February 01, 2025
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IVCC to host Black History Month activities in February

Music historian to give history of Hip Hop presentation

By Derek Barichello
Music historian David “DJ” Lee (pictured) leads off IVCC’s Black History Month activities on Monday with an exploration of the culture’s music. Other topics during the month examine racism in a national sport and the cultural revolution stemming from the Great Migration.

Music historian David “DJ” Lee (pictured) leads off IVCC’s Black History Month activities on Monday with an exploration of the culture’s music. Other topics during the month examine racism in a national sport and the cultural revolution stemming from the Great Migration. (Photo provided by Peggy Schneider)

February marks the return of music historian David “DJ” Lee to campus as Illinois Valley Community College marks Black History Month with a series of activities over the month.

After an exploration of hip hop and rap music’s evolution, Lee usually leads a lively fast-paced round of trivia through the musical eras that has his audiences on their feet. Also known as Rockababyrock, Lee is a beatboxer, singer, songwriter and producer from Nashville, Tennessee, who tours as a solo artist.

A list of Black History Month activities happening at the College are as follows:

Monday, Feb. 3: The Hip Hop/Rap presentation begins at noon in the Student Life Space.

Thursday, Feb. 13: Amira Davis will present “The Chicago Black Renaissance” at 12:20 p.m. in Student Life Space. She traces the cultural and social renaissance as waves of black migrants traveled to Chicago from the South in the early 20th century. Davis has done arts in education performances for 35 years.

Tuesday, Feb. 25: IVCC Professor Jeff Fesperman explores the history of race and racism in baseball at 12:20 p.m. in the Student Life Space.

Throughout February, Jacobs Library will display books featuring black authors and influential stories.

All the events last about an hour each and are free and open to students, employees and the community.

Activities are sponsored by Student Activities, the campus Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and Jacobs Library. More information is available by emailing amanda_cookfesperman@ivcc.edu.

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