Reclaiming Our Identity

Highlights at Foothill College

Thursday, Feb. 1
Meet the Artist Reception
Meet Oakland artist Karin Turner whose work is on exhibit in the Semans Library and KJ’s Café throughout February. Her works reflect the Foothill Black History Month theme of reclaiming our identity. She specializes in creating images that feature diverse and ever-appealing spectrum of Black women. Her images feature a series of a semi-autobiographical character, H20Melon Girl, who boasts a crown of exotic natural hair, lives in the moment and is happy with the curvaceous figure she possesses.
Time: 1–2 p.m.
Location: KJ’s Café
Free Admission

Tuesday, Feb. 6
National African American Read-In
Join more than one million readers from across the nation in the 18th Annual National African American Read-In. This annual Foothill College event features the poet and musician Avotcja, and members of her band, Modupe. You’re invited to read from the works of your favorite African American poets or authors. Co-sponsored by the National Council for Teachers of English, Foothill Language Arts Division and Foothill College Bookstore.
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Library Quad Event Tent
Free Admission

Wednesday, Feb. 7
Bone Marrow Registry Drive
Give a chance for a new life to an ill patient, and you just might win a free iPod. It’s a simple, fast process to participate and includes the painless procedure of swabbing your cheek with a Q-tip. Representatives from the National Marrow Donor Program Registry will join Foothill Health Services staff to bring awareness of the urgent need for people of African ancestry to become donors. Donors can help improve the lives of hundreds of patients who suffer from life-threatening diseases. For many, their diseases could be treated with a marrow or blood stem cell transplant—but only when a matching donor is found in time. Free refreshments. Co-sponsored by Foothill Health Services Office.
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Library Quad Event Tent
Free Admission

Wednesday, Feb. 7
Black History Month Official Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony will feature speakers who present an overview of the monthlong celebration as well as a formal presentation by artist Milton Bowen. Can We Spare Some Change, Bowen’s current exhibit had its initial showing at the Oakland African American Museum & Library in October. The show begins a national tour in February. He uses the word change in his exhibit to call for a change in attitude toward donating within the African American community. One of the paintings in the exhibit honors the life and work of Foothill Counselor and Pass the Torch Program Founder Dr. Jean Thomas, who passed away two years ago. The event concludes with the formal presentation of that painting to Foothill College. Free refreshments.
Time: Noon–1 p.m.
Location: Chinese Heritage Room (Room 3523)
Free Admission

Thursday, Feb. 8
Dallas Black Dance Theatre in Residency at Foothill College
Foothill College will host the world-renown Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) for its 30th anniversary season. Under the guidance of founder and artistic director Ann Williams, the DBDT mission is to create and produce dance at its highest level of artistic excellence through performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and reach diverse communities and audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Time: 11:50 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Library Quad Event Tent
Tickets: $15, general admission; $12, student with OwlCard

Thursday, Feb. 8
DBDT Lecture & Demonstration
More than 1,800 middle-school students will participate in two lecture demonstration/performances, take a campus tour and eat lunch on campus. For most of the visiting youngsters, this program is their first visit to a college campus as well as their first experience attending a live performing arts activity. The campus tours provide youngsters with opportunities for potentially life-changing interactions with Foothill students, and reinforce their aspirations to pursue a college education.
Time: 9:30 and 11 a.m.
Location: Smithwick Theater
Free Admission

Thursday, Feb. 8
Premiere DBDT Matinee Performance for VIP Senior Citizens
The VIP matinee performance includes an exciting director's notes presentation before the show, affordable single and group ticket prices, special parking and shuttle service, and complimentary reception. Co-sponsored by the Foothill College Disability Resource Center and Adaptive Learning Division. To purchase tickets, call (650) 949-7332 or (650) 949-7331.
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Smithwick Theater
Tickets: Location: $20, general; $15, students with OwlCard

