Black History Month
The Woods Hole Black History Month Committee (WHBHMC) is dedicated to celebrating and educating the Woods Hole community and the community at large about African American history and culture. The committee is responsible for planning and putting on events during the month of February. Past events have included art exhibits, speakers, musical groups and the annual Harambee. The committee is open to all people regardless of ethnicity, gender, race or difference of any kind.
Related Links
- This day in Black History
- Little-Known Facts About Black History, Culture, Inventions, and More!
- A Timeline of Black History
- Blackfacts.com
- Association for the Study of African American Life and History
- The King Center
- Academy of Achievement
- UCLA African Studies Center
- The Charles R. Drew Papers
- African American Literature - University of South Florida
- African American Literature - Encyclopedia Britannica
- National Gallery of Art - African American Artists
- The Internet African American History Challenge
2024 Committee Members
Larry Alade
Alfredo Aretxabaleta
Amy Galvan
Hauke Kite-Powell
Amanda Poston
Suzanne Thomas
Kama Thieler
History of Black History Month Speakers and Activities 1981 - Present
Ray Almeida, former editor of Tchuba, slide presentation on Cape Verdean history from the time it was first established as a slave colony by the Portuguese to the contemporary New England community of Cape Verdeans.
Ray Almeida, former editor of Tchuba, slide presentation on Cape Verdean maritime history.
Herman Banson, physicist and President of Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, keynote address on the ways that scientific/technical laboratories can more effectively utilize the Black college student resource.
John Henrik Clarke, editor and Chair of the Black and Puerto Rican Studies Department at Hunter College, New York, discussion on the contributions that Black people have made to the advancement of science: a world view.
Kennet Guscott, President of Ken Guscott Associates, Boston, and James Patterson, Executive Director Massachusetts Pre-Engineering Program and Staff, Boston, "Minority Youth - An Under-utilized Resource of Man-Power for the Sciences, Engineering Mathematics and Technology"
Alice Hoagland, filmmaker, moderator of film symposium and a discussion about form and content.
National Theme: Afro-American "Black" History - Blueprint for Survival
Arthur Green, Director Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, Hartford, "Opportunities for Minorities in Scientific and Technical Fields"
Shirley M. Malcolm, Program Head, Office of Opportunities in Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington, DC, "Opportunities in Science - Removal of Barriers to Full Access for Minorities, Women and the Handicapped"
Edwin M. Smith, Professor of Law, University of Southern California Law Center and Research Associate Institute for Marine and Coastal Studies, Los Angeles, "Recent Developments in Offshore Leasing"
First Harambee, with entertainment and Afro-American book source.
James S. Hoyte, Secretary, Environmental Affairs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Environmental affairs on regional, state, and local levels. Three issues: the purchase of Washburn Island by the Commonwealth, a proposed waste facility at Otis Air Force Base, and the future of development on Cape Cod as it relates to ground water supply.
Claudia Zaslavsky, Mathematics teacher, Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education, College of New Rochelle, New York, "Africa Counts: Number and Pattern in African Culture"
James T. Wisdom, "Uses of Computers in Education" at the Morse Pond School in Falmouth
Harambee, with entertainment.
National Theme: Black Americans and the Struggle for Excellence in Education
Local Theme: Science and Politics: Implications for Blacks
Mervyn Dymally, California Congressman, "Science and Politics: Implications for Blacks in the 1980's"
Asa G. Hilliard, Professor of Urban Education, State University of Georgia, "Free Your Mind, Return to the Source: The African Origin of Civilization"
Ivan Van Sertima, Professor of African Studies, Rutgers University, "The History of Blacks in Science and Technology, and the Barriers Encountered"
Showing of television debate, "Firing Line" entitled, "Resolved: Affirmative Action Goals for Women and Minorities Should Be Abolished"
Harambee, with entertainment
National & Local Themes: Black Women in Science and Technology
Barbara J. Fling, History Department, Howard University, "And Still I rise: The Black Woman - Tradition and Transformation in a Technocratic Age"
Reatha Clark King, President Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis/St. Paul, "The Joys, Pains, and Myths Surrounding the Black Woman Scientist"
Conference on "Crisis in Africa: The Eighties and Beyond," Falmouth High School. Organized by the United Nations Association, USA
Harambee, with entertainment by Umteto
National Theme: The Afro-American Experience: The International Connection
Local Theme: Afro-Americans in Science and Exploration: The International Connection
Allen Counter, Neurophysiologist, author and filmmaker, Harvard University, "Black Diaspora and the Afro-American International Connection"
Eugenia Fortes, Human rights activist, Hyannis, an oral history of her life as a Cape Verdean on Cape Cod.
