17 February, 2012

Jou, 216 (Black History Month)


Central Piedmont Community College reconnected students with local history with a presentation and discussion of “February One”, a documentary on the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, in celebration of Black History Month at Central Campus.

Amanda Capobianchi, the associate dean for Student Life, said about 55 people attended the film. A short discussion followed the film to engage students. Many students expressed their thoughts on the film as well as comments on the civil rights movement as a whole.
“A simple act can help change the world,” said Jennifer Conway, Student Life program coordinator at Central Campus.

Chan Lee, a public speaking student, attended the film on recommendation of his teacher. “It was good to learn about history, what they endured.” said Lee.

“Martin Luther King, Jr had the right idea where everyone was to be equal as humans,” said local Charlotte resident Peter Franz. Franz compared civil rights initiatives he experienced while living in both Chicago and and Charlotte throughout the 1960s, with an appreciation for the non-violent protests utilized in the South.

The film hits close to home for the Queen City, documenting the Greensboro sit-ins which influenced students throughout the South to take a peaceful stand for civil rights, including a group in Charlotte. An anonymous source in the film described the event, “That dime store was the birthplace of a whirlwind.”
Central Campus will also feature former CPCC president Ruth Shaw speaking on women's history and Corlis Hayes, communication instructor, performing a one person act related to the time period.

No comments:

Post a Comment