AUSTIN, Texas—A celebration of the rich heritage and achievements of African Americans has begun at The University of Texas at Austin campus, and a series of programs scheduled throughout February promises to be fun as well as informative.
Brenda Burt, coordinator of the Multicultural Information Center at UT Austin, said the opening ceremonies Tuesday night (Feb. 2) produced a crowd of about 200 participants who came to hear music, poetry and inspirational speeches.
“It was great and went beyond my expectations,” said Burt. She said the program “inspired people to want to learn more about black history.” Burt said the February programs for Black History Month will culminate with a production of “Camp Logan” beginning at 7 p.m. on Feb. 29 in the Art Building Auditorium. Burt said the calendar of activities on campus for Black History Month includes
- Feb. 9 — 7-9 p.m. A church service with Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church and Cornerstone Church members at the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on the East Mall. In event of rainy weather, vans will transport participants from Jester Center to Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, 5900 Cameron Road.
- Feb. 16 — 12 noon. African American Staff Black History Luncheon on the fourth floor of the Flawn Academic Center. The keynote speaker will be state Rep. Sylvester Turner of Houston. Admission is $5 per person.
- Feb. 25 — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dr. John Warfield Retirement Reception in the Faculty Center of Walter Webb Hall.
- Feb. 25 — 7 p.m. A fashion show in Flawn Academic Center room 21.
- Feb. 29 — 7 p.m. Black History Blowout! In the Art Building Auditorium, featuring “Camp Logan.”
Austin officials also have planned activities during February honoring outstanding African American residents and their accomplishments.