Black History Month 2008 - University of Florida

Welcome to Black History Month 2008,

I am honored to serve as the Executive Director of one of the largest student-run
Black History Month celebrations in the Southeast. Black History Month is a highly
anticipated month-long series of events that takes place every year and is supported
by one of the best schools in the nation, the University of Florida. This series seeks to
educate, empower, and entertain the university and Gainesville communities by
reflecting on the contributions that Black Americans have made. It is our goal to
advocate exposure of refined enrichment inspired by the heritage and legacy of
universal Black culture. To this extent myself and my committee are incredibly
exicted to unveil Black History Month 2008, "Celebrating 30 Years of Sophistication
in Black."

Historically, Black History Month began as National Negro Week in 1926 and
evolved into Black History Week in 1972. Four years later it became Black History
Month, and in 1978 it was celebrated on the University of Florida's campus for the
first time. Now in 2008, 30 years later, the celebration is stronger than ever.

Our theme was brought about by the ideas expressed in a speech given by last year's
keynote speaker, Dr. Martin Luther King, III. In his speech, he said that "in western
cultures the word black has a number of negative connotations." The BHM committee
believes that it is time that these connotations are laid to rest and that only the
positive power of the word "black" be brought to the forefront. When trying to come
up with positive reflections of the word black simple notions like the fact that the
most rare type diamond is the black one, the most luxurious cars are always in black,
and most importantly like the 1960s term coined by John Sweat Rock, "black is
beautiful" came to mind. Those thoughts coupled with the fact that black tie events
and galas are seen as the height of sophistication became the basis for our theme. So
while black is beautiful, sophistication is seen as an uplifting enlightenment and a
combiantion of ways that result in education, improvement and worldly experience.
"Celebrating 30 Years of Sophistication in Black" is more than just an anniversary or a
fact of western culture, it is more than just a theme or a visual representation of
elegance; it is a mindset that can help empower, enlighten and improve.

This month will highlight the myriad of individuals that helped us advance to where
we are today. The events over the next 29 days are designed to impart knowledge,
stimulate the mind, and provide a sophisticated level of entertainment. I invite
everyone to take advantage of these various cultural and educational events, in
addition to our service projects, speaking engagements, and the vast number of
programs on our calendar. So please join me "Celebrating 30 Years of Sophistication
in Black."

Sincerely,

Jovanna S. Bell
University of Florida
Black History Month 2008 Executive Director