Media Relations
University of South Florida
Polytechnic
3433 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 667-7077
Fax (863) 667-7097
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Contact:
Tom Hagerty
(863)
667-7077
LAKELAND,
FL (February 28, 2008) - As Polk Community College and the University of South Florida Lakeland joined hands to celebrate Black History Month, one local student learned something about activism. After asking why USF Lakeland had not traditionally celebrated Black History Month, Rashard Stafford decided to become part of the solution by joining a committee to organize such a celebration.
"I got involved because I wanted to facilitate change," says the recent USFL graduate.
By serving on the planning committee, Stafford helped make sure the events would be more than just "a social gathering."
"I wanted to ensure these events focus not only on what we have done as Black Americans in the past, but also on what we need to do as Black Americans in the future. I wanted these events to be meaningful and facilitate growth and development in our culture. And for that reason, I sought to ensure this celebration included events that addressed health and financial issues. "
Dr. Orathai Northern of USF Lakeland, who also served on the planning committee, believes USF Lakeland was poised and ready to contribute.
"It was just a matter of organizing and mobilizing people who were interested and ready to commit the time," says Northern. "Our involvement is significant and meaningful for our growth as a campus community. We can't grow without appreciating cross-cultural differences, and we've made a pronounced statement to acknowledge cultural diversity."
Stafford sees several important aspects to this month's events and USF Lakeland's participation.
"These events are significant because they revitalize the original intent and legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who felt it necessary to celebrate the lives and achievements of Black Americans," he says. "These events are also significant in that they not only give USF Lakeland something to call its own but also illustrate its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Moreover, these events provide students, faculty, staff, and others an opportunity to participate locally and experience the true culture of Black Americans."
According to Northern, this year's program is far from a "one-hit wonder."
"We definitely see this as a beginning, the first of an ongoing series," she says. ". "We enjoyed a fruitful collaboration with the USF Lakeland Diversity Office and PCC and had a great committee with great input from faculty, staff and students. We had so many excellent ideas, and we couldn't use them all, so we have great fodder for years to come. We wanted to set a good precedent this year by creating a sustainable event. We're proud of it."
Northern is also proud of Rashard Stafford for assuming the responsibility of becoming involved in the planning process.
"Rashard's communication to the University community regarding the silence around Black History month served as an important and necessary catalyst." she says.
PCC/USF Lakeland Black History Month Events
Feb. 1, 2008
YouTube Project: Starting Feb. 1 and ending Feb. 20, students, faculty, staff and community members were invited to submit their perspectives on how Black history has influenced their life.
Feb. 12, 2008
Kick Off - Soul Food/Soul Music Day:
Start of Black History Month Celebration
Free food for PCC/USF Lakeland students
Location: PCC/USF Lakeland campus
Lunch & Learn Series
Dr. Craig Bythewood, Professor, Florida Southern College
Money Matters: A workshop to assist individuals with credit card issues, investments, budgeting, savings, etc.
Location: PCC/USF Lakeland campus LTB 1104
A Mall of Black Art and Soul Music
Location: PCC/USF Lakeland Campus
Feb. 14, 2008
Black Faculty & Staff Luncheon
Location: Yellow House, Highway 98
Feb. 18, 2008
An Evening of Soul Music
Ryaneil D. Driver and Company
Location: PCC Winter Haven campus
Feb. 19, 2008
Health Fair: Informational booths, screenings, and natural medicine information.
Location: PCC/USF Lakeland campus
Soul Food /Soul Music Day: Free food
Location: PCC Winter Haven campus
Lunch & Learn Series
Dr. Craig Bythewood, Professor, Florida Southern College
Money Matters: A workshop to assist individuals with credit card issues, investments, budgeting, savings, etc.
Location: PCC Winter Haven campus
Feb. 20, 2008
Health Fair: Informational booths, screenings, and natural medicine information.
Location: PCC Winter Haven Campus
Feb. 21, 2008
Doctor's Visit: Young African-American female doctors will speak about their success.
Location: PCC Winter Haven campus and PCC/USF Lakeland campus
Feb. 29, 2008
Student Fashion Show
Location: PCC Winter Haven Campus
An Evening with Tantra:
Individuals will be able to listen to Tantra's poetry while having dinner.
Location: Polk Museum of Art
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