Events Honor Black Accomplishments Actor Danny Glover To Read Works Of Black Poets At WSU

Black history month kicks off this week with several activities to celebrate African-American heritage, including dances, banquets, and an appearance by actor Danny Glover.

A key event this year is a Spokane Community College program today called “A Common Ground.”

Dorothy Webster, assistant city manager for the Spokane Affirmative Action office, will give a keynote address at 11:30 a.m. today in the school’s Lair Auditorium.

Webster said her speech will focus on challenging the younger generation to rise above their circumstances and create their own history.

On Saturday, New Hope and St. Matthew’s Baptist churches are sponsoring “Commitment To Our Youth.” The banquet program will showcase the talents of black teens, and includes singing and poetry readings. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. Tickets are available at St. Matthews, 535-6926 and New Hope, 535-1336.

The African American Club at Fairchild Air Force Base will host “African American Women: Past, Present, and Future,” on Feb. 24. Members of “Onyx” - Spokane’s only black theater group - will perform skits on various black women leaders at the dinner theater. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. For information, call 247-7001 or 247-5818.

Other events include:

Eastern Washington University’s black history month banquet, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Ridpath Hotel, W. 515 Sprague. Ron Sims, King County councilman, is the guest speaker. Tickets are $22.50. For information, contact the Black Education Program at EWU, (509) 359-2205. Tickets also are available at Larry’s Afro Barbering and Styling Shop, E. 3017 5th.

A black art display at the Galaxy Gallery featuring 30 different artists at Auntie’s Bookstore, second floor, 203 N. Washington. Open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Washington State University events include:

A pre-Valentine’s Day dance at 9 p.m. Thursday in the CUB Cascade Room. Cost: $3 per person or $5 per couple.

An “Ebony Bowl.” Students will compete in teams at 6 p.m. Feb. 13 at WSU’s Butch’s Den to test their knowledge on black history, culture, leaders, and newsmakers.

The fourth annual “Unity Banquet.” Guest speaker Dr. Lee Jones, director of the campus Multicultural Student Services, will present his keynote address, “What Manner of People Are We?” at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 15 in the CUB Cascade Room. Cost: $9.50.

“Panthers.” The play, written by Bart McCarthy, will be performed at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Bryan Auditorium. It is about the activities of the Black Panthers Party.

Actor Danny Glover will speak at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Beasley Coliseum in, “An Evening With Langston and Paul.” Glover will read works from black poets Langston Hughes and Paul Martin.

Events at the school are free, except for the banquet and dance. For information, call (509) 335-6849. , DataTimes