Events planned to close out Black History Month

EDITOR'S NOTE: The time of the community observance at St. James has been changed.

A business expo, a night of artistic performances and a guest lecture are among the events planned during the next week in celebration of Black History Month.

Community celebration

This month provides an opportunity to highlight African-Americans that aren't always mentioned in history books, said Debra Mitchell-Braxton, who is coordinating a community celebration in honor of Black History Month at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. James AME Church in Cape Girardeau.

"I come from a strong background in education and I've learned the importance of cultural celebrations," she said. "I think it's imperative that we help our children learn the significant contributions of all Americans in history," Mitchell-Braxton said.

From reciting portions of famous speeches by black leaders to singing Negro spirituals, this community celebration will include musical, oratorical, theatrical and praise dance performances by youth and adults, she said.

"We want to show we are appreciative of those individuals who came before us and laid the foundation," Mitchell-Braxton said.

Business expo

On Saturday more than 20 black-owned businesses will come together in a celebration of free enterprise during the Oneness In Blackness Business & Entrepreneur Expo from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army.

This event is a free opportunity for black business owners to spread the word about their businesses, organizer NaTika Rowles said. A business owner herself, Rowles operates Gift of Dance Studio in Cape Girardeau. The expo is open to businesses large or small, new or well established.

"We really want people who are just starting off to be there and people who have been in the industry for quite some time to be there so we can feed off of each other and gain knowledge about opening our own businesses," she said.

Rowles was inspired by her pastor, Joann McCauley at House of Prayer World Outreach Center in Cape Girardeau, to plan the business expo.

"We have several in our church and we support those businesses, but she really felt we should bring everyone together and highlight the black-owned businesses during this time," Rowles said.

From website design services to jewelry making and real estate agents to barbers, there will be a wide variety of businesses there, she said.

"In this time in our economy we're really encouraging people to start their own business and really be entrepreneurs, invest in themselves and educate themselves," Rowles said.

In addition to business booth displays, the event will include a fashion show, food, entertainment and giveaways.

Michael Davis Lecture

Southeast Missouri State University has hosted several lectures throughout the month in honor of Black History Month. The campus will conclude its observance with Byron McCauley, director of public relations at KnowledgeWorks in Cincinnati, Ohio, who will present the Department of Mass Media's Michael Davis Lecture. McCauley was an award-winning journalist during his 20-year newspaper career that included working as associate editorial page editor at the Cincinnati Enquirer.

The event, which is open to the public, will begin at noon Feb. 29 at the Rose Theatre in the Grauel Building. The Michael Davis Lecture recognizes the contributions of African-Americans in the media and honors the late Michael Davis, a mass communications student at Southeast who died in a hazing incident while studying journalism.

Although she's heard some people question whether Black History Month should even be observed, Mitchell-Braxton said it's important to recognize those who worked toward equal rights. She will also take part in Women's History Month activities in March.

"These months have been set forth years ago and dedicated for those things. I don't see any reason not to honor those Americans who walked before us and made the country what it is today," she said. "We have to remain cognizant because a lot of people want to say that we've achieved, but we haven't achieved yet in all walks of life."

People may still sign up to participate in the business expo by calling 573-587-1190, and the Black History Month community celebration at St. James AME Church by calling 573-979-0213.

mmiller@semissourian

388-3646

Pertinent address:

701 Good Hope Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

516 North Street, Cape Girardeau, MO