Reading project in Cape schools to celebrate black history

Seeing black history through the eyes of a child can shed new light on its legacy.

"I think it's really good to look at multiculturalism from the perspective of the kids," said Dr. Marcia Brown Haims.

Haims, a professor of communication disorders at Southeast Missouri State University, organizes the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Read-a-Thon. The monthlong project will be held in Cape Girardeau schools throughout February, Black History Month.

It is one of several activities to celebrate black heritage throughout the month.

Volunteers will read to students about multiculturalism and hold discussions. They will visit students from preschool to middle school age.

Haims said children often have a fresh perspective on King's message. Volunteers, who are mostly students themselves, should also come prepared to answer tough questions.

"They never cease to surprise me," she said.

Other events for Black History Month include several discussions in the University Center Program Lounge at Southeast. Four of the talks draw from the HBO documentary "The Black List" and the CNN documentary "Black in America."

On Feb. 24, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and the Rev. Marcia Dyson will speak at the Show Me Center.

Michael Dyson, an author and scholar, was the keynote speaker there last year for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner. He and his wife, a theologian and social activist, will speak and field questions, said Lincoln Scott, assistant to the president for equity and diversity issues at Southeast.

"The two of them will have discussions about changes and how they see changes for African-Americans in this country," he said.

The event is free, and no tickets are required.

On the last day of the month, music groups will come together for the Gospel Extravaganza at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church at 516 North St.

"I think music is a good way to get people to get engaged," said organizer Debra Mitchell-Braxton, director of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City-Wide Planning Committee. About 12 groups from throughout the region will perform classic spiritual pieces as well as more contemporary works, she said. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted for the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau.

The committee is also hosting a youth leadership conference for students Feb. 12 at the Salvation Army, she said.

"We're trying to keep with Dr. King's legacy of leadership qualities," Mitchell-Braxton said. Students can attend sessions on topics like leadership and building self-esteem. There will be more programming for students there Feb 15. Guest speakers will talk about black history, including important legislation and the role presidents played, she said.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

One University Plaza Cape Girardeau, MO

Black History Month discussions and events

Events are at 6:30 p.m. in the University Center Program Lounge unless otherwise indicated

* Wednesday: Acknowledgment of the "Black List" Volume One

* Thursday: "The Black Woman, Family and Connections: A Discussion from the CNN Documentary 'Black in America'"

* Feb. 10: Acknowledgment of the "Black List" Volume Two

* Feb. 11: "The Black Man: A Discussion from the CNN Documentary 'Black in America'"

* Feb. 12: Youth leadership conference 11 a.m. at the Salvation Army

* Feb. 15: Tribute to Black History Month 11 a.m. at the Salvation Army

* Feb. 17: "Where the Girls Are: Education Etiquette and Esteem"

* Feb. 23-24: Breaking down issues in the "Tunnel of Oppression" 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the fourth floor of the University Center

* Feb. 24: Dyson vs. Dyson 6 p.m. at the Show Me Center

* Feb. 25: "Myths, Facts, Stereotypes and Reality in the Black Community: Discussing and Creating Solutions

* Feb. 28: Gospel Extravaganza 6 p.m. at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church