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Throughout the month of February, Â鶹Íø, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Black Student Union are working together to host several events to celebrate African American culture and history during Black History Month.

Despite the focus, these events are not meant to appeal to one group exclusively. "Rider is a mixture of different cultures and backgrounds, says Pamela Pruitt, director of Multicultural Affairs. "Students should celebrate and appreciate different cultures in order to maximize their experience here." 

President of the Black Student Union Evelyn Campbell offers her perspective about the significance of the events. "As an African-American, I want to learn about my history, and I want people from other cultures to learn with me," she says. "That's how we grow as a society: by learning, appreciating and respecting different cultures."   

Students can take part in numerous events, starting with a keynote event on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 7:30 p. m. when Dr. James Braxton Peterson, professor at Lehigh University and MSNBC correspondent, will focus on "The Evolution of Hip-Hop: Past, Present, and Future." He will discuss the progression of hip-hop throughout history, its impact on society and where will it go in the future. 

On every Wednesday of the month, students are invited to view "Classics and Currents: African-Americans in Television,"  at 6:30 p. m. in the Memorial, Room 306. This program will highlight classic and current African American TV shows. 

There will also be an African Dance Class taught by Egun Omode Shule on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Egun Omode Shule is an African-cultured school in Trenton. 

On Feb. 12, there will be a discussion called "#BlackLivesMatter: Justice For All?" where students are invited to share their thoughts about recent events such as the Ferguson and Staten Island verdicts. Â鶹Íø faculty from the criminal justice, sociology, psychology, and political science departments will be providing their expertise as well. 

Later that day, students can take part in Black History Month Jeopardy to test their knowledge on African-American heritage and history by playing a version of the popular game show. 

Additionally, there will be a Black History Soul Food Competition on Tuesday, Feb.  17. The Black Student Union is sponsoring this new event in Rider's celebration of Black History Month in which students will have to research their submitted dish and the role it plays in African-American culture and dining. 

On Sunday, Feb. 22, the Black Student Union and Black-Hispanic Alliance will be hosting a Gospel Fest, and on Tuesday, Feb.  24, there will be the "Keeping the Dream Alive: "I Have A Dream" Speech Competition, co-sponsored with the Residence Hall Association. Students will present speeches explaining what they can contribute to Dr. King's vision for justice and civil rights for all people. 

Don't miss out on these events. For more details, contact Pamela Pruitt at ppruitt@rider.edu or call 609-895-5781. 

Here is the list of opportunities to date: 

Feb. 2
Keynote Event: The Evolution of Hip-Hop: Past, Present, and Future with Dr. James Braxton Preston 
Monday, 7:30 p. m., Sweigart Auditorium, Room 115 

Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
Classics and Currents: African-Americans in Television
Every Wednesday, 6:30 p. m., Memorial, Room 306 

Feb. 10
African Dance Class by Egun Omode Shule
Tuesday, 6 p. m., Fireside Lounge 

Feb. 12
"#BlackLivesMatter: Justice For All?" 
Thursday, 11:30 a.m., Mercer Room 

Feb. 12
Black History Jeopardy
Thursday, 7 p. m., Mercer Room 

Feb. 17
Black History Soul Food Competition
Tuesday, 6 p.m., Fireside Lounge

Feb. 22
Black History Month Gospel Fest
Sunday, 6 p. m., Cavalla Room 

Feb. 24
Keeping the Dream Alive: I Have A Dream Speech Competition (submissions to wilkinsonm@rider.edu)
Tuesday, 7 p. m., Mercer Room