Arcadia University will celebrate African American History Month with a variety of events this month, including a concert, book reading and signing, and a youth oratorical competition.   

Book Reading and Signing with Dr. Shandell
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 5 to 7 p.m.
Stein Fireplace Lounge
Associate Professor of Visual and Performing Arts and co-director of Theater Arts Dr. Jonathan Shandell will host a reading his new book, The American Negro Theatre and the Long Civil Rights Era. Following the reading, Dr. Shandell will sign copies of his book, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the American Negro Theatre (ANT) in the 1940s. He illustrates the formative nature of ANT and how it shaped the Civil Rights Movement, as well as American popular culture as a whole.

For more information, contact Dr. Shandell.

Annual African American Read-In
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 1 to 3 p.m.
Castle Rose and Mirror Rooms
Arcadia hosts its 7th celebration of Africana Literature and Writing with its Annual African American Read-in. The National African American Read-In was created 30 years ago by members of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) to educate others about the literary contributions of African American writers and, later, people of African descent worldwide. During the month of February, events promoting literacy are held in libraries, schools, and community centers throughout the country. This event is hosted in collaboration with the Gateway to Success Program.

If you are interested in doing reading aloud a personal piece or a segment of your favorite literary work, please contact Institutional Diversity.

The Jazz Experience: From Spiritual to Bebop Swing
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m.
Commons Great Room
Celebrate the unique art form of jazz and learn about its African roots through a live concert and multimedia performance with Key Arts Production. From the tunes of New Orleans to down home blues, relive the artistry of America’s greatest jazz musicians.

Oratorical Competition
Saturday, Feb. 23, noon to 3 p.m.
Castle Rose and Mirror Rooms
In collaboration with the National Association of University Women Suburban Philadelphia Branch, the community is invited to attend the annual Black History Month Youth Oratorical Competition.

For more information on the read-in, jazz experience or Oratorical Competition, contact the Office of Institutional Diversity.