Frederick Gregory, Astronaut, NASA, "Black Americans in Science and Exploration" and comments on the explosion of the space shuttle, Challenger
Astronaut Gregory visited Falmouth, Bourne and Mashpee public schools.
Robert L. Hall, Historian and author, University of Maryland, Baltimore, "The Atlantic Slave Trade and the Genesis of American Culture"
Harambee, with music by Umteto; Afro-American Book Source had more than 300 titles on display and for sale.
National Theme: The Afro-American and the Constitution: Colonial Times to the Present
Local Theme: Afro-Americans Since the Constitution: Science, Technology and Medicine
Allen Counter, Harvard University, "The Peary-Hensen Link at the North Pole"
Robert C. Hayden, Executive Director, Massachusetts Pre-Engineering Program, "Free Blacks and the Constitution 1787-1900: Emphasis on Inventors"
Willie A. Wilson, Jr., Department Head of Chapter 636 and Multi-Cultural Education, Brockton Public Schools, "Black New Englanders During the Constitutional Era"
Harambee, with entertainment by Umteto; Savanna Books display and sale of literature for children.
National Theme: The Constitutional Status of Afro-Americans: Into the 21st Century
Local Theme: Afro-Americans in Science: Into the 21st Century
Philip Clay, Associate Professor, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, MIT, "Afro-Americans in Higher Education: Holding and Moving Forward"
Franklyn Jenifer, Chancellor, Board of Regents for Higher Education, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Afro-Americans in Science: Into the 21st Century"
Robert Watkins, Director of Public Affairs, American Society for Microbiology, "The Status of Minority Training in Biomedical Research in the U.S. and Federal Support for It"
Harambee, with entertainment by Atlantic Clarion Steel Band
National Theme: The Role of Afro-American Churches in Economics, Political and Social Development at Home and Abroad
Local Theme: African-Americans in Science and Society
Walter E. Massey, President, American Association for the Advancement of Science, "Blacks in Science: Who Needs Them?"
Esther Terry, Chair, W.E.B DuBois Department of Afro-American Studies, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, "Revisiting DuBois - African-Americans in the 21st Century"
Harambee, with entertainment by Phil Barboza Cape Verdean Band; Savanna Books display and sale of children's literature; fundraising raffle of two tickets to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
National Theme: The Father of Black History - Carter G. Woodson - A Living Legacy
Local Theme: A Living Legacy: Dedicated to Carter G. Woodson
Allen Counter, Director, Harvard Foundation, "The North Pole Legacy: Black, White, and Eskimo"
Michael S. Harper, Poet Laureate of Rhode Island, I.J. Kapstein Professor of English, Brown University, "Chant of Saints"
Margaret L. Moseley, Civil rights and peace activist, "The Place of Blacks in Massachusetts History"
Harambee, with entertainment by Visions; Eight Cousins Children's Books display and sale
National Theme: Educating America: Black Universities and Colleges - Strengths and Crises
Local Theme: Educating America: Strengths and Crises
David Evans, Senior Admissions Officer, Harvard University, "Early Intervention in the Education of African American Youth"
Warren Washington, National Center for Atmospheric Research, "How the Climate System Works and the Effect of Greenhouse Gases"
The Chowderheads original workshop production, "Somebody's Calling My Name"
Harambee, with entertainment by Phil Barboza; the Market Bookshop display and sale of books; Joye Perry-Roberts, "The Story of African American Doll Making"; Waldorf Marionette Troupe performance
National & Local Themes: African Roots Explore New Worlds: Pre-Columbus to the Space Age
Rear Admiral Freddie L. Jeffries, Director, Atlantic Marine Center, NOAA, "A Closer Look at the Road from Where We Came to Where We Are"
George Langford, Ernest Just Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College and Adjunct Professor; Department of Physiology, Dartmouth Medical School, and MBL summer investigator, "The Culture of Science from the African-American Perspective"
Loretta Williams, Lecturer, Brandeis University, "1992 Imperative: Walking the Talk"
The Myrtle Baptist Church Choir, Lawrence School Auditorium
Harambee, with entertainment by Phil Barboza; Eight Cousins Children's Books display and sale; Marsha Hjultrom performance, including storytelling and ventriloquism
National & Local Themes: Afro-American Scholars: Leaders, Activists, and Writers
Betty Burkes, Founder, Montessori Paradise School, "Voices of Black Women"
Allen Counter, Director, Harvard Foundation for Intercultural Relations, Harvard University, "The American Slavery Memorial"
Benjamin E. Cuker, Professor, Marine and Environmental Science Department, Hampton University, "Opportunities for Afro-Americans in Aquatic Sciences: A Model Program"
Robert Tankard, Principal, West Tisbury Elementary School, "Great Leaders in Black American History"
James H. Wyche, Associate Provost, Brown University, "Scientific Leadership in the U.S.: What is the Role of Minorities?"
