Pellissippi State celebrates Black History Month

McNeal will speak on Monday, February 2, at noon in the Performing Arts Center. He'll give additional presentations—all addressing the concept that “Applied Knowledge Is Power”—at the Magnolia Avenue Campus on February 3 at 6 p.m. and February 4 at noon.

“Passion, Path and Purpose” is the theme for this year's Black History Month celebration. The college will offer a variety of exhibits, speakers and events during February. All are free and open to the public.

The following events are planned for the Pellissippi Campus:

Throughout the month Austin-East Magnet High School art students will display their work in the Rotunda. Charles Osten is their art instructor. A Meet the Artists Reception will be held on February 19 at 2:30 p.m. in the Rotunda.

An African-American history display will also be exhibited all month in the Educational Resources Center.

Glendon “Mae-Mae” Oliver, Admissions and Records technical clerk, will demonstrate her vocal talents as she performs a number of sixties Motown hits on February 11 at 1 p.m. in the Goins Auditorium.

The public is also invited to the Poetry Café, where faculty, staff and students will read their favorite selections from African-American literature on February 13 at 11 a.m. in the Goins Student Lounge. Coffee will be provided.

Dr. Margaret Choka, a professor of Liberal Arts and a native of Kenya, will display her private collection of African art and artifacts on February 17 at 11 a.m. in the Goins Student Lounge. She will be on-hand to talk about her collection and her experiences.

Ed Francisco, our official writer-in-residence and a well-known author, will lead participants in a discussion of Toni Morrison's book “Song of Solomon” on February 27 at noon in the Goins Student Lounge.

On the Division Street Campus, faculty, staff and students will put their favorite selections from African-American books, poems or movies on the campus' Web page at www.pstcc.edu/division_street.

The Active Black Students Association will recognize African-Americans that invented or significantly influenced the invention of various commonly used items. The inventions will be noted on their respective items around campus with a laminated card that includes the inventor's name and sources for additional information.

The Magnolia Avenue Campus also has a number of activities planned for February, including a monthlong art display by painter Theophilus. This display depicts African-American heritage.

Michael Moore, owner of Fitness Focus Inc., will speak on “Keeping Fit” on February 11 at 11:30 at the campus. Robert Booker, noted author and historian, will give a presentation on February 17 at 11 a.m.

For more information on any of the Black History Month events, contact Gayle Wood at (865) 539-7160.

Related Information: