Monday, Jan 29, 2018
Gospel Fest and student musical theater production headline month-long event series
by Rachel Stengel '14
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø will commemorate Black History Month with a variety of informational and celebratory events, including two public performances — Gospel Fest and Upon the Shoulders We Stand: A Celebration of Black Musical Theatre.
On Sunday, Feb. 25, from 5:45 to 7 p.m. in the Bart Luedeke Center's Cavalla Room, attendees will enjoy song, dance and spoken word by ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø students and local community members at Gospel Fest. Upon the Shoulders We Stand: A Celebration of Black Musical Theatre showcases the importance of the voices, triumphs and struggles African Americans face through song and dance. The student musical also highlights African American Broadway performers. Upon the Shoulders We Stand begins at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26, in the Yvonne Theater, located in the Fine Arts building.
Dr. Pamela Pruitt, director of Multicultural Affairs, says the performances provide an impactful culmination to the month.
"We wanted to have a strong closing to Black History Month filled with music and dance," Pruitt says. "These events are also a great way to extend our celebrations to the local community.
Both performances are free and open to the public. For more information about other Black History Month events, visit rider.edu/black-history-month.