Readings Mark Black History Month

Ventura College is hosting several poets, authors and performance artists throughout February to commemorate Black History Month.

On Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Ventura College Fireside Lounge there will readings by Ola Washington, a 25-year instructor in the history program at Ventura College and author of a forthcoming book of poetry; poet Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, author of the Chapbook “Common Ancestry”; and Gauvin, a performance poet and artist.

“There are poets who read from the page and there are poets who perform from the page,” said Gwendolyn Alley, Ventura College writing instructor. “Gauvin performs.”

On Tuesday, Washington and Gauvin will perform from 2 to 3:30 p.m on the Ventura College library patio. Open mike sessions, which give audience members a chance to read their own poetry or poetry by a favorite black author, will follow.

On Feb. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Feb. 29, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. author Timothy Treadwell will present a slide show discussion in the Ventura College Circus Theater. The presentation, “Among Grizzlies,” recounts the 12 summers Treadwell spent living in Alaska.

The readings were made possible through a Ventura College Foundation grant. “It made me feel like the college was supporting what I wanted to do by giving me this grant,” said Alley, whose students are reading works by Rolle and Treadwell’s “Among Grizzlies.” She was motivated to bring in the authors to supplement her students’ learning experience.

All performances are free. Ventura College is at 4667 Telegraph Road. For information: 654-6400, Ext. 1218.