NTCC to host Black History Month events

By: Laflairious Jackson

草榴社区 will recognize Black History Month with two separate events during February.

The Brother To Brother Organization will host the "Outspoken African American History" program as a way to pay tribute to African American heroes throughout history.

The event will be held at the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts on February 22 from noon to 1 p.m. The program will include an introduction by Rico Willis, NTCC director of Student Activities and Multicultural Affairs, followed by a spiritual song by Anne Anderson and a poem reading by Laflairious Jackson.

The featured speaker will be Patrick Lloyd of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Pittsburg. NTCC student Jimmy Smith will also sing a tribute song and closing remarks will be made by Terrence Rainge. The program is designed to help students gain knowledge of Black History Month and also to grant them the opportunity to learn about other cultures and to experience something new.

?The Outspoken Champions African American History program will be a quality learning experience and a good presentation,? Willis said. The program?s main goal is to leave the crowd with something to think about. ?It?s made to gave an effect on people and change their outlook as well as to encourage them,? Range said.

Outspoken Champions is designed to be more than the average history seminar. Those planning the program said it will be a moving cultural experience for those who attend. Adding that it will be something that can?t just be seen, but also has to be felt, Smith said: 鈥?Come out and support the Brother to Brother Organization because we feel like giving back to the community, it would really help by coming out and supporting us."

The college will also host a program on diversity titled ?Act Responsibly: The Diversity Edition? On February 20 from noon to 1 p.m. in SUB 101. Motivational speaker Justin Jones-Fosu will give the keynote address. The event is designed to provide an opportunity for individuals to gain a better understanding of what diversity really means and the ways to communicate differences respectfully.

?Justin will be very high energy and everyone will be engaged in what this event is all about,? Willis said.

These events are free and open to NTCC student, faculty, staff and the general public. Pizza and beverages will be served during the program.