SCENE SPOTLIGHT

Junior Jennifer Bradford is one busy girl. She's an English major and a musical theatre minor. As far as extracurricular activities are concerned, between gospel choir, being a part of the ambassador program and working two jobs, she's also this year's chair of Black History Month. Black History Month 2004 is chock full of activities, ones that Bradford hopes "have such an impact [so] that students are not afraid to ask about something or someone's culture that they do not understand. I want people to be entertained, educated and made aware that it is black history month and they are welcome to celebrate with our club."

Some activities planned for this year's celebration include, African American films every week in Walsh/Unity basement and educational and quality lectures. Bum Rush Benson is also planned, which is a dinner for the current African American students to attend and make their presence known on campus. Regular Igwebuike meetings are held on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. A seasonal Love Jones Cafe will also be held in the Bronco.

Bradford feels that Black History Month is important, especially at Santa Clara, because "It keeps people from being close-minded. Black history is American history and it is not necessarily taught or understood in many classroom settings. Because history has a tendency to repeat itself, other students can take note of previous situations that they have learned from Black History and act accordingly. It is also important to celebrate because being a black person, as we well know, can oftentimes be complicated within and without the culture. So it is good to get together and celebrate the good things and possibly understand the bad a little better."

Black History Month officially kicks off February 1st, although students are encouraged to celebrate black history, culture and tradition year round. Black History Month is sponsored by Igwebuike (Santa Clara's Black Student Union), the Center of Multicultural Learning, and the Departments of Ethnic Studies, Liberal Studies and Music. The Multicultural Center also will be playing a large part in the celebration.

- Written by Jessica Boyd