USF Celebrates Black Emphasis [02/16/2009]

by Barbara Melendez

From kick-off to the end of Feb. forums, movies and more

The University of South Florida expands upon Black History Month with its own annual Black Emphasis Month.  This year’s celebration started out with a “pre-kick-off” panel discussion titled: “One Hundred Years of the NAACP,” Monday, Feb. 2.  Panelists include NAACP National Board Member Leon Russell, NAACP Hillsborough County Branch President Curtis Stokes, NAACP Area Director Pat Spencer, Joseph Jackson, vice president, OSI Restaurant Partner, Inc. and LaShante Keys founder of the USF NAACP Student Chapter.  USF Department of Africana Studies Professor Eric D. Duke served as facilitator.  

There are events each and every week throughout the month.  According to BEM 2009 Committee Chair Lynn McPhearson, this celebration represents a massive coordination effort guided by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in the Division of Student Affairs.

“We tried to involve as many parts of our community as possible and offer opportunities each week to learn more about African-American and Black culture from various perspectives,” he said.  “The whole community is invited to take part in all of the programs because they are all going to be enjoyable whether intellectually or spiritually and some are just plain fun.”