Friday, Feb. 9
Meet the Artist Reception
Meet Oakland artist Karin Turner whose work is on exhibit in the Semans Library and KJ’s Café throughout February. Her works reflect the Foothill Black History Month theme of reclaiming our identity. Her images feature a series of a semi-autobiographical character, H20Melon Girl, who boasts a crown of exotic natural hair, lives in the moment and is happy with the curvaceous figure she possesses.
Time: 6-7 p.m.
Location: KJ’s Cafe
Free Admission

Friday, Feb. 9
Dallas Black Dance Theatre Performance
The curtain goes up on this contemporary dance company’s repertoire of modern, jazz, ethnic and spiritual works to provide a performance filled with excitement, energy and elegance that only DBDT’s dancer can deliver. A complimentary reception follows the performance in the Library Quad Event Tent. To purchase tickets, call (650) 949-7360.
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Smithwick Theater
Tickets: $25, general; $15, students with OwlCard.

Tuesday, Feb. 13
Black History Month Lecture Series Part I: Social & Personal Responsibility Featuring Comedian Vince Morris
To commemorate AIDS Awareness Week, comedian Vince Morris will discuss social and personal responsibility, AIDS awareness, safe sex, peer pressure, and alcohol and drug use. Morris will deliver passionate views on a variety of topics, including ignorance, hip-hop, self-respect, and being raised by a single father. With his smooth charismatic style and thought-provoking material, he challenges you to look at—and change—the negative images and stereotypes you accept in your daily life. His screen credits include The Late Late Show, segments on Comedy Central, Sex & The City and BET’s Comic View. A complimentary reception follows in the Library Quad Event Tent. Co-sponsored by Health Services Office.
Audience Advisory: This presentation is rated R for strong language.
Time: Lecture from noon to 1 p.m.; Q & A Session from 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: Smithwick Theater
Free Admission

Monday, Feb. 12
Race Car Showcase: African Americans in Auto Racing
Last year, thousands of enthusiastic fans lined the streets for the San Jose Grand Prix, the National Auto Sports Association (NASA) U.S. Touring Car Championship. The race included three African American drivers. Driver David Mills, a San Jose native, competed in the Team Flewellen Acura which is owned by Clyde Flewellen. The NASA category was the second most popular group next to the Champ Cars, according to motorsport.com. Flewellen and Mills will bring their cars to campus for a showcase, and discuss the opportunities, challenges and history of African Americans in professional motorsports.
Time: Noon–1 p.m.
Location: Library Quad
Free Admission

Wednesday, Feb. 14
Black History Month Lecture Series Part II: The Nile Valley & Ancient African Civilization
Discuss the classical African civilizations of the Nile Valley as well as the longest recorded history of advanced civilizations in the world. These Black civilizations produced some of the greatest achievements in world history in mathematics, astronomy, astrology, engineering, medicine and writing. Presenter: History Professor Manu Ampim, M.A. Co–sponsored by Foothill Business & Social Sciences Division.
Time: Noon–1:30 p.m.
Location: Appreciation Hall (Room 1501)
Free Admission

Thursday, Feb. 15
Black History Month Lecture Series Part III: The "N" Word—A Message of Madness
Take an interactive, challenging and thorough look at the history of the "N" word using books and video footage. The audience will speak, critique and listen to this provocative word in an attempt to feel its effects and understand its impact. The audience will also ask and answer difficult questions, including where will we hear the word next; why are many Caucasian people afraid to use this word; what effect has rap music has had on the word; and why aren't more people upset and taking a stronger stand against the use of this epithet. Presenter: Eddie Moore Jr., Ph.D.
Audience Advisory: This presentation is rated R for strong language.
Time: Noon–1:30 p.m.
Location: Library Quad Event Tent
Free Admission

Friday, Feb. 16 through Saturday, Feb. 17
9th Annual California Student Association of Community Colleges Black Caucus Leadership Conference
Foothill students are encouraged to focus on leadership skill development with Foothill’s Black Student Union by participating in this special conference. Students from across the California Community College system will explore leadership concepts that empower student leaders of African ancestry; discuss successful models/practices that build community outreach and involvement; and address advocacy and organizational development of Afro-centric organizations at the community college level. For more information, call or e-mail Foothill College Black Student Union President Anika Dodds at (404) 518-8800 or foothillbsupres@yahoo.com.
Location: Laney College in Oakland, CA

Friday, Feb. 16 through Monday, Feb. 19
Presidents Days Observance
In observance of the Presidents Days holidays, Foothill College is closed Feb. 16 through Feb. 19.

