Black History Month celebration begins with Gospel Explosion

  Friday, January 29, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

The Black Student Association (BSA) at Pittsburg State University will begin its celebration of Black History Month with “Gospel Explosion,” at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2, in the Sharon K. Dean Recital Hall in McCray Hall.

“Gospel Explosion” will celebrate the role that gospel music has played in the American Black experience. In addition to singing gospel songs and performing a praise dance, members of the BSA will read poems and other works.

Special guests for “Gospel Explosion” include Bishop Walter N. Simpson of Lighthouse Temple Ministries of Pittsburg and PSU alumna Arlecia Elkamil, who plays many instruments, including percussion, keyboard and guitar. Elkamil recently appeared on the Bobby Jones gospel television show and is currently playing in the Las Chicas Latin Rhythm Orchestra. She will be going on a world tour later this spring.

Other events in the Black History Month series include a leadership workshop at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 8, in the Overman Student Center, and a lecture, “10 steps to get over an ex for good,” at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the Overman Student Center. Both presentations will be led by Devin T. Robinson. Robinson, known as “Egypt,” is an internationally known Black history storyteller and relationship counselor who has appeared on MTV, BET, on the stage and college campuses across the U.S. He has written three top-selling books on relationships and has been honored for his work combating HIV/AIDS.

The Black History Month observance will conclude with “The Spoken Word” with Rashid at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18, in the Grubbs Theater Laboratory.

BSA President Gabrielle Hornsby said Black History Month activities are intended to engage people of all races and backgrounds across campus and in the community.

“It is an opportunity to share an experience with people of different backgrounds,” Hornsby said. “It is an opportunity to learn from others, both about our differences and the many ways in which we are the same.”

For more information on Black History Month activities or the Black Student Union, contact Hornsby at 479-715-2498.