“Soulful Celebration” returns to Daniel Webster College

(Nashua) – “Soulful Celebration 2006,” a weeklong series of events celebrating Black History Month, will return to Daniel Webster College during the week of February 20. The celebration will include events over a six-night period, incorporating local music performers and films, culminating in a Saturday evening social event. All events are open to the public.

“We are excited to see 'Soulful Celebration' return to campus because of the energy that an event like this brings, not only to the minority population on campus, but to the Nashua and DWC community as well,” noted Karen Jordan, an advisor to the Intercultural Student Association (ISA), the event’s sponsor. “Last year’s events brought to light this celebration of diversity and we are ecstatic to see it continue.”

“The object of ‘Soulful Celebration 2006’ is to teach the Daniel Webster College campus and the community about a culture that, though scarce, is very much present and a part of everyday living,” said student Robert R. Coleman, who established last year’s celebration and is the founding director of the ISA. “Without the hard work and struggles of African-Americans, no race or ethnicity would enjoy life as we know it today.”

For Coleman, the incredible growth of the event is particularly satisfying. “I never imagined that ‘Soulful Celebration’ would become an annual event,” Coleman said. “I am overwhelmed that the event has grown from two evenings to six, and I am extremely grateful that the college's administration has extended its full support.”

This year’s “Soulful Celebration” has drawn the interest of local civic leaders, including Nashua Mayor Bernard A. Streeter, and State Senator Joseph A. Foster - (D) Nashua, who will present a proclamation and a state resolution, respectively.

According to Coleman, each night features a fun and exciting event, and participants will be able to learn something they may have never known about African-American culture. From Gospel to Hip-Hop, to the wise words of Malcolm X, to paying tribute to the late Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The week kicks off Monday, February 20, in the Eaton-Richmond Center’s (ERC) Collings Auditorium with the Southern New Hampshire Outreach for Black Unity Community Ensemble, under the musical direction of Coleman. The evening also includes gospel singer Mark Choate with the gospel group “Persuaded,” from the New England Pentecostal Ministries.

On Tuesday, February 21, the film Crash will be shown at 8:00 p.m. in the ERC Room 122.

On Wednesday, February 22, at 7:00 p.m., Mayor Streeter will present a proclamation of the “Soulful Celebration” week at the ERC Gallery, located on the second floor of the ERC. Senator Foster will also present a special resolution on behalf of the New Hampshire State Senate. The proclamation and resolution will be followed by a presentation by author Maria McNaught, who authors children’s books with multi-cultural themes. Her most noted work, Grandma’s Ashanti Cloth, is included in the holdings of the Smithsonian Library.

Thursday, February 23, features a myriad of music beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the Collings Auditorium. The program features choirs of the New Fellowship Baptist Church, 50 Ash Street, Nashua, where the Rev. Dr. Bertha A. Perkins is founder and pastor.

On Friday, February 24, the Daniel Webster Dining Commons at the College Center will feature an all you can eat “Soulfood Night” dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The price for the dining event is $6.50 for children and adults. At 7:00 P.M., a "Freedom Bus" will depart from the front of Daniel Webster Hall. The short bus ride is a tribute to Rosa Parks. The ISA later presents the film Malcolm X at 8:00 p.m. in ERC Room 100.

The weeklong celebration concludes Saturday, February 25, as the ISA presents “The Spirit of Harlem,” a club party from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the Common Thread student center.

For further information regarding “Soulful Celebration 2006,” contact Karen Jordan at 603-577-6521.

Daniel Webster College provides undergraduate and graduate programs to traditional and non-traditional students from its Nashua and Portsmouth campuses in a wide breadth of professional areas, including aeronautic and mechanical engineering, aviation flight operations, air traffic management, computer science, business and management, and social science. For more information about Daniel Webster's programs, visit www.dwc.edu.

“SOULFUL CELEBRATION 2006” at Daniel Webster College

February 20 – February 25, 2006

Events – Free and open to the public.
Friday Dinner – $6.50 per person.

For more information, contact: Karen Jordan, 603-577-6521

MONDAY - FEBRUARY 20

8:00 P.M. – Collings Auditorium - Eaton-Richmond Center

Southern New Hampshire Outreach for Black Unity (OBU) Community Ensemble

Robert R. Coleman, Director

Mark Choate & “Persuaded” (Gospel Singers & Band)

TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 21

8:00 P.M. - Eaton-Richmond Center Room #122

Intercultural Student Association Film Series Presents: Crash

WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 22

7:00 P.M. - Eaton-Richmond Center Gallery

Nashua, New Hampshire Mayor Bernard A. Streeter – Proclamation
Senator Joseph A. Foster (D), Nashua – State Resolution

Maria McNaught, Author of Grandma's Ashanti Cloth

THURSDAY - FEBRUARY 23

8:00 P.M. – Collings Auditorium - Eaton-Richmond Center

The Choirs of New Fellowship Baptist Church - Nashua, New Hampshire

Rev. Dr. Bertha A. Perkins, Pastor

Featuring: The Gospel Choir

Minister Olga Tines-Smith, Minister of Music
Robert R. Coleman, Associate Director of Music

FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 24

4:30-6:30 P.M. - Campus Dining Commons

“Soulfood Night” - $6.50 per person – All you can eat
7:00 P.M. - "Freedom Bus" Tribute to Rosa Parks
Departs from in front of Daniel Webster Hall

8:00 P.M. - Eaton-Richmond Center Room #100

Intercultural Student Association Films Series Presents: Malcolm X

SATURDAY - FEBRUARY 25

9:00 P.M. – 1:00 A.M. - The Common Thread (Student Center)

The Intercultural Student Association Presents: “The Spirit of Harlem” Club Party