Tuesday, Feb. 20
Black History Month Lecture Series Part IV: The Buffalo Soldier—A Retrospective of His Life, Service & Family
Through my grandfathers eyes, the ties that bind is the theme for the presentation by Anthony Powell, M.A., from San Jose State University. He'll guide you through history as you learn about African Americans in the U.S. Army. Examine the memories of retired 1st Sergeant Samuel N. Waller, who served from 1887 to 1927, as well as letters and photos from his many years as a Buffalo Soldier. Co-sponsored by the Foothill College History Department.
Time: Noon-1:30 p.m.
Location: Library Quad Event Tent
Free Admission

Wednesday, Feb. 21
9th Annual African Achievers Awards
The African Achiever Awards recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service among graduating and/or transferring students of African ancestry. Foothill alumnus Qa’id Tauheed Aqeel MPA, who is also know as Andre Duke, is the featured speaker. A resident of Oakland, he serves as a youth advocate; community organizer; co-chairman of Youth for Dellums; and the Dellums for Mayor Executive Committee. Several hundred students from local high schools will be guests for lunch and a campus tour.
Time: 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Library Quad Event Tent
Free Admission

Wednesday, Feb. 21
Scholarships: A Wealth of Untapped Dollars
Education creates an opportunity to change your life and scholarships can help finance your educational goals. Find out where to start your scholarship search at this workshop. This presentation includes a discussion on how to locate and apply for scholarships. You'll also learn about scholarship essay guidelines; practical tips for writing an effective essay; and review the many scholarships that will be awarded by Foothill College during Spring Quarter 2007. Co-sponsored by Foothill College Financial Aid Office.
Time: Noon–1 p.m.
Location: Appreciation Hall, Room 1501
Free Admission

Saturday, Feb. 24
Make a Joyful Noise Gospel Concert XIII
Celebrate Black History Month with the Foothill College Gospel Choir as you walk through history from "negro" spirituals to contemporary gospel melodies. Witness the spiritually and uplifting performances by Bay Area gospel choirs and much more. A complimentary reception follows in the Library Quad Event Tent. To purchase tickets, call (650) 949-7360.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Smithwick Theater
Tickets: $12, general; $8, seniors and students with OwlCard; $6; children ages 6-12; free admission for children under age 5.

Tuesday, Feb. 27
Black History Month Lecture Series Part V: The Colored Museum Film & Panel Discussion
Mainstream Black theater has evolved since George C. Wolfe's 1979 production, The Colored Museum, opened off-Broadway and deflated Black stereotypes in America. Three of the eleven original vignettes will be screened and discussed. Presenters: Foothill College English Instructor Natalia Menendez, M.A., and Foothill College Psychology Instructor Harry Saterfield, Ph.D.
Time: Noon–1 p.m.
Location: Room 5001
Free Admission

Wednesday, Feb. 28
Campus Abroad in Ghana, Summer 2008
For much of its history, Ghana has played a pivotal role in West Africa. Developments in Ghana have influenced regional politics in historical, cultural, socio-economic and ecological issues. The Foothill-De Anza Campus Abroad Program will provide an opportunity for students from all academic disciplines to learn about this country and its people. Learn how you can earn college units as you participate in a cultural and social immersion program in Ghana. Presenter: Foothill Communication Studies Instructor Shawn Townes, Ph.D.
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Appreciation Hall, Room 1501
Free Admission

Additional Events & Activities

• Art Exhibitions & Displays—Admission is free. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. For more information, call (650) 949-7282.
• For additional event, driving and parking information, access www.foothill.edu or call (650) 949-7282.

Earn College Credit

• Enroll in Foothill's SOSC 36 course and earn one unit of transferable credit. For requirements and registration information, call (650) 949-7218.
• PAA and PGA available for faculty and staff participation.

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