Black History Month Film presentation courtesy of Cynthia M. Pease. "Simple Justice", a film about the early career of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, part of the WGBH "American Experience Series"
Film of Phil Barboza for Ernestine Gray's "Talk about Jazz" program for Community Access Channel 20 in Mashpee.
The Myrtle Baptist Church Choir, First Congregational Church
Harambee, with entertainment by Phil Barboza; Roslyn Norris's storytelling; Market Bookshop display and sale of books; Shakina Wright of Wright Creations display and sale of Afrocentric handicrafts; Afro-American art display
Theme: Empowering Afro-Americans in Environmental Organizations: Present and Future
James S. Hoyte, Harvard University, "Empowering African Americans: The Environmental Justice Movement"
Greg Watson, The Nature Conservancy, "The Role of Sustainable Development in Protecting Biodiversity"
Hubert E. Walters, University of Massachusetts, Boston, "African and African-American Music: The Aesthetic (The Notion of Beauty)"
The Masters of Swing, U.S. Coast Guard Band's Jazz Ensemble, with an opening performance by the Lawrence School Jazz Ensemble, Lawrence School
Ramona Bass, Storyteller, writer, educator, Falmouth Public Library
The Cape Cod Children's Museum sponsored a variety of events throughout the month including storytelling, planetarium shows, and craft-making.
Harambee, featuring entertainment by Eye 2 Eye; Brother Blue, storyteller; Eight Cousins Children's books display and sale; Shakina Wright display and sale of Afrocentric handicrafts from Wright Creations
Theme: Reflections on 1895: Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, Booker T. Washington"
Donald Cunnigen, University of Rhode Island, "The Talented Tenth in the 21st Century: A Look at the Views of Douglass and DuBois"
Commander Dwight H. Meekins, Coast Guard Academy, "Pea Island Life Saving"
Captain William Pinkney, the first African-American to sail solo around the world, "The Incredible Voyage of Bill Pinkney"
The Cape Cod Children's Museum sponsored a variety of events throughout the month including storytelling, planetarium shows, and craft-making.
