Black History Month
Performances, soul food highlight planned events

Feb. 17, 2011

    Illinois Valley Community College’s Diversity Team and student group People of the World End Racism (POWER) will host “Power of the Tongue,” Thursday, Feb. 17 from 12:30-1:45 p.m. in the Cultural Center.

    This will be a 75-minute multi-media performance anchored in poems, prose pieces, soliloquies, monologues and other classic literary favorites and includes costume changes, music and historic video footage.
    “It is a powerful tribute to the oral tradition, Black History and Black literature rolled into one,” said Amanda Bigelow, IVCC Diversity Team Chair. “This program is both educational and entertaining that people of all ages and ethnicities will enjoy.
    “The IVCC Diversity Team is pleased to kick off our 2011 Black History Month Celebrations with a performance by Ge’ylah,” added Bigelow.
    Ge’ylah is a performance poet who has performed at colleges and universities across the nation, bringing to life African American literature as a celebration of the oral tradition.
    The event is free and open to the public. For information, contact Bigelow at (815) 224-0203.

Soul Food Buffet
    Thursday, Feb. 24, the Soul Food Buffet and live music will be offered from noon to 1 p.m. in the IVCC cafeteria.
    Students can sample a variety of soul food dishes, including catfish, ribs, BBQ, collard greens, corn bread, and black eyed peas. The event is free to IVCC students and staff.
    The buffet is sponsored by the IVCC Diversity Team, P.O.W.E.R., the IVCC Chorale, and the International Club.

MLK Essay Contest winners
    The winners of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing Contest will present their winning entries from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25 in Room C-325.
    First place winner is Alex Pena for his poem “Colorblind.” Second place went to David Zallis for his essay “The Illusion of Race.” Third place went to Nate Nugent for his untitled poem.