Black History Month Filled with Variety of Cultural Activities

ATHENS, Ohio (January 31, 2001) -- Ohio University will celebrate Black History Month in February by hosting a wide variety of events. The month's listings will include an African-American trivia game show, lectures, plays, dances and a concert featuring hip-hop rapper Common.

Featured speakers include "BET Tonight" TV show host Tavis Smiley, a political columnist who deals with issues relating to African-Americans and journalist, editor and former Malcolm X colleague A. Peter Bailey, who will present a lecture titled, "Malcolm X -- Master Teacher."

Activities also include events from West Africa Week, Feb. 5-8, sponsored by Ohio University's African Studies program. The week begins with a Feb. 5 lecture by Margaret Sackey and Peter Edufel of the Ghana National Children's Commission.

"I'm excited about the diversity of the cultural events planned for Black History Month," said Linda Daniels, Ohio University director of multicultural programs. "I'm also looking forward to West Africa Week, because it will be a great opportunity for a collaboration between African-American and African students on campus."

For more information about Black History Month, contact the Office of Multicultural Programs at 740-593-4027.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, Feb. 20

• Bus trip to view a lecture by Cornel West, Harvard University Professor of Afro-American Studies and the Philosophy of Religion, at West Virginia State College. Bus departs from College Gate at 8 a.m. Lecture begins at 11 a.m. Fee is $3. Sign up in the Multicultural Programs Office at 205 Baker Center.
• African-American Knowledge Bowl, 7:30 p.m., Ballroom, Baker Center.

Wednesday, Feb. 21

• BSCPB Meeting, 6 p.m., Lindley Center.
• Women's Self Defense Seminar, 7:30 p.m., Ping Center Lounge.
• Lecture by A. Peter Bailey, "Malcolm X -- Master Teacher," 7:30 p.m., Bentley Hall. A reception follows in the Lindley Cultural Center. Bailey is a journalist, activist and founding member of the Organization of Afro American Unity, which was established by Malcolm X. He worked with Malcolm X from 1964 to 1965 and was one of the last people to speak with him before his assassination.

Thursday, Feb. 22

• Sigma Gamma Rho Annual Literary Contest, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., location TBA.

Friday, Feb. 23

• Lecture by Tavis Smiley, host of Black Entertainment Television's "BET Tonight," 7:30 p.m., Ballroom, Baker Center. Tickets are $5 and are available through the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium box office, 593-1780.

Wednesday to Saturday, Feb. 28 to March 3

• Play: "Les Trois Dumas," 8 p.m., Forum Theater, RTVC. Tickets are $7 for students and $9 for others.