February is Black History Month and MCC-PV has had several events to celebrate it. This year’s theme is "Am I My Brother's Keeper? Redefining and Empowering the Black Man." Dr. Thomas Walker, Penn Valley Dean of Administrative Services, spoke on that theme at the opening ceremonies on February 4.

"Black Male Images" was the title of the event held February 13. The conversation was about the past study of the black male character. Walker discussed the "perspective regarding the popular dress of the urban black male and its impact on the employment of black men in the corporate culture."

On February 18, MCC-PV welcomed Merrell Bennekin, local attorney and adjunct faculty member. Bennekin discussed issues "facing the black man as it pertains to the criminal justice system and the Kansas City Police Department."

On February 23, the topic was "Community Viewing of: State of the Black Union 2008, Reclaiming our Democracy, Deciding our Future." A number of prominent advocates attended and discussed live on C-Span, among them Dr. Cornel West, the Reverend Al Sharpton, and Rainbow/Push Coalition founder, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr.

On February 26, Lloyd Daniel was the featured panelist. Daniel discussed why “America has become so preoccupied with hip hop when crime is soaring, the economy is sinking and our students are being challenged by school?”

The closing ceremony on February 27 with speaker Chuck D was about “Race, Rap and Reality.” Chuck D will talk about how “music, art and culture is escapism, and escapism sometimes is healthy for people to get away from reality.”

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