The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Black Heritage Expo exposes community to African-American culture

The second annual black heritage expo will take place at the Student Center on Sunday from noon until 11 p.m.

Shioban Lawler, vice president of the Black Affairs Council, said she is hoping that students as well as other community members come to the cultural event.

"We wanted it to be more interactive, not with just the campus but the community as well," Lawler said.

Carl Ervin, coordinator of Student Development and adviser for the Black History Month Planning Committee, said the event will bring together local businesses, community members, and student organizations as a way to learn about the culture.

"We had it last year and it seemed to be an excellent venue to teach people about African-American pride, culture and history," Ervin said.

There will be art done by local artists and other artifacts that will be available for people to buy throughout the event.

The owner of a local bookstore called Topaz, will have a booth where he will sell African-American literature for people of all ages.

Lawler said that businesses were excited and willing to be a part of the event because they could use the free facilities to come together with the community.

"Everyone gets to interact and meet other people," Lawler said. "People get to come and support the businesses but the businesses can support the students."

Members of the Black Affairs Counsel, Delta Xi Phi, the Pan-hellenic Council and the Black History Month Planning Committee have volunteered to help plan and put on the event. Some organizations will send volunteers to help throughout the day. Other organizations, including, Voices of Inspiration and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity will be performing at the event.

"I am so grateful for the response from other student organizations on campus," Lawler said. "We didn't want it to be for just black students, but everyone, not just for organizations, but a campus-wide thing."

Money to pay for the expo was allocated by USG (for Black History Month events) and allowed for the volunteers to bring in speakers and advertise around the community.

The expo last year had a turnout of about 200 to 250 people but this year, planners are hoping for more since it is the second year and people know about the event.

"We want this to be an on-going tradition that people can look forward to every year," Lawler said.

Reporter Kristina Dailing can be reached at kdailing@dailyegyptian.com