OHIO STATE TO CELEBRATE HERITAGE AND LEGACY OF BLACK HISTORY

	COLUMBUS -- The effect of affirmative action on higher education 
is among the issues that will be examined as The Ohio State 
University celebrates black heritage with the annual United Black 
World Month, Feb. 1 - 28.  

	Events will include a panel discussion about affirmative action 
hosted by state Sen. Jeffrey Johnson, D-Cleveland, at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 
26 in the Ohio Union Conference Theater, 1739 N. High St.

	Now in its 28th year, the United Black World Month celebration 
will kick off with a presentation by Dennis Kimbro, professor of 
business at Clark Atlanta University and author of Think and Grow 
Rich - A Black Choice, at 4 p.m. Sunday (2/1) in the Ohio Union 
Conference Theater.  Focusing on the theme "African Americans: 
Celebrating and Creating Legacies," the kickoff will feature music, 
dancing and a special recognition for Ohio State staff members who 
have contributed to the needs of minority students on campus.

	"We want to take time to educate everyone about African 
Americans -- who we are, and what our history holds -- to introduce 
the heritage and legacy of black America," said Cynthia DeVese, 
program coordinator for Ethnic Student Services.  "Many people 
haven't had the opportunity to interact with African Americans.  Many 
times, the only experience they have has been what they have seen on 
TV.  We want to eradicate this, by offering various programs open to 
all who want to learn and know what we are all about."

Other activities include:

	-- "Children's Cultural Hour," designed to teach children about 
African-American history and to promote pride and respect for 
African-American culture.  Programs will be presented by African- 
American students on Feb. 3, 10 and 24 at 9:30 a.m. in the Frank W. 
Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave.

	-- Soul food luncheons in the Ohio Union Terrace Dining Room, 
Feb. 5, 6, 13, 20 and 27.  A variety of African-American cuisine will 
be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The cost of the buffet-style 
lunch and drink is $6.50.

	-- "Cookies and Conversations on Black Culture: Hair-raising 
Tales of Life in the Perm-lane," a discussion on the politics of 
beauty, femininity and social acceptance of black hair, Feb. 16 at 5 
p.m. in the Ohio Union Stecker Lounge, third floor.

	-- "Strength through Diversity: Increasing African-American 
Representation in the Environmental Field," a workshop led by Alice 
Cowans, an urban conservation advocate, at 6 p.m Feb. 18 in the Hale 
Center.

	-- "Preparing for Graduate and Professional School," a workshop 
demonstrating tips and tactics to improve standardized test-taking 
skills for the GRE, LSAT, MCAT and GMAT, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. in the 
Hale Center.

	-- "Soul Food," dinner and a movie, a presentation of producer 
Kenny "Babyface" Edmund's film about a family reconnecting after the 
death of its matriarch, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Ohio Union 
Conference Theater.  Admission is $2.  Participants may dine on a 
traditional soul food dinner before the film in the Ohio Union Main 
Lounge from 5 p.m. until the movie begins.  The cost is $5.   

	All activities are free and open to the public unless otherwise 
noted.  For a complete calendar of events, call African American 
Student Services, (614) 292-6584.

#

Contact: 	Cynthia DeVese, African American Student Services, 
		 (614) 292-6584.