Ivy Tech State College - Region 14/Bloomington

Black History Month Brings History, Poetry to Ivy Tech
February 15 , 2006

Bloomington, Indiana—Students, faculty and staff celebrated Black History Month at Ivy Tech yesterday with student poetry and a presentation on Rosa Parks and her role in American History. The program, entitled “Quiet Strength”, included a presentation by Bloomington resident Elizabeth Mitchell on historical memorabilia from the civil rights movement and the experiences of African-Americans in Bloomington and Indiana during the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Gynger Brown, a 3rd semester Ivy Tech student, read a poem she wrote about black leaders that paved the way for her, entitled “Remembering Life”, saying “Reparation is found in the commitment to be bound to our past without being held captive by it” (full text of work). She also recited poetry from African-American authors and singers. Gynger will complete her Ivy Tech studies this summer and will transfer to Indiana University – Bloomington in the fall.

The keynote speaker, Ms. Mitchell, believes that experiences, good and bad, make black people who they are today. “Our experiences have made blacks tough. We should be proud of who we are today; after all, we are descended from the kings and queens of Africa.”

Debra Vance is Ivy Tech’s Director of Outreach. For more information on this program, please contact Debra by e-mail at dvance@ivytech.edu or via phone at 1-866-447-0700 ext. 6111.