Harambee, with entertainment by Visions
Theme: African-American Women: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
N. Joyce Payne, Director Office for the Advancement of Public Black Colleges, National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, "Black Women and Black Colleges: In Pursuit of Equality"
Anyta Little, Bear Clan Mother, Mashpee Indian Tribal Council & Ramona Peters, Native American artist, "Wampanoag Black and More Than That"
Fayneese Miller, Professor and Researcher, Center for Race and Ethnicity , Brown University, "Affirmative Action and the American Dream: Race Relations and Political Attitude Among Minority and Non-Minority Adolescents"
Second-day issuing ceremony of the new stamp honoring MBL scientist Ernest Everett Just
Masters of Swing, the U.S. Coast Guard's Jazz Ensemble with an opening performance by the Lawrence School Jazz Ensemble
Harambee with the Over Soul Collective; a display of African-American art; Eight Cousins Bookstore display and sale; and a display and sale of Afrocentric handicrafts by Shakina Wright and Wright Creation
Theme: African-Americans and Civil Rights: A Reappraisal
Carolyne Lamar Jordan, Academic Dean, Cape Cod Community College, "African-American Scientists - Challenges of the Legacy"
Charles E. Walker, Jr., Chairman, MCAD, "Robert Morris: The Country's First Black Civil Rights Lawyer"
Deborah Harrison, Alaskan Native Education Liaison, SEA, "Dancing the Mowlidi: A Voyage on an Unfamiliar Ocean"
"The Meeting", a play depicting a fictional meeting between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, Pin Points Theatre Group, Morse Pond School Auditorium
Harambee featuring, the Oversoul Collective; interpretive dance by the dancers of the Maria Turner Dance Troupe; a display of African-American art; a display and sale of books by Market Bookshops; a display and sale of Afrocentric handicrafts by Shakina Wright and Wright Creations
Theme: African Americans and Business: A Path Toward Empowerment
Charles L. Blockson, Curator, Afro-American Collection, Temple University, "African American Entrepreneurs Past and Present"
Eugene Commander, Clinical psychologist and educator, "Globalization and the Rise of International Consumerism"
An Evening of Inspirational Music, presented by the New Hope Community Baptist Church, the Zion Union Church and the People's Baptist Church gospel choirs, Lawrence School Auditorium
Harambee, featuring music by Cabildo; a display of African-American art; a display and sale of Afrocentric handicrafts by Ebony Creations and Afrocentric jewelry by Shakina Wright of Wright Creations; Arts, crafts and storytelling sponsored by the Cape Cod Neighborhood Support Coalition's Cultural Awareness Committee
Theme: The Legacy of African-American Leadership for the Present and Future
Allen Counter, Director, Harvard Foundation for Intercultural Relations, "Symbols of Recognition of African-Americans"
Erroll Brown, Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, "The Legacy of African-American Leadership"
New African Company, dramatic presentation, "Frederick Douglass: On My Education"
Harambee featuring music by Soul Ensemble; marionette show performed by the Waldorf School Marionette Troupe, arts and crafts sponsored by the Cape Cod Neighborhood Support Coalition's Cultural Awareness Committee; a book display and sale by Booksmith; craft displays and sales by Ebony Creations and Wright Creations; "Hero's Project" display by Cape Cod Academy
Theme: Heritage and Horizon: The African-American Legacy and the Challenges of the 21st Century
Evelyn Fields, Admiral, NOAA Corps, "Where We Were, Where We Are, Where We're Going: Challenges of the 21st Century"
Michael Blakey, Professor, Howard University, "New York Burial Ground and the Struggle for Human Rights"
"The Odyssey of Captain Healy", hour long video documentary about one of the U.S. Coast Guard's most celebrated officers, shown twice - once at NMFS Aquarium conference room and once at WHOI's Redfield Auditorium
Harambee, with music by Big Dave and the Defenders; book and craft displays, marionette shows
Theme: Creating and Defining the African-American Community: Family, Church, Politics and Culture
Daniel Pauly, Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, "The Importance of Thinking Big: addressing large-scale and global change issues through marine and fisheries biological research"
George Spivey, Falmouth Affirmative Action Officer, "Africans and African Americans: Travelin' Through Time and Space"
John Reed, President, Cape Cod Chapter of the NAACP, "The Impact of the MCAS Exam on School districts Throughout the Commonwealth: What's in it for Cape Cod?"
"Against the Odds: The Artists of the Harlem Renaissance", a documentary featuring more than 130 rarely seen paintings, prints, photographs and sculpture as well as archival footage of the African-American artists who made up the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920's and 30's
Harambee featuring music by the Grant Langford Quartet, book and craft displays
Theme: The Color Line Revisited: Is Racism Dead?
FEBRUARY 15
"Impact of Marine Protected Areas on the
Economic Payoffs to Different Fishing Sectors"
Dr. Rashid Sumaila
Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
3:00 pm, Lillie Auditorium, Marine Biological Laboratory
Reception in the Lillie lobby following the presentation.
FEBRUARY 21
“The Influence of Race and Racism on Image”
Dr. Alan Comedy
Bridgewater State College
Office of Affirmative Action / Minority Affairs
3:30 pm, Redfield Auditorium, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
HARAMBEE
4:30 pm, Swope Center, MBL
An ethnic potluck feast featuring live music
Storytelling by Vird Williams -
A display and sale of books, sponsored by Isiah Thomas Books
Quilt display by Charlotte McCane
Afrocentric handicrafts by Wright Creations
Related Community Events:
WHOI Peanut Butter Club Presentations
Noon, Redfield Auditorium, Water St., Woods Hole
FEBRUARY 1 Ngorongoro - Africa's Cradle of Life (60 minute documentary)
FEBRUARY 15 Artists of the Harlem Renaissance (60 minute documentary)
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
“The Souls of Black Folk: Centennial Reflections”
FEBRUARY 28
"The Souls of Black Folk: Poetry and Song, From the 1700s to the Present" - presented by George Spivey, Equity/Affirmative Action Officer, Town of Falmouth
12:00 pm, Redfield Auditorium, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Water Street, Woods Hole
Light refreshments will be served.
FEBRUARY 14
"The Olympic Experience of 1968: Before, During, and After” - presented by John Carlos, 1968 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Mens 200-meter sprint
12:00 pm, Lillie Auditorium, Marine Biological Laboratory, MBL Street, Woods Hole
Reception in the Lillie lobby following the presentation.
FEBRUARY 27
Roundtable Discussion: “Remembering Black History Month, 1978-2003” - moderated by Dr. Ambrose Jearld, Jr., charter member and former Chair of the Woods Hole Black History Month Committee. This discussion will reflect on Black History Month observances in Woods Hole and in the nation. The roundtable will include people who played a role in Woods Hole observances, either as founders, participants, or planners in the early years.
2:00 pm, Meigs Room, Swope Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, North Street, Woods Hole
Harambee
An ethnic potluck feast with:
• Live music by Jack Leyden, Tony Bailey, & Erica Lewis
• Storytelling by Vird Williams
• Afrocentric handicrafts by Wright Creations
4:30 - 7:30 pm, Swope Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, North Street, Woods Hole
RELATED COMMUNITY EVENTS
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Peanut Butter Club Presentations
12:00 pm, Redfield Auditorium, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Water Street, Woods Hole
FEBRUARY 21
Colin Powell : A Soldier's Campaign
(60 minute documentary)
A revealing profile telling the story of Colin Powell and examining his promising future, including interviews of his family and friends and rare archival footage from his distinguished career.
FEBRUARY 27
“EEO at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center: Where have we come from and where are we going?” - Join current and past members of the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s EEO Committee in this public discussion.
12:00 - 1:00 pm, Candle House 104, Marine Biological Laboratory, Water St., Woods Hole
MARCH 7
Maya Angelou: A biography (45 minute documentary)
A biography of Maya Angelou, the African-American poet and author. Includes interviews with the author and her family and friends.
Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas
2004 is the 50th anniversary of the historic Brown v.The Board of Education ruling in which the Supreme Court made its landmark decision to desegregate public schools. Speakers at this year's Woods Hole Black History Month celebration represent some of the finest African American educators in our country today. Their presentations will focus on the current state of education and the challenges/changes that lie ahead.
“Brown v. Board of Education: How Far Have We Come in 50 Years?”
FEBRUARY 9
Dana Mohler-Faria, President, Bridgewater State College
"Setting the Bar Higher: Moving Beyond Tolerance" [Abstract]
11:00 AM, Redfield Auditorium, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
FEBRUARY 19
Clarence Williams, Special Assistant to the President, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
"Technology and the Dream" [Abstract]
12:00 Noon, Redfield Auditorium, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
FEBRUARY 24
Ruth Simmons, President, Brown University
"Diversity Unbound: the Legacy of Brown vs. the Board of Education"
4:00 PM, Lillie Auditorium, Marine Biological Laboratory
FEBRUARY 26
Justin Petty, Professor and Director of Broadcast Media
Technology, Roxbury Community College, member of Pan Loco Steel Band
"The Origin and Evolution of the Steel Pan" [Abstract]
3:00 PM, Redfield Auditorium, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
FEBRUARY 26
Harambee
An ethnic potluck feast with a Caribbean theme
* Live ethnic music from the Pan Loco Steel Band
* Afrocentric handicrafts, artwork, and books on display
4:30 PM, Swope Center, Marine Biological Laboratory
(Be sure to wear colorful clothing, and don’t forget your sunglasses and flip flops!)
FEBRUARY 27
The United States Air Force Band of Liberty, Ambassadors Jazz Ensemble
7:00 PM, Lawrence School, Falmouth
“The Niagara Movement: Black Protest Reborn, 1905-2005”
Niagara movement was an organization founded by African Americans to fight racial discrimination in the United States. It existed from 1905 to 1910. At its height, the Niagara Movement had 30 branches in various U.S. cities. It failed to win the support of most blacks, but many of its ideas were adopted in 1909 by a new interracial organization— the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
2005 Black History Month Schedule of Events (pdf)
February 2
Linsey Lee, Oral History Curator at the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society and author of Vineyard Voices Words, Faces, and Voices of Island People, will introduce a documentary film she produced entitled “Vineyard Voices: A Person of Color” featuring 92-year-old Dean K. Denniston, son of the first African-American minister on Martha's Vineyard.
12:00 PM, Redfi eld Auditorium, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
February 8
Jocelyn Chadwick, Associate Professor of Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education will speak on sensitive cultural issues in education. “I believe no scholar or teacher can ever know all there is to know in this field and that one must never limit a student's potential just because of where he/she lives, how he/she looks, or what his/her past experiences have been.”
4:00 PM, Redfi eld Auditorium, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
February 15
James McBride, author of The Color of Water, will be available for an informal discussion of his critically acclaimed memoir. His book, which spent two years on the New York Times bestseller list, has sold more than 1.7 million copies in the USA and has been published in 16 languages and in more than 20 countries.
4:00 PM, Woods Hole Science Aquarium, National Marine Fisheries Service (ID required for entrance.)
Following this gathering, James McBride will give a presentation at the Morse Pond School Auditorium in honor of Falmouth Book Week. While admission is free, a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Falmouth Service Center will be appreciated.
February 24
The Harambee, An Ethnic Potluck Feast Welcoming Everyone of Every Race
Justin Petty, Professor and Director of Broadcast Media Technology at Roxbury Community College, will give a presentation on the origin and evolution of the steel pan, an acoustic instrument. Besides his lecture, Petty will entertain live at the Harambee with other members of the Pan Loco Steel Band. Don't forget to bring your favorite potluck dish and wear your most colorful, comfortable clothing for this wintry Woods Hole event that is sure to transport you to the warmth of the Caribbean!
4:00 PM, Swope Dining Room, Marine Biological Laboratory
All events are free and open to the public.
“Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black fraternal, Social and Civic Institutions”
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first continuous, collegiate black Greek letter fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. The rise of such groups bore witness to the fact that despite hardships African Americans refused to assent to a status of inferiority.
February 9
Robert V. Ward, Jr., Dean, Southern New England School of Law, will discuss the relationship between the law and race relations in America since the founding of our nation.
12:00 PM, Redfield Auditorium, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
February 13
The Rev. Canon Cecil A. Scantlebury, retired Episcopal priest, will give a presentation in celebration of the life of Absalom Jones, the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church, whose birthday is observed on February 13. The title of his talk will be, “The African Presence in The Church and Society”. Music will be provided by Randolph S. James, Director of Music, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Falmouth
3:00 PM, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Falmouth
February 17
Robert L. Harris, Jr., Professor of African-American History and Vice Provost for Diversity & Faculty Development at Cornell University, will speak on celebrating community: Black fraternal, social and civic institutions at the beginning of the 21st century.
3:00 PM, Lillie Auditorium, MBL
February 23
Harambee – An ethnic potluck feast welcoming everyone of every ethnicity.
Samba Cisse, West Africa and Company, will perform African drumming and dancing. Don’t forget to bring your favorite potluck dish and enjoy an evening of multicultural arts, crafts, and music.
