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Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg will present a number of events on campus in February in celebration of Black History Month. Programs include a film series, theatrical performances about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Paul Robeson, a photo exhibition, lectures and a Diversity Fair.

Grammy-nominated jazz singer Jazzmeia Horn will perform and speak on “Black Women of Song and Their Impact on History,” Monday, February 19, from 1-2:20 p.m., in RVCC’s Nash Theatre. The program is free of charge and open to the public. Horn, a 26-year-old musician, was recently nominated for a 2018 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her debut album, A Social Call. She has performed throughout the US as well as in Europe and Asia. The academic and musical program is the fourth in a series titled “Music as a Mirror on History.” For additional information, contact Roger Shutack at roger.shutack@raritanval.edu.

The Theatre at RVCC will present the following events:

The Mountaintop (LA TheatreWorks), Friday, February 9, at 8 p.m.

Winner of the prestigious Olivier Award for Best New Play, Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop is a gripping reimagining of events that took place the night before the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. This acclaimed play is rife with humor and political jabs, and gives us a glimpse of Dr. King as a person. LA TheatreWorks presents this exciting, radio-style touring production featuring a first-rate cast and live sound effects. The production contains some mature language. To purchase tickets, at $25 and $35, contact the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org.

Call Mr. Robeson (Tayo Aluko), Tuesday, February 27, 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Paul Robeson was a world-famous actor, singer and civil rights campaigner. When he got too radical and outspoken for the establishment's liking, he was branded a traitor to his country, harassed, and denied opportunities to perform or travel. One of the 20th century’s most impressive but overlooked figures is revived in this powerful, compelling, one-man performance that takes audiences on a roller-coaster journey through Robeson’s remarkable, eventful life. Tickets cost $15 each, and the production is recommended for audiences age 14 and older. The event includes a discussion and light refreshments; audience members may pre-order a $5 box lunch and dine before the 1 p.m. show. To purchase tickets, contact the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org.

In celebration of Black History Month, The Theatre at RVCC will present “March to Freedom,” a photo exhibition commemorating the 1965 Selma-Montgomery marches and the 50th anniversary of the landmark Voting Rights Act. The traveling exhibit, on display in the Theatre lobby throughout the month of February, features rare images from the collection of The University of Texas at Austin’s Briscoe Center for American History, and select photos from the April 2014 Civil Rights Summit at the LBJ Presidential Library. “March to Freedom” follows determined and undaunted marchers, both black and white, as they try on three different occasions to take their cause to Montgomery and the steps of the Alabama Statehouse. The exhibition is free of charge, but reservations are required. For information about group reservations and public hours, contact the box office at 908-725-3420.

The College will present a film series, “Black Athletes, Hollywood and Racism,” throughout the month. All screenings are free of charge and open to the public. For additional information about the series, contact Dr. Barbara Seater at barbara.seater@raritanval.edu. The film series includes:

• A screening of the film, The Express, featuring the story of Ernie Davis, the first black football player to win the Heisman Trophy, Wednesday, February 14, at 5:30 p.m., in the RVCC Atrium Lounge (College Center, lower level).

• A screening of the film, 42, featuring the story of Jackie Robinson and the integration of Major League Baseball, Wednesday, February 21, at 5:30 p.m., in the RVCC Atrium Lounge.

• A screening of the film, Ali, focusing on Olympic boxing champion and professional boxer Muhammad Ali, Wednesday, February 28, at 5:30 p.m., in the RVCC Atrium Lounge.

As part of Black History Month and in observance of the UN International Day of Tolerance, the College will present two programs on Tuesday, February 27, in the RVCC Conference Center. RVCC student clubs and academic departments will participate in a Diversity Fair, focusing on the theme of Tolerance, at noon. Dr. Anita Foeman, Professor of Communication at West Chester University, will speak on “DNA: Discussion on Race, Identity and Ancestry,” from 1-2:20 p.m. The presentation will address fostering an open dialogue using DNA profiles as a catalyst to help understand the complexity of human experience. For additional information, contact Richeleen Dashield, Dean of Multicultural Affairs, at rdashiel@raritanval.edu.

Raritan Valley Community College’s main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 31, 2018

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #88