St. Thomas Aquinas College sponsors events to celebrate African American History Month

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE TO COMMEMORATE AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

SCREENING OF “THE BUTLER” AMONG EVENTS SLATED

(SPARKILL, NY – Date of Distribution) – St. Thomas Aquinas College, in conjunction with The African American Historical Society of Rockland County and Rivertown Film, will sponsor a screening of Lee Daniels’ film “The Butler”, to commemorate Black History Month on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at The Lafayette Theatre (97 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern, NY), announces Dr. Gerald McCarthy, professor of English at the College. Tickets are $8 and are available through the Lafayette Theatre. The first 20 students with STAC IDs get in free!

“The Butler” is a historical fiction drama film loosely based on the real life of Eugene Allen, an African-American who eyewitnesses notable events of the 20th century during his 34-year tenure serving as a White House butler. The film stars Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines (the character modeled after Allen) and Oprah Winfrey as Cecil’s wife. It was directed by Daniels, written by Danny Strong and produced by Laura Ziskin, and was released in August 2013.

The College’s Lougheed Library will also feature an exhibit by photographer Tom Artin in February. The exhibit will kick off with an opening on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in the Library. Dr. Evan Matthews, associate professor of music at the College, will perform two spirituals and Artin will introduce his photographs. Artin participated in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in August 1963. With his camera in tow, he shot pictures capturing the essence of this historic gathering on the Mall and at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This experience served as inspiration for his work as a photographer throughout his career. For more information about Artin, visit www.marchon2013.com. This event is free and open to the public.

Additionally, the College will host Ray Blue, New York bred saxophonist, composer, arranger and educator who performs and conducts workshops and master classes internationally, for a jazz concert on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in the Sullivan Theatre. For more information about Blue, visit www.rayblue.com. This event is free and open to the public. For more information about these events, contact Gerald McCarthy at gmccarth@stac.edu or 845-398-4134.