4:00 PM, Swope Dining Room, MBL
All events are free and open to the public
February 2
Morgan "Wmalim" Peters, Professor, University of Massachusetts and Author, will discuss African and Native American cultures as reflected in the oral, literary, and musical traditions of African American culture; as well as the influence of the Black Power Movement upon Native American activism of the 1960's and '70's in a talk titled "Brer Rabbit's Children: Black Indian Identity and Aesthetics." 3:30 PM, MBL Club, 100 Water Street, MBL
February 9
Dr. Ronald E. Mickens, Distinguished Callaway Professor in Physics, Clark Atlanta University, will discuss the influence of African Americans in science in a presentation titled "From Slavery to Freedom: The African American Presence in Science." 3:00 PM, Stephen H. Clark Conference Room, National Marine Fisheries' Aquarium
February 15
Dr. Spencer Holland, Founder of PROJECT 2000 and the Center for Educating African-American Males, Morgan State University, will discuss sending our children out into this modern world "functionally illiterate," depriving them of their Civil Rights today in a talk titled "Reading is Fundamental." Dr. Holland has dedicated his career to ameliorating the epidemic of school failure that plague African-American males in school systems throughout the nation.
12:00 noon, Meigs Room, Swope, MBL
February 22
Harambee - An ethnic potluck feast welcoming everyone of every ethnicity. Enjoy an evening of multicultural arts, crafts, and music. Don't forget to bring your favorite potluck dish. 4:00 PM, Swope Dining Room, MBL
All events are free and open to the public
Thursday, February 14
“Implementing the Dream of Carter G. Woodson” - Nancy Tolson, Associate Professor, Mitchell College and author of Black Children’s Literature Got de Blues: The Creativity of Black
Writers and Illustrators "Brer Rabbit's Children: Black Indian Identity and Aesthetics - 3:30 PM, Meigs Room, Swope Center, Marine Biological Laboratory
Thursday, February 28
“New Approaches to Improved Assessment of Ice Sheet Dynamics: Application of Novel Satellite Based Surface Melt Retrievals and Robotic Sensor Network Systems” - Derrik Lampkin, Assistant Professor of Geography Pennsylvania State University - 3:00 PM, Meigs Room, Swope Center, Marine Biological Laboratory
Thursday, February 28
Harambee - An ethnic potluck feast welcoming everyone of every ethnicity. Enjoy an evening of multicultural arts, crafts, and music. Don't forget to bring your favorite potluck dish. 4:00 PM, Swope Dining Room, MBL
Thursday, June 19 - Juneteenth
The Jazz of the Cosmos - Professor Stephon Haigh-Solom Alexander Assistant Professor of Physics, Astronomy, and Astrophysics, Penn State University - Noon, Speck Auditorium, Rowe Laboratory, MBL 10 MBL Street, Woods Hole
Social - The Juneteenth social event later in the day will feature music, a cookout, and more saxophone music played by Alexander. As always, everyone is invited and families are encouraged to attend. There is no entry fee for the celebration at the Cape Verdean Club, but donations of food, time, or other resources will be accepted. For more information, contact: Ambrose Jearld at NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Woods Hole at 508-495-2318
or Joe Santos of the Cape Verdean Club at 774-521-8167. - 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM,Cape Verdean Club, 126 Sandwich Road, Falmouth
All events are free and open to the public
Thursday, February 19
“The Black Voice and the 2009 Presidential Inauguration” - Courtney Baker, Assistant Professor of English, Connecticut College
- Noon, MBL Rowe Auditorium, 10 MBL Street, Woods Hole
Thursday, February 26
“Roots of a Rebellion: Rio de Janeiro’s 1910 “Revolt of the Leash”” - Zachary Morgan, Assistant Professor of History, Boston College
- Noon, MBL Rowe Auditorium, 10 MBL Street, Woods Hole
Thursday, February 26
Harambee - An ethnic potluck feast welcoming everyone of every ethnicity. Enjoy an evening of multicultural arts, crafts, and music. Don't forget to bring your favorite potluck dish.
- 4:00 PM, Swope Center, 5 North Street, Woods Hole
Friday, June 19 - Juneteenth
A Selection of Poems for Juneteenth - Marilyn Nelson Poet, author, University of Connecticut English professor emerita - 4 PM, Speck Auditorium, Rowe Laboratory, MBL 10 MBL Street, Woods Hole
Social - The Juneteenth social event later in the day will be following Marilyn Nelson’s presentation all are invited to a BBQ behind the main lab of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Guests are welcome to bring a side dish or dessert, and while contributions will be appreciated, they are not required.
