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Identifier

Kanza1976_041

Object Type

Yearbook

Creation Date

1-1-1976

Description

A 1976 Kanza yearbook page about Black Heritage Week, February 15-21, detailing events held that week including the KSCP Gospel Choir, films, a panel discussion about minorities and the U.S. bicentennial, and performances by bands "The Notations" (from Chicago) and "Riot" (from Pittsburg, Kansas). Also included are photographs of the Black Pearls drill team, Kansas State College of Pittsburg Gospel Choir, and a Jeffrey Burns sculpture (continued from page 40).

Transcription

Top Left: The Black Pearls Drill team performed their marching routines during Black Heritage Week. Left: KSCP’s Gospel Choir offered another segment of entertainment during the week. Above: Jeffery Burns displayed his plaster sculpture entitled “Compassion” as part of the art exhibit.

In an effort to enlighten the public about the role of the Black minority in America and have fun, too, the annual Black Heritage Week was held February 15-21 at KSCP. Panel discussions about the role of minorities in America’s bicentennial celebration and a dance, featuring the jazz-soul group “Riot,” highlighted the week.

Starting off the week was a performance by the KSCP Gospel Choir and the Faith Temple Church of God in Christ Choir of Leavenworth. The two groups sang combinations of rock gospel and Negro spirituals, adding backup equipment, including drums, to give new form to traditional gospel music.

Other entertainment included the film, “Thomasine and Bushrod,” an art exhibit by Jeffery Burns, chairman of the Department of Art at State Community College of East St. Louis and the precision routine of the Black Pearls Drill Team honoring all Black athletes during halftime of the KSCP-University of Missouri at Rolla basketball game.

Another diversion from the normal school week was a lecture and slide show presented by Donald Bogle, film critic and author of “Toms, Coons, Mulattos, Mammies, and Bucks.” He discussed the history of Blacks in films and movies.

In order to involve Black members of the student body, a variety show was held. The talent presentations, with about twenty persons performing, consisted of poetry and drama readings, comedy skills, songs and dancing. The suppression of Blacks and their efforts to re-establish themselves were the themes of the show.

To encourage entire student body participation, a panel consisting of Marsha Singleton, Thomas Nelson and Cecil Dawes discussed the question: Should minorities participate in the bicentennial? Representing Blacks and Indians, the group answered questions from the audience. A specific point brought out was the commercialism of the bicentennial year. Quoting from an article, Nelson commented that perhaps it should be “Buycentennial,” to promote the idea that most of the year may be dedicated to the monetary gains of patriotic entrepreneurs. Another factor brought out was there has not been 200 years of freedom for minorities. Arguments for this were that Indians are still on government-ordered reservations and Blacks have really obtained their freedom only in the last 30 years. Opposing views from audience participants led to discussion and debate, with the final idea that everyone, as American citizens, should participate in the 200-year celebration.

The “Notations,” a Chicago group, appeared before a small audience, and highlighted their informal presentation by talking with students about their music.

The Afro-Ball, featuring the music of Pittsburg band “Riot,” ended the festivities. Over one hundred persons attended.

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