Activities opened on Friday, Feb. 3, with a university chapel presentation by Luke Hartman, vice president for enrollment. Hartman spoke on the theme, “” and why it is important to do so.

Upcoming Black History Month events

• Movie Night! “Gifted Hands,” to be shown in Campus Center room 105 (Strite Hall) on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. Snacks will be served.
• “Rejoice and Shout!” To be shown in Science Center Auditorium (Room 106) on Friday, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 11, at 10 p.m. Admission is $1.50 with EMU student identification. Sponsored by the campus activities council.聽
• Voting registration on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., and 3-6 p.m. in South Dining Hall.
• University chapel forum on “Inspiring the Future,” with Esther Nizer, president of the Harrisonburg chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, on Friday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m., in Lehman Auditorium.
• A student and faculty panel discussion on race, diversity and self-segregation on EMU’s campus. The event will be held on Monday, Feb. 20, from 8-9 p.m., in . Admission is free.
• The annual Soul Food Caf茅 is back, 6-8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24. Come and enjoy a traditional African American dish while listening (and participating) in a surprise program. This annual event will be held in Martin Chapel of the Seminary building. General admission is $10 for faculty, staff and non-EMU students. EMU students get in free with student identification.
• Jam Session! On Saturday, Feb. 25, jam out with TBO (The Best Out!) in Martin Chapel at 7 p.m.

鈥淭he Soul Food Caf茅 is a favorite, usually the last event in our month-long celebration,鈥� said , director of multicultural services at EMU. 鈥淐ome join us for any of these activities for worship, music, food and meaningful conversation.鈥�

For more information, contact Marvin Lorenzana at 540-432-4458 or email marvin.lorenzana@emu.edu.

At 草莓社区, this year’s Latino Heritage Month theme is “Diferentes pero unidos” (different yet united). Events for the month at EMU include dance lessons on Sept. 23 and 30, followed by the Latino Student Association (LSA) dance on Oct 7. A potluck聽on Oct. 13, featuring freshly prepared 聽dishes from several Latin American countries, will close out the month’s celebration.

“‘Diferentes pero unidos,’ invites the whole campus community to consider that in the midst of all our difference we still can come together in a peaceful and understanding way and learn from one another,”聽said Michelle Ramirez, president of LSA.

David won the Arpa/CORAL best instrumental album of the year in 2005 and 2009, according to his website. He has performed in countries across North, Central and South America, and in parts of Europe and Asia. This will be his third appearance in Harrisonburg.

“David presents a violin concert that reaches every audience鈥檚 heart, bringing the message of hope and encouragement to each person who listens to his music,” said Ramirez.

A suggested offering of $15 can be made at the door. Admission for EMU students is free with identification. All proceeds will to toward the Mennonite Hispanic Initiative.

David will hold a music clinic at EMHS on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Registration is $20. For more information call 540-560-2842.

For more information on the concert and other events during Latino Heritage Month, contact Lorenzana at 540-432-4458 or marvin.lorenzana@emu.edu.

Activities opened Friday, Feb. 4, with a university chapel presentation by Mark Metzler Sawin, associate professor of history at EMU and a former Fulbright scholar. Dr. Sawin shared powerful stories of local African-American groups and their faith, hope and struggles here the Valley of Virginia and at EMU.

Upcoming Black History Month events include:

• A historical presentation of the African American community in Harrisonburg led by Ruth Tolliver, followed by a tour to historical sites around the city, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., Feb. 12, including a display in the Simms Building of African American inventions. Transportation and light snacks will be provided. Persons should meet in the University Commons rooms 211-212 before 10 a.m.
• Philadelphia pastor and EMU alumnus Leonard Dow will speak on “what does it mean to be alive in your faith? How can you LIVE fully in Jesus?” at 8 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 17 in the Common Grounds Coffeehouse in the University Commons.聽 The EMU Gospel Choir opens this event, and refreshments are free compliments of campus ministries. Dow is leading spring spiritual life week, Feb. 16-19, at EMU.
• Local musician Jessica Crawford and the EMU Gospel Choir will be in concert 9 p.m. Fri., Feb. 18 in the Common Grounds Coffeehouse. Admission is free.
• A community worship service with the EMU Gospel Choir will take place 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 20, in Martin Chapel of the seminary building.聽 Join EMU students and staff in a worshipful experience led by the Black Student Union.
• The annual Soul Food Caf茅 is back, 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27. Come and enjoy a traditional African American dish while listening (and participating) in a surprise program. This annual event will be held in the Black Box Theater of the University Commons. General admission is $10 and $5 for students.

“The Soul Food Caf茅 is a favorite, usually the last event in our month-long celebration,” said Marvin Lorenzana, director of multicultural services at EMU. “Come join us for any of these activities for worship, music, food and meaningful conversation.”

For more information, contact Lorenzana at 540-432-4458.

¡Bienvenido a capilla! The Latino Student Association presented chapel on Oct. 7. Students clapped along with praise and worship songs in Spanish, including “Bueno Es” and “Te adoro a ti.” As everyone settled in, Camila Pandolfi spoke about the importance of knowing your goals. Pastor Byron Pellecer and Marvin Lorenzana then took the podium and began a unique sermon Pellecer planted and preaches at Iglesia Discipular Anabaptista based out of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. Lorenzana, whom Pellecer calls his “brother from another mother,” is the director of Multicultural Services at EMU.

Trading rapid-fire phrases and sideways glances that sent giggles across the audience, they wove a thought-provoking story about a hypothetical windfall of “Can you imagine for a minute, that in your bank account, it will appear overnight the amount of $6,400” he said, setting up the imaginary scenario.

“But the catch is that you have to spend every single penny to the last cent. You cannot save it; you have to use it, whichever way you do it… because at the end of the day at midnight, it will be voided.”

Together they went through the options: paying college bills, buying a car, giving to the poor. “$6,400 is a lot of money. I cannot even think that in Spanish,” Pellecer quipped.

“We have that amount in our hands,” he revealed. “One single day has 6,400 seconds.” He challenged students as well as educators to think about how they use these precious seconds, and what they are adding up to in the end. “What would you do with that knowledge? Would you put it into practice, or hang it on a wall?”

They continued to speak in fluctuating Spanish/English about how education is a means of transforming oneself, and using it to be of service to people in the world. “In my own opinion, education is a way of opening our hearts,” Pellecer said.

“Use it wisely. Use it to better your life, and the lives of the people that will always be next to you. Free others. Teach them the goodness of God, teach them the foundation of God, teach them the beauty of life. Because all these elements, you guys are getting right here.”

‘I heard a lot of good things