From Prof. Manu Ampim
IT’S FEBRUARY! I sent this to my campus this morning to put folks on notice about AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH.
Greetings All,
Today, February 1st, begins the 98th year of African Heritage (Black History) Month celebrations. This important work began in 1926 by the great historian and educator, Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950), who made an indelible imprint on the study and knowledge of Black contributions to the U.S. and the world. He wrote a dozen books, founded quarterly and monthly publications, created his own printing press, developed a home study course, and co-founded the most influential African American historical organization, the Association for the Study of African American Life & History (ASALH). Woodson has received many accolades, including in 1984 a .20 cent U.S. postal stamp created in his honor.
Woodson condemned the callous “miseducation” of Black people in the U.S. educational system, but his central focus was on Black achievements, accomplishments, and contributions to the U.S. and the world, and thus several of his major books were on Africa, such as his last two books including The African Background Outlined (1936).
In the tradition of Dr. Woodson, the CCC African American Staff Association (AASA) and the Africana/African American Studies Program have been hosting annual February community celebrations since the late 1990s, and this year marks the special 25th annual silver anniversary event on Thursday, February 8th in the Knox Center.
This silver anniversary event will feature reflections from AASA pioneers, student voices, a tribute to Dr. Woodson, a historical presentation on classical African art and major building projects, and a cultural edutainment performance by the acclaimed West African dance group Diamano Coura (“those who bring the message”).
Theme: “Cultural Arts: From Classical Africa to the Americas”
Date: Thursday, February 8th, 2024
Place: CCC Knox Performing Arts Center
Time: 6:00-7:30 pm
See you there!
Advancing the work,
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Prof. Manu Ampim
Professor of History & Africana Studies
Dept. Chair: History, Anthropology, & Geography (HAG)
President: African American Staff Association (AASA)
CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE
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