- Public R..I"tion5 Offi{(' Harding Celebrates Black History Although quiet for the first few weeks of February, Black History Month moved into full swing during the last two weeks with author and speaker Alex Haley and the singing extravaganza, "The Gospel Explosion." Haley , famous au- , thor of "Roots," lectured and several singing groups performed in a program called 'The Gospel Explosion" as part of Black History Month. Haley , winner of America's two topmost writing awards - the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, lectured in the Benson Auditorium o n February 21 as part of the American Studies program. According to Richard King, assistant professor of Bible and local chairman of the black history program, Haley was chosen specifically for Black History Month. Dr. David Burks, director of the American Studies program, told King to choose five or six people he would want to come speak, King said. "AJex Haley was our top cho ice and Dr. Burks arranged for him to be here," King said. Haley graduated from high school when he was fifteen and began writing freelance stories and articles while in the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1965 he retired from the military after twenty years of service and became a fulltime writer. In 1965 he coauthored 'The Autobiography of Malcom X:' He also wrote "Roots," which was made into a television mini-series in 1977. Also incl uded in the University's black hi story assemblies was the musical presentation called 'The Gospel Explosion." On February 25 in the Benson Auditorium several gospel singing groups from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas participated in the production, as well as a group of twenty students and graduates from the University. King said, "Gospel music was the only way we had of expressing ourselves for a long time." It will be an opportunity for students to hear big groups of gospel singe rs, said King. Harding students involved in the black history program presented a chapel program on February 21. Illustrating different stories and poems were senior speakers Veronica Williams and Troy Johnson. Adding to the program were participating black history students who sang a few hymns of gospel music. An album of one of the groups from Ouachita was also played. "The major programs focused around one week in particular," said King. A bulletin board was set up in the American Heritage lobby with pictures and information on great blacks in history. 1984 was the third year Black History Month was recognized at the University. "The administration was very supportive of it as far as financial support and help with getting it together," King said, "It's a bigger undertaking this year." "The whole concept was educating people to the contributions that blacks have made," he sa id , "It 's important because we don't have any black history courses here." King said that most people want to be proud of their heritage and what they're all about. "When people know their history, they can be proud of what they are and who they are," he said. "For me it was the first time to participate in a program like this," said Suzie Gumbs, a sophomore from St. Croix, Virgin Islands. On the islands during black history month , Gumbs said that it is usually recognized by short clips on television about famous black people. "The programs were centered around trying to break stereotypes," said King. He said that people don't live up to their potential because they just accept stereotypes. "When we break that barrier, it will help people understand each other better," said King . ''I've come to find out that when you have problems, it's because of a lack of understanding." - Liz Herrel a,zd Michael Kelly J31dCi-- Hlstor ,i\1onth.3S
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