ms. Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant</b>
Sponsored by Eta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
Date: March 3
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Student Activities Center (Ballroom East)
For more information, please contact Multicultural Student Affairs at 305-284-2855.
