ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University is celebrating the African-American holiday Kwanzaa differently this year in order to allow the campus to pay closer attention to the events. The Office of Multicultural Programs will celebrate Kwanzaa during winter quarter instead of the week before fall final exam week. In the past, the seven-day holiday was celebrated earlier because classes are not in session during the actual holiday, Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.

"We are holding the Kwanzaa celebration during winter quarter because we wanted to give the students enough time to celebrate it properly," said Linda Daniels, director of Multicultural Programs. "Instead of jamming everything into one week, we can now enjoy the events over a period of time, which will allow the campus to pay more attention to them."

Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday that promotes the gathering of African-American families to celebrate their heritage and achievements, for thanksgiving and to rededicate their lives for greater achievements. The holiday, created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, reinforces the seven basic principles of African culture called the Nguzo Saba. The seven principles are umoja/unity, kujichagulia/self determination, ujima/collective work and responsibility, ujamaa/cooperative economics, nia/purpose, kuumba/creativity and imani/faith.

Here is the list of 2002 Kwanzaa events at Ohio University:

Thursday, Jan. 17
"Do Platanos Go Wit' Collard Greens"
Time and location: 7 p.m., Baker University Center Ballroom
Sponsored by: Alpha Psi Lambda fraternity and the Black Student Cultural Programming Board

David Lamb will discuss his book, "Do Platanos Go Wit' Collard Greens," which is about the importance of good relationships between blacks and Latinos in our nation. His book is available at Follett's Bookstore.

Monday, Jan. 21
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance: Brunch with keynote speaker Roland S. Martin
"Using Mass Media to Liberate America"
Time and location: 11 a.m. to noon, Baker University Center Ballroom
Cost: Student groups and organizations can pre-purchase tickets for table reservations at $64 per table, $9 per student, or $12 for the general public. University departments can purchase tickets for $8 per person.Tickets can be purchased by contacting Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at (740) 589-2727 or George Ilodi at (740) 597-7182 or gei_1999@yahoo.com. The brunch is sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha.

Martin is the editor of BlackAmericaWeb.com and news editor of "Savoy" magazine. Special guest is Vic Carter, public relations manager for the National Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., and news anchor for CBS affiliate WJZ-TV in Baltimore, Md. After the brunch, an MLK vigil will be held at the College Gate, followed by a community service event.

Monday, Jan. 28
"Invest in Yourself"
Speaker will be Corey Taylor
Time and location: 6 p.m., Lindley Cultural Center
Sponsored by: Lindley Series

Corey Taylor is an advisor assistant and paraplanner with American Express and has worked locally for the company for almost two years now. He will lecture and answer questions about financial investing.

Monday, Feb. 4
Black Inventions Exhibit
"We Represent Dreams Fulfilled"
Time and location: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Baker University Center Ballroom
Sponsored by: Black Student Cultural Programming Board

The Black Inventions Exhibit is a touring tribute of inventions and innovations by African-Americans, whose genius shone through the roadblocks of adversity and racial barriers. This amazing multimedia presentation has more than 100 authentic inventions, patent designs, rare photos, biographies and vintage documentaries.

Friday, Feb. 8
Gospel Extravaganza
Time and location: 7 p.m., Baker University Center Ballroom
Sponsored by: Gospel Voices of Faith

Saturday, Feb. 9
Community Service Event
Time and location: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., ReUse Industries in Athens, Ohio
Sponsored by: Black Student Cultural Programming Board

Tuesday, Feb. 26
"1001 Black Inventions"
Performed by Washington D.C.'s Pin Points Theatre
Time and location: 7 p.m., Baker University Center
Sponsored by: Black Student Cultural Programming Board

"1001 Black Inventions," now in its 16th touring season, is a play that takes a look at the amazing lives of men and women whose genius impacts all of us everyday.

Thursday, Feb. 28
"Women in History"
Living Vignettes of Women from the Past
Time and location: 7 p.m., 194 Irvine Hall
Sponsored by: Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority

"Women in History" was founded in 1991 by Sophia Mastrandreas-Dadas and a group of women in Lakewood, Ohio. It is dedicated to the education of all people through the dramatic re-creation of the lives of notable women in U.S. history. Character research is extensive, authentic vintage clothing is used as well as hairdos being replicated.

For more information about Kwanzaa events, contact the Office of Multicultural Programs at (740) 593-4027.