Clark College explores black history

Everyone is invited to celebrate the legacy of civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr., by exploring black history and contemporary black life Wednesday at Clark College. A traveling exhibit of historical figures and an iconic, ground-breaking rapper from New York City will both be on hand during the day.

The Black History 101 Mobile Museum, a collection of more than 7,000 artifacts that span all of black history in America — from the trans-Atlantic slave trade to the latest hip hop memorabilia — will bring a traveling exhibit to Clark called “Black Historical Figures from 1800 to Current Day.” It features iconic African-Americans in every area of life, from science to sports and politics to entertainment. Remember not to be late for this; the exhibit will be on display at the Gaiser Student Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday only.

Also, Clark will host a keynote speaker during the lunch hour that day. MC Sha-Rock, the first really famous female rapper, will speak on “The History and Impact of Hip-Hop Culture from a Pioneer’s Perspective.” Her talk is set for noon in the Gaiser Student Center.

A native of the South Bronx in New York City, Sha-Rock (whose real name is Sharon Green) broke out in the late 1970s as a member of The Funky 4+1 (consisting of four male emcees plus Green), which scored early rap hits like “Rapping and Rocking the House” and “That’s the Joint.” The group was considered an influence on bigger rap acts that followed, including Run DMC. When Sha-Rock rapped with The Funky 4+1 on “Saturday Night Live” in 1981, they were the first such group ever to appear on national television.

In 2010, Sha-Rock published an autobiography, “Luminary Icon: The Story of the Beginning and End of the First Hip-Hop Female MC.” In 2013 Sha-Rock was appointed as a national adviser to the hip-hop library collection at Cornell University.

Clark College encourages visitors to these free events to donate hair and skin care products for African-American families who are served by the YWCA Clark County. “Black hair requires different products than other types of ethnic hair and these products are often more expensive, hard to find and not easily accessible — especially in shelters,” a statement from Clark College said. “Let’s help African-American families that utilize services at YWCA feel and look good.”

Donations will be collected at the Gaiser Student Center during the event. Or, drop off donations at the Office of Equity and Diversity, GHL 214, throughout the week.