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UW celebrates Black History Month

The University of Wisconsin is holding a series of events in February to celebrate the nation’s 35th annual Black History Month. Each event is organized by a different campus organization to spread knowledge of black culture to members of the community.

UW junior April Kumapayi, secretary of the Black Student Union, said their goal is to educate the city of Madison about black history and the struggles African Americans endure.

“We are trying to reach out to the community,” Kumpayi said. “The events are open to anyone who wants to come.”

The signature event of the month, entitled “Blazing the Trail for Black History,” will feature appearances by the UW Gospel Choir, Ingrid Smith, Atimevu African drum and dance troupe and the Clyde Stubblefield Band featuring Charlie Brooks. It begins at 7 p.m., Feb. 25, at Mills Concert Hall in the Humanities building.

The Black Student Union will also present 10 awards to students, faculty and community members who have made a difference for African Americans in the city of Madison. The theme of the event is “honoring those who strive to make our present a rich history for our future.”

Black Student Union member and UW junior Marques Jackson said they want the event to “create a bridge between the Madison community and the University,” by providing an opportunity for students from area schools to come together.

“We are aiming to connect with students all around the city, including high school and middle school students,” Jackson said.

Past events included a “Bob Marley Birthday Bash” Saturday at the Memorial Union, which brought together Tony Brown and other musical guests to perform a tribute to the memory of the Jamaican superstar.

Natasha Kassulke, advisor of the Wisconsin Union Directorate, the organizing group, said the Bob Marley event was a celebration of peace, togetherness and music.

“The Wisconsin Union wanted to recognize a man who contributed not only musically but lyrically to the music world,” Kassulke said in an e-mail. “His messages went beyond music and talked to culture, peace and a philosophy of life.”

It is important to remember history, avoid repeating mistakes of the past and have a better understanding of “how we got to where we are today,” Kassulke added.

“The Civil Rights Movement was critical to helping us, but there is still much more work to do,” Kassulke said.

More than 600 people attended the concert in the Rathskeller, which featured artists also included The Drastics and Wan Afrika from Chicago.

Both groups said they were honored to play a concert devoted to the spirit of Bob Marley.

Remaining events throughout the month include the UW School of Music’s Black Music Ensemble at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at Morphy Hall in Humanities and a lecture from Rev. Al Sharpton, 7:30 p.m. Mar. 7, at the Wisconsin Union Theater.