Library hosts Black History
event
By Heather Mangold
City
Editor
Adults and young children clapped their hands and
sang with the African American musical group Sisters of Thunder during
Tippecanoe County Public Library's celebration of Black History Month
on Sunday.
Regina Todd Hicks, a singer in the group, said
that she sang for the event to express her belief that Black History
Month is an important event for everyone in the community.
"It provides a sense of connecting my heritage
with other people in my community, who are also a part of that experience,
through music," said Hicks.
Hicks said the group's goal was to unite people
of all backgrounds and to help them relate to the month's celebration
through music.
"My friend said that music helps you to paint a
picture with sound," said Hicks. "I just love that."
The group sang well-known spirituals, such as "He's
Got the Whole World in His Hands," and Hicks said that songs like these
could help many people relate to the celebration of Black History Month.
A spokeswoman from the library also felt that the
day's celebration would be beneficial for all.
"The fabric of the African-American culture is
a rich part of the tapestry of Greater Lafayette, so we hope people
of all backgrounds will come to learn, express themselves creatively
and enjoy an afternoon with others," said Trisha Shively, assistant
head reference librarian and coordinator of the event.
"Everyone can learn from everyone else's culture,"
she said.
The library and Friends of Tippecanoe County Public
Library invited members of the community to join in the celebration
for the day.
Two Lafayette residents, Jeffrey Randolph and Lamorse
Woolfolk, attended the festivities.
Both said that they frequently visit the library
and found out about the celebration during their visits.
"Being an African American myself, it caught my
interest," said Randolph. "I thought maybe I could learn something."
Randolph said he attends many cultural events for
a chance to meet other African Americans.
Lamorse Woolfolk, also an African American, said
that he came to the celebration because he was interested in seeing
what was going on and learning more about black culture.
African foods were presented for the public to
enjoy, including native fruits, millet and honey bolts, coconut and
sesame honey candy, called mescouta.
|
