Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2001

CONTACT: Elizabeth Conlisk (614) 292-3040
Lesley Deaderick (614) 292-0569

Ohio State hosts community forum on racism Feb. 23
Actors from acclaimed Lifetime Original series to discuss cultural misunderstandings

COLUMBUS -- Ohio State is collaborating with Lifetime Television and campus and community leaders to present a forum titled, "Can We Talk: Confronting Our Differences Together," from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, in Weigel Hall Auditorium on the Columbus campus.

Nationally known author, journalist and political analyst Farai Chideya will moderate the forum along with Ohio State University President William E. Kirwan. Any Day Now stars Annie Potts and Lorraine Toussaint, series creator and executive producer Nancy Miller and executive producer Gary Randall will join forum participants, including university faculty, students and community leaders, such as Mayor Michael Coleman and City Attorney Janet Jackson, to discuss cultural misconceptions and misunderstandings like racism, sexism and homophobia. The goal of the forum is to promote open dialogue on campus, in the community and in society.

Media availability has been scheduled from 12 to 1 p.m. in Bowen Theater in the Drake Union, 1849 Cannon Drive, on the Columbus campus. Series creator and executive producer Nancy Miller and executive producer Gary Randall will join Potts and Toussaint to respond to questions.

Visit the Web site, http://www.osu.edu/canwetalk/ for more information.

WHAT:A diversity forum to discuss cultural misconceptions and misunderstandings like racism, sexism and homophobia.

WHEN: 12 - 1 p.m. MEDIA AVAILABILITY
3 - 5 p.m. DIVERSITY FORUM -- Media Invited

WHERE: The Bowen Theater, Room 1060, The Drake Union, 1849 Cannon Drive

WHY: The goal of the forum is to promote open dialogue on campus, in the community and in society.

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