LCU to hold events in honor of Black History Month
Several events will be held in February on campus at Louisiana Christian University in honor of Black History Month, including a Culture from Around the World event, gospel concert and rhythm & blues nights, and a basketball league with Hoops on Mission Founder Dwayne Jackson.
Culture from Around the World will be held Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Martin Performing Arts Center.
“We invite all international students to come in their native dress,” said Dr. Joshua Joy Dara, associate vice president for engagement and enrichment. “This is an opportunity to showcase and learn about the food and culture of other countries, and we will showcase the talents and gifts of these students.”
Prizes will be awarded at this event.
The next evening, Feb. 23 will be the Fourth Annual Gospel Concert in Guinn Auditorium at 7 p.m. LCU Gospel Choir will be joined by the choirs of Nazarene Baptist Church in Alexandria and the Zion Hill Baptist Church in Pineville. This event will inlude a video presentation of Black legends, Dara said.
“Diversity is something we embrace at Louisiana Christian University, said President Dr. Rick Brewer. “We have a diverse student body and a diverse faculty and staff. We look forward to taking time this month to focus in particular on the important contributions of African Americans to our state, nation and world.”
A rhythm and blues night will be held Feb. 24 from 7-10 p.m. in the Student Center game room. Music will be clean.
Hoops on Mission Founder Dwayne Jackson will host a basketball league on Feb. 25. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in H.O. West Gym.
Jackson, a sought-after motivational speaker, is a professional basketball player and former college player, founded Hoops on Mission, a non-profit cultural organization focused on afterschool mentoring programs and basketball from a Christian perspective. He uses his God-given skills and abilities to teach life lessons to at-risk youth in hopes they will find the hope that only a relationship with Christ can bring.
Hoops on Mission reaches youth all around the country. Jackson said his most life-changing experience has been being a missionary and world changer in his own backyard of Fort Myers, Florida.
The university will wrap up the month’s activities with an LCU Talent Search, Feb. 28 from 7-9 p.m. in Guinn Auditorium. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to enter. All works performed must have been originally written by a Black artist. Auditions for the event will be held in the Student Center on Feb. 2, 9 and 16 at 11 a.m., and on Feb. 7 and 14 at 3 p.m. Prizes include tropies for top three, and first place will receive $300; second place $200, and third place $100.
“February is a time we can honor the accomplishment of African Americans and champion diversity,” Dara said. “This year’s celebration at LCU will be a time of education, fun, music and good fellowship.”
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Media Release | February 1, 2023 | Pineville, Louisiana
Contact: Dr. Elizabeth B. Clarke, Director of College Communications | Elizabeth.clarke@lacollege.edu