Observed in February, Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today. The month-long celebration focuses on the rich cultural heritage, triumphs, and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history.
Posters are being displayed throughout the campus during the month of February in celebration of Black History Month and highlight important facts and celebrations. The poster series is sponsored by the Penn State York Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee.
Black History Month Events
ZUZU African Acrobats
Date: Thursday, February 8
Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Rosie's Cafe in the Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center (The Ruhl Center)
Organized by: The Penn State York University Programming Board
In celebration of Black History Month, the Zuzu African Acrobats will perform in Rosie’s Café in the Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center. Hailing from Tanzania, ZUZU African Acrobats celebrate the two-thousand-year-old Bantu culture of East Africa. Each member of the cast has received special instructions from elders in the Bagamoyo Arts and Cultural Institute to perform these ancient traditions to audiences around the world. The show features fast pyramid building, limbo, chair balancing, comedy, fast skip rope, juggling, contortion, and much more, set to high-energy, fast-paced Lingala music
The group gained stardom after appearing on “America’s Got Talent” in 2009 where they were a semifinalist.
THINKFAST Trivia with a Black History Month Theme
Date: Wednesday, February 21
Time: 12:00-1:15 p.m.
Location: Rosie's Cafe, The Ruhl Center
Organized by: The Penn State York University Programming Board
Test your knowledge on subjects with a Black History Month theme and play THINKFAST Trivia in Rosie’s Café in the Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center on campus. Participants have a chance to learn something new and win cash prizes.
This event is sponsored by the Penn State York University Programming Board.
Dwennimmen African Dance Community to Share their Talents with an African Dance and Drum Workshop
Date: Tuesday, February 27
Time: 12:15 p.m.
Location: Precision Custom Components Community Room, The Ruhl Center
Organized by: The Penn State York University Programming Board and the Global Engagement Office
The Dwennimmen African Dance Community is set to share their talents with an African Dance and Drum Workshop. The program is free and open to the public.
The Dwennimmen African Dance Community, based in Harrisburg, was born eight years ago out of the love that Lark Daniel has for African dance and her desire to share it with the community. Her students dedicate their time, energy, and love to the art of African dance. The beauty of the group is that it includes the community and gives them an opportunity to highlight their love for African dance. Dwennimmen is the Adrinka symbol that means humility and strength.
Participants in the African Dance and Drum Workshop will meet the dance teacher and drummers, as well as learn history specific to the traditional dance and drums being taught. Information will be shared about how the instruments are made and the materials used to make them. In addition, those attending will learn a traditional song that goes with the dance movements being taught.
Dwennimmen African Dance Community has performed at many events including local Multi-Cultural First Friday events, the Imani Festival in Carlisle, Pennsylvania; the Multi-Cultural State Black History Program; the It Takes a Village annual fundraiser event; the Messiah University African Student Union Annual Karibu event; as well as Penn State Harrisburg’s African Student Union’s Night in Africa.