I am UIC: Celebration of Black History Month opens with mixer

On Feb. 1, the African American Academic Network (AAAN) hosted the first Black History Month event of 2018, “The Mixer.”

As the event began at 5:30 p.m., the Illinois Room in SCE was occupied with students, faculty and staff members. The program began with the host introducing and commending the student committee and other student organizations that worked toward making the occasion a success.

The event officially kicked off with the first presentation, “Spoken Words” by Sam Adeleke.  “Spoken Words” was a form of poetry slam that addressed Black culture and the representation of Blacks in today’s media. Specifically, Adeleke spoke about the media not glorifying Black culture, as well as the issue of police brutality encountered by African Americans in the United States.

Jeff Brown, director of AAAN, gave a speech, addressing the history and origin of Black History Month in the United States. Brown believes that Black History Month should be celebrated every week rather than just once a year.

Anita Waye, a junior majoring in biological science, enjoyed every presentation during the event.

“I felt empowered after listening to everyone talk, and I agree with the ideas they all emphasized,” she said. “I am extremely interested in seeing this event again next year.”

Temitope Eddna Odedoyin is majoring in English and fully concentrating in media and professional writing. Apart from writing, she has have a passion for painting, and enjoys using watercolors, oil paint, acrylic, charcoal, oil pastel. She also has an interest in creative writing and short stories. She believes that art — through writing and painting — is a way of expressing one’s feelings.