All events are free and open to the public
Thursday, February 4
“Black Nature: African Americans Writing Nature Poetry” - Askia M. Toure', internationally published poet and author of five books, including From the Pyramids to the Projects; winner of the 1989 American Book Award for Literature.
- 12:00 PM Meigs Room, Swope Center
Thursday, February 11
“Imagining a Caribbean Future: Caribbean Literature and Science Fiction” - Alisa Braithwaite, Assistant Professor of Literature, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- 12:00 PM, Meigs Room, Swope Center
Tuesday, February 16
“Street Shadows: A Memoir of Race, Rebellion, and Redemption” - Jerald Walker, Associate Professor of English, Bridgewater State College
- 12:00 PM, Meigs Room, Swope Center
Thursday, February 25
Harambee - An ethnic potluck feast welcoming everyone of every race. Everyone from every ethnicity is welcome! Bring your favorite potluckdish. Enjoy exotic food, multicultural arts, crafts, and music. June Monteiro, Falmouth artist and teacher will present her fashion line designs.
- 4:00 PM, Swope Center, 5 North Street, Woods Hole
Thursday, February 3
“The Strength to Fight” - Clifton Reed, More than 185,000 blacks played a significant role fighting in the Civil War, especially Sergeant William H. Carney of the 54th regiment of Massachusetts. Clifton Reed will demonstrate how their contribution was crucial to the war's final outcome.
- 12:00 PM Speck Auditorium, Rowe Laboratory, MBL
Thursday, February 10
“The Life and Times of Sgt. E.M. Cunnigen, U.S. Colored Infantry” - Donald Cunnigen, In commemoration of African-American participation in the Civil War, this presentation will examine the life of a runaway slave who followed Union troops in Mississippi as "contraband". He enlisted in Company I of the 66th United States Colored Infantry. Although his military service reflected many of the characteristics of former illiterate slaves who were enlistees, it did entail battle experience as well as the mundane responsibilities of day-to-day military duty. This talk will review the different roles of African-American soldiers, the socio-historical context of the Civil War on the lives of Mississippians-black and white, and the post-bellum life of Sgt. Cunnigen, especially his legacy on the life of the speaker.
- 12:00 PM, J. Erik Jonsson Center National Academy of Sciences, Woods Hole
Thursday, February 17
“Glory Film Screening” - Robert Gould Shaw leads the US Civil War's first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices of both his own Union army and the Confederates in this 1989 drama. Starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman.
- 7:00 PM, Redfield Auditorium, WHOI
Wednesday, February 23
“Poetry: Native Guard” - Natasha Trethewey, Readings and Discussion, led by Jarita Davis, NOAA In Native Guard, Natasha Trethewey tells the terrible story of black men newly freed from slavery who were mustered in 1862 in Louisiana to become the first Union army regiment of black soldiers.
- 7:00 PM, Woods Hole Public Library
Thursday, February 24
“The Sable Arm: African-American Troops in the Civil War” - Michael McNaught, Michael McNaught was born in Scotland and educated in England. He obtained BA and MA degrees in Modern History from Oxford University, where he specialized in Military History and the Theory of War; he also has an MA from Columbia University. During a 44-year career as an independent school teacher and administrator, he led over 30 student trips to Civil War battlefields. He serves on the boards of the Falmouth Historical Society and the Oyster Pond Environmental Trust, teaches Civil War courses twice a year in the Joy of Learning program at the Falmouth Public Library, and lectures occasionally at Falmouth Academy and Cape Cod Community College.
- 3:00 PM, Meigs Room, Swope Center, MBL
Thursday, February 24
Harambee - Join us in our annual ethnic potluck feast celebrating everyone of every race! Enjoy multicultural arts, delicious food, and live music featuring Pan Loco Steel Band, an authentic, mixed ethnic ensemble consisting of two steel drummers, an electric bass player, and percussionis
- 4:00 to 7:00PM, Swope Center, 5 North Street, Woods Hole