Jackson Community College will present the Black History Month event, the Wilbur L. Dungy Film Festival

Jackson Community College will present the Black History Month event, the Wilbur L. Dungy Film Festival, for students and the community in February.

JCC’s Dr. Wilbur L. Dungy Endowed Chair in Life Science, Science & Health and Physical Fitness, Dr. Steven Albee-Scott, is coordinating the film series. Films focus on aspects of black history, and will include:

“The Help,” Thursday, Feb. 9, 6-9 p.m. in Federer Rooms B & C, Potter Center. An inspirational, courageous and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship about a secret writing project – one that breaks society’s rules and puts them all at risk. Based on the New York Times No. 1 best-seller by Kathryn Stockett and with a powerful ensemble cast.

“Amistad” Thursday, Feb. 16, 6-9 p.m. in Federer Rooms B & C, Potter Center. In June 1839, the Amistad set sail from Havana with 53 Africans who had been abducted from West Africa and sold into slavery aboard. Three days into the voyage, the Africans, led by 25-year-old "Cinque," revolted, killing the captain and ordering the ship back to Africa. Later, the ship was seized, and the Africans were sent to a New Haven jail and charged with piracy and murder. Please attend to find out the rest of the story. Note that “Amistad” is rated R.

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” Thursday, Feb. 23, 6-9 p.m. in Federer Rooms B & C, Potter Center. A 1967 film about old-line liberals Matt and Christina Dayton who have raised their daughter Joey to think for herself and not blindly conform to the conventional.

Still, they aren't prepared for the shock when she returns home from a vacation with a new fiancé: African-American doctor John Prentice. While they come to grips with whatever prejudices they might still harbor, the younger folks must also contend with John's parents who are dead-set against the union.

All films are free, and students and the community are welcome to attend.

Jackson Community College January 24, 2012, For immediate release, 517.787.0800, M-Th 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., F 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Media Contact: Marilynn Fryer, 517.796.8466, e-mail: FryerMarilynT@jccmi.edu

The Unique Contributions of African Americans in the 21st Century

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—“The Unique Contributions of African Americans in the 21st Century” is the theme for the 2012 celebration of Black History Month at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). The celebration is sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs (ODMA) and the Indiana–Purdue Student Government Association (IPSGA).

The following events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

Tuesday, February 7

CTE/STEM STEPS TO SUCCESS WORKSHOP: “African-Americans in STEM Related Career Fields,” Walb Union, Rooms 114–116, Noon to 1:15 p.m.

Friday, February 10

Students with Families: “Gardening for Busy, Stressed-Out, Space-Challenged People,” presented by Ricky Kemery, Allen County Extension Office and “Stories From the African-American Tradition,” presented by storyteller Chief Condra Ridley, Walb Union Ballroom and Walb Union, Room 114–116, 6 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, February 14

“Ain’t I a Woman,” featuring The Core Ensemble (Chamber Music Theatre),Rhinehart Recital Hall in the Rhinehart Music Center. Doors will open at 7 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. This event is cosponsored by the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Malcolm X

Friday, February 17 Multicultural Campus Visit Day, Walb Student Union Ballroom, from 8 a.m.to 1 p.m. For more information, please contact Admissions at 260-481-6855. Saturday, February 18 Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin; panel discussion will follow the showing of the film, Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, 2 to 5 p.m. This event is cosponsored by The Society of Friends. Monday, February 20 98th Omnibus Lecture featuring journalist and author Michele Norris and her presentation “The Grace of Silence and the Power of Words,” 7:30 p.m. in the Auer Performance Hall of the Rhinehart Music Center.

Free tickets are required; please note that the box office location has changed. Pick up tickets at the Marilyn and Jim Larson ticket office at the Gates Sports Center, Monday through Friday from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be available starting January 30. The Rhinehart Music Center will be open one hour before each lecture.

Tuesday, February 21
Rhyme and Reason Reunion, a talent expo, on the 47th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X. The featured poet is Brandon “Xplicit Poet” Thornton; Walb Union Ballroom, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, February 25
“Redefined 2012: African-American Male Summit,” Walb Union Ballroom, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for non-IPFW college students is $25; $15 for high school students; and free for IPFW students. For more information, contact ODMA at 260-481-6604.

Sunday, February 26
8th Annual Gospel Fest, Walb Union Ballroom, 6 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, February 28

“Voices from the Motherland: Personal Narratives of Refuge and Migration,” Walb Union, Room 114–116, noon to 1:15 p.m.

Tuesday, February 28
Maafa 21: Black Genocide in 21st Century America; this free movie will be shown at the Allen County Public Library, meeting room A, 900 Library Plaza, at 6 p.m. For more information on this event, contact Sally Williams, Urban Life Matters, at 317-748-6269 or urbanlifematters@ymail.com.

For more information, contact the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at 260-481-6608 or dmaservices@ipfw.edu, or go to ipfw.edu/odma. Downloadable photos are available.