AMERICAN CENTER CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

January 31, 2007

As the United States celebrates February as National African American History Month (popularly known as Black History Month), the American Center in Kathmandu is screening several famous American films and historical documentaries that address the theme of race relations.  A poster exhibit on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States also will be displayed throughout the month in the lobby of the Yak & Yeti Hotel (west wing). 

Started by African-American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month initially originated in 1926 as "Negro History Week,” the second week in February, in an effort to bring national attention to the large contribution made by African-Americans to the history of the United States. The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH), founded by Dr. Woodson, attempted to remedy the neglect that Afro-Americans faced and to provide all Americans the information needed for a creative and empathetic understanding about Afro-Americans. During America’s Bicentennial celebrations in 1976, the Association expanded the initial weekly celebration to include the entire month of February to provide more time for programs, observances and celebrations.

In recently proclaiming February 2007 as National African American History Month, President George W. Bush hailed the contributions of African Americans in shaping the United States. “African Americans have been an integral part of America for generations, and our Nation is stronger because of their contributions,” he said. The theme for the month this year is “From Slavery to Freedom: Africans in the Americas”.

The American Center Library is screening famous feature movies and historical documentaries that address the issue of race relations in the United States. Seating is limited to the first 40 people and screenings will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on the dates listed below.  For more information about the films and documentaries, please contact a librarian at the American Center.

Schedule

February 2      Africans in America: America's Journey

                    Through Slavery - Part I        90 mins     4:30 p. m.

                    (Award-winning documentary)

February 5      To Kill a Mockingbird   130 mins        9 a. m.

                    The film version of a famed novel. 

                    A story of racism and the struggle for justice in

                    a community in the Deep South, before the Civil Rights movement.

February 7      The Searchers      156  mins       9 a.m.

                     A famous Western about racism and

                     reconciliation, directed by John Ford.  After his

                     niece is abducted by Indians, the  main character (John Wayne)

                     seeks to find her – and kill her.

February 9       Africans in America: America's Journey

                     Through Slavery - Part II   90 mins        4: 30 p.m.

February 12     Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner     108 mins        9: a.m.

                     A 1960s film focused on interracial romance

                     and marriage.   Starring Sidney Poitier, Spencer Tracy,

                     and Katharine Hepburn.

February 15     Africans in America: America's Journey

                     Through Slavery - Part III   90 mins     4:30 p.m.

February 20     In Remembrance of Martin     60  mins    9 a.m.

                     A documentary on Martin Luther King Jr.,

                     the great American civil rights leader.

February 23     Africans in America: America's Journey

                     Through Slavery - Part IV    90 mins    4:30 p.m.

February 26     The Legacy of Rosa Parks   42:25 mins   9 a.m.

                     A documentary about a courageous

                     black woman and the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott

                     that she ignited, a key event in the American civil rights

                     movement.

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