Black History Month 2012

With a national theme of Black Women in American Culture and History, TCC recognizes the contributions of African American women and men with a month-long celebration that includes a wide assortment of activities throughout February at TCC’s campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

TCC launched its Black History Month celebration on Jan. 31 with a performance by master flautist Galen Abdur-Razzaq performing In the Tradition, a 90-minute toe-tapping, musical event.

Inspiring students to be successful in all areas of life, speaker Andrea Mosby shared her story with students at the Norfolk Campus on Feb. 1. Mosby’s talk focused on friendships and the importance of making connections with those who share your values. She also talked about balancing academic demands and social time.

Students test their knowledge of African American trivia and facts during the Think Fast game show, a fast paced event held at the Chesapeake Campus on Feb. 8.

Lively and colorful African dance and step exhibitions were performed by members of African American Greek organizations at the Virginia Beach Campus on Feb. 16.

Experts in law and the criminal justice system, pastors, psychologists, community leaders, students and TCC staffers gathered for a Celebration of Sisterhood at the Virginia Beach Campus on Feb. 18. The event included a panel discussion about the “State of the Black Family” and “How to Keep Our Men Out of Prison.” Musical entertainment, a quilt exhibit, as well as a fashion show and make-up demonstrations rounded out the occasion. Giving back to those in need, attendees supported a fund raiser for Samaritan House raising more than $2,000 for the organization.

On Feb. 21 at the Portsmouth Campus, Jonathan Blanchard and band took students on a musical journey celebrating African American music from its inception. The Negro spiritual served as the inspiration for exploring other genres like gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, funk and hip-hop.

The Black Violins entertained students with an engaging performance at the Norfolk Student Center on Feb. 21. The group features Kevin Marcus and Will B, who blend classical music with hip-hop beats and attitude

A highlight event for this year’s Black History Month celebration was a talk by Iyanla Vanzant on Feb. 29 at the Norfolk Campus. Vanzant, a well-known speaker, author and television personality, talked about finding and understanding your vision. She noted the necessity of perseverance thru adversity and maintaining positive energy and spirit.