COLUMBUS -- African-American college students from across the Midwest will gather on The Ohio State University Columbus campus for Heritage Festival 2000, May 9 through 14.

"The Heritage Fest is without a doubt the most important networking event for Black college students in and around Ohio. More than 12,000 students come for Friday night and Saturday's events," said Monique Johnson, an undergraduate member of the Heritage Festival Consortium and a junior public relations major. "It's a great opportunity to meet and talk with people who share your same interests and goals."

The week's events also give African-American students at Ohio State the opportunity to reach out to the university and Columbus community, said Janice Hoffman, director of Ethnic Student Services at Ohio State.

"We are proud of our students, and we want the community to look at them as the future leaders and role models that they are," Hoffman said. "Students from area high schools come to some of our events. They see in our students what they can achieve and who they can become if they put their minds to it."

Events kick off with the Sigma Gamma Rho Fashion Show on Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in the Ohio Union East Ballroom, 1739 N. High St. Students will model some of today's hottest styles, in everything from suits to casual wear at this fashion extravaganza. Tickets are $7 presale and $8 at the door. Special VIP tickets are available for $20.

Other events include:

MAY 10 -- Poetry Slam -- 7 p.m., Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave. Columbus writers and actors will perform prose, dramatizations and original material. The event also will feature a live band. Refreshments will be available. The event is FREE.

MAY 11 -- 1st Annual Local Black Artist Gala and Reception -- 7 p.m., Hale Center. The art show will showcase the works of up-and-coming local artists, including the works of newcomer Abdul Rashid. The pieces will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The event is free, and refreshments will be served. Casual or semi-formal attire is preferred.

MAY 12 -- Step Show -- 7 p.m., Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St. Step teams from fraternities and sororities at Ohio State and other universities from across Ohio and the United States will compete. Tickets are $10.

MAY 13 -- The Fest -- 3 to 10 p.m., the Oval. There is something for everyone at this family-oriented event which features music, vendors, food, contests, performances and talent shows. BET's HIT's will host some of the segments during the Oval fest.

May 14 -- Mother's Day Picnic -- noon on the South East Oval.

For more information, check out the Heritage Festival Web site at http://www.osuheritagefestival.com/

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