To celebrate the start of Black History Month, UW-Madison student organizations and student-run radio station, WSUM, hosted a kick-off celebration Saturday evening in the Memorial Union.
The event, co-sponsored by WSUM, the Multicultural Student Coalition and Promoting Racial and Ethnic Awareness, featured music from historical black artists.
WSUM General Manager Dave Black said the event was a lot of fun"" and a great start to Black History Month. ""There was lots of dancing, a good time had by all.""
Black History Month has added importance this year, according to Black. 2008 marks the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination and is ""the first year that a serious black presidential candidate has emerged in one of the major parties,"" he said.
Nicole Soulier, MCSC senior executive staff member said several other events have been planned for February to continue Black History Month celebrations.
Feb. 26 in the Memorial Union Theater, MCSC will present the play ""Nigger Wetback Chink,"" according to Soulier.
""It's a play on the human race and how we are all affected by stereotypes and derogatory names that we call one another,"" she said.
The National Society of Black Engineers and Wisconsin Black Engineering Student Society are presenting the spoken word group ""Flood the Hood with Dreams"" Monday at Engineering Hall.
Additionally, the Wisconsin Black Student Union has planned several events for February, including a Black History Month Quiz Bowl on Feb. 23 and a talent showcase on March 2, featuring student singers and dance groups.
Students interested in additional Black History Month events can log onto www.news.wisc.edu/13417.
