Mother of shooting victim is featured speaker for United Black World Month kickoff

In her first university-sponsored appearance, Kadiatou Diallo, mother of shooting victim Amadou Diallo, will talk about racial profiling and police brutality as part of the Kickoff Celebration for United Black World Month at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, in the Ohio Union Ballroom. In February 1999, four New York City police officers fired 41 gunshots at Amadou Diallo, hitting him 19 times, while he was standing in the vestibule of his Bronx apartment complex. The police officers, who were acquitted of the charges, claimed they mistook Diallo for a rape suspect. In this event, sponsored by Ohio State’s Office of African American Student Services, Kadiatou Diallo will discuss her frustration with the American justice system.

The kickoff will also feature a musical performance by Ohio State’s African American Voices, commemorating African American heritage. The event is free and open to the public, although seating is limited.

WHAT:Lecture given by Kadiatou Diallo, mother of Amadou Diallo, and other cultural performances to honor African American heritage

WHEN:7 p.m., Thursday, February 1

WHERE:The Ohio Union Ballroom, 1739 N. High St.

WHY:To celebrate OSU’s United Black World Month, sponsored by The Office of African American Student Services