The following activities will take place in Ellis Library during the month of February. Release time is available for library employees for the two events which take place in the Colonnade area.

TITLE: Crossover Pioneer and Godmother of Rock-n-Roll: Sister Rosetta Tharpe
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Ellis Library Auditorium
PRESENTER: Dr. Michael Budds, Professor of Musicology, MU School of Music

DESCRIPTION: In this multi-media presentation, musicologist Dr. Michael Budds lectures on the life and music of Rock-n-Roll pioneer, Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The Arkansas native, armed with an electric guitar and soulful voice, left her distinctive mark on gospel, blues, rock-n-roll, and jazz and had been mentioned as an influence by iconic American musicians such as Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan. In this presentation, Dr. Budds presents Tharpe in all her glory, and reminds music lovers of her deep impact on American music.

TITLE: Student Experience Panel Discussion
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 12:00 – 1:0 p.m.
LOCATION: Ellis Library Colonnade
FACILITATORS:  Noor Azizan-Gardner of the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative and Nathan Stephens of the MU Black Culture Center

DESCRIPTION: A facilitated discussion about the library experience of African-American undergrads. The students will discuss their childhood associations (both cultural and educational) with public and school libraries through their experiences in and with the MU Libraries.

TITLE: Four Women: A Conversation about Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Camilla Williams, and Mary J. Blige.
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Ellis Library Colonnade
PRESENTER: Dr. Maya Gibson, Assistant Professor, MU School of Music; Dr. Treva Lindsey, Assistant Professor, MU Women and Gender Studies, and Dr .Stephanie Shonekan, Assistant Professor, MU School of Music

DESCRIPTION: Nina Simone’s iconic 1966 song “Four Women” brilliantly highlights the roles that have defined (and confined) black women in the United States. Simone herself was an artist that broke through the boundaries of these stereotypes to create her own way, to define her own terms, and to ultimately establish herself as a distinctive voice in American music and culture. Reflecting on this legacy, three scholars discuss the lives and work of three black female musicians: jazz vocalist Billie Holiday, opera diva Camilla Williams, and queen of hip-hop Mary J. Blige. The discussion will explore the contributions of these artists on the history of American music and culture.

Black History Month is Feb. 1 – Feb. 29, 2012. This year’s theme is “Black Women in History and Culture.” A schedule of events is available at 2012 Schedule of Events (pdf).

The commemoration of African Americans and their historical to present-day involvement and cultural contributions in our society are recognized in the United States annually during the month of February.  The University of Missouri offers programming for everyone through many departments, organizations and individuals as part of this national tribute to the unique African American experience. Some of the many MU activities include dialogues, presentations, movies, and workshops. Additional information about Black History Month in the United States can be found through the Library of Congress sponsored African American History Month website. Explore Black Women in History and Culture this month at MU.

You can get involved too! Contact the Black Studies Program at blackstudies@missouri.edu to learn more about Black History Month programming at MU. You are also invited to stop by the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center anytime to explore additional opportunities for involvement.