OSU CELEBRATES HISTORY AND ACHIEVEMENT OF AFRICAN AMERICANS

   COLUMBUS -- Following a theme of "Learning to Love Ourselves: Understanding our Connection to Africa," The Ohio State University will celebrate black heritage with United Black World Month, Jan. 31-Feb. 27.

   "We desire to open the celebration in royal fashion," said Janice Hoffman, director of ethnic student services. "I truly believe that opening the celebration in the 'spirit' will set a positive tone for the remainder of the month. The staff of African American Student Services has worked extremely hard in preparation for the opening and the rest of the programs."

   The month-long festivities kick off with a celebration of song, dance and food Sunday (1/31) at 3 p.m. at the King Avenue United Methodist Church, 299 King Ave. The Puppets of Praise and Youth Choir of New Salem Baptist Church, African American Voices of Ohio State, and Raymond Wise and the Family will perform.

   Now in its 27th year, United Black World Month was originally a weeklong celebration. It was expanded to a month four years ago in response to demand from students to incorporate more activities that address various issues and concerns, and which offer opportunities to hold events off campus and with neighborhood organizations.

   "We wanted to provide opportunities to network students from campus with churches, congregations and fellowships in the Columbus area," Hoffman said.

   The activities will begin with a presentation by Tiwana Simpson, a doctoral candidate in African American and African studies, on "The Memory of Slavery in the African American community." The dialogue addressing the effects of slavery in the black community takes place Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Ohio Union Stecker Lounge, 1739 N. High St.

   Aldopho Bermes, director of Academic Advancement and Placement and adjunct professor in the Lesar Chavez Center of Chicano Studies at the University of California at Los Angeles, will present "