University of Virginia Library

Black Culture Festival

February 14, most prominently recognized
as Valentine's Day is an appropriate time to
begin the Black Culture Festival at the
University. To almost everyone, Valentine's
Day means little more than a few maudlin
hearts and cupids – a weak tribute to
something, so perpetually fascinating, so
powerful, and so awfully needed as love.

But the beginning of the Black Culture
Festival can symbolize at least some of the
progress we have made toward understanding
each other in the past few years in
Charlottesville– a far more poignant reason to
take note of February 14. And much can be
learned through the programs sponsored
during the week by the Black Students
Alliance and the University Union. Sonia
Sanchez, one of the leading poetesses in
America will appeal Sunday, as will other
speakers throughout the week. Black art, in
music, dance, and drama, will be performed
by the African Heritage Dancers on Saturday,
and Muntu and Black Voices on Tuesday,
Feb. 20.

Programs and notices detailing the week's
schedule are available in Newcomb Hall. We
commend the BSA and the Union for their
cooperation in presenting Black Culture
Festival, and we urge that the University
community attends the events beginning
today and extending through Thursday, Feb.
22.