Center for Critical Race Studies Events

Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton is an internationally recognized writer, educator, activist, performer, and the first Black Poet Laureate of Houston. Author of multiple works, from theater to opera, to internationally recognized books, Mouton shows there is no boundary for where a story can take you.

 

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Dance and Drum Performance
February 13, 2024
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Mural Area, 3rd floor ACAD Bldg.

Treasured Clay Dance Group led by Mama Lindi Yeni will be performing the Indlamu Zulu Dance and Drumming from South Africa.  Mama Lindi, who founded the Kuumba House in Houston has educated and entertained audiences with dazzling performances and thought provoking theater productions. The performance (Dancing, Drumming, Singing) will include some audience participation. 

 

Tida Batukadera has been dancing since the tender age of 3 in the countryside region of the Island of Santiago in Cape Verde. She was always a part of cultural events in the community as well as participated in all of the dance programs in school. Her passion for dance migrated with her to the United States at the age of 17 where the traditions of home were her only connection to her native land.  She has performed regularly at festivals such as the Lowell Folk Festival, Cape Verdean Independence Festival in Providence as well as performances in Florida, Georgia, California amongst many other states.

Tida also worked closely with Zema and Zezinho on the Pan Di Terra Project, performed at U Mass Dartmouth. She worked with Norberto Tavares, ZeRui Depina and other artists. Tida has also been featured in many music videos and stage performances by prominent Cape Verdean singers such as Jorge Neto, Beto Dias, Gil Semedo, Gilito and many more.

As a teaching artist, Tida has taught at YMCA in Norwich, CT and is consistently commissioned from various local organizations to teach youth traditional and popular Cape Verdean dances for various educational and private events. Tida continues to be a strong representation of Cape Verdean culture in the United States as she is consistently invited by the Cape Verdean Consulate to perform for the Cape Verdean Prime Minister and many other government dignitaries. She has recently performed for Festivals in Cape Verde as well as the Trinity International Hip Hop Festival with Shokanti.

Drum Performance
The Bata drum is a double-headed hourglass drum with one end larger than the other. The percussion is still used for its original purpose as it is one of the most important drums in Yoruba land. Bata drums are made by fastening skin of goats with wires on a hollowed wood body. 

The percussive ensemble performance will include Gangan, Bata, Gbamu and Sekere. This ensemble produces rhythmic sounds that exudes dynamic nuances accompanied with melodic singing and vibrant dancing. This group is led by Bolaji Omoarijo.

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Contemporary Africa Round Table
February 20, 2024
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
CST Commons Room

Conversations around contemporary Africa.  Speakers from the African diaspora.  Refreshments provided and the Houston NAACP will be in attendance. This is a great opportunity for networking. 

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Afrobeats Concert and Fashion Show
February 21, 2024
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
ACAD 300

There will be a D.J., refreshments, a fashion show and accessory vendors. Campus organization will be invited to table. 

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Black Women Empowerment Brunch
February 22, 2024
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Milam and Travis Rooms (Welcome Center)

Catered by Miki's Soul Food.  RSVP for this event in CampusGroups

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Afro Latino Day
February 26, 2024
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
ACAD 300

Explore, learn and celebrate Afro-Latino culture through presentations by Afro-Caribbean poet and scholar Jennifer Maritza McCauley and Afro-Mexican poet Natasha Carrizosa, along with an interactive bachata dance instructional.

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Taste of Africa: Diaspora Food Fest
February 28, 2024
ACAD 300

Demonstration from an official chef and samples from local businesses. Student organizations will be invited to table at this event. Chef Kaye of Kaye's Gourmet will be there. Kaye's Gourmet is a boutique catering company specializing in Afrofusion cuisine, merging authentic African cuisine with contemporary flair. 

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BSA Block Party
February 29, 2024
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Main Building, South Deck

DJ and food!

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Black Excellence Read In and Open Mic
February 29, 2024
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Mural Area, ACAD Bldg.

Open mic read from great black poets and authors or share a personal piece.  Also, this is open to students and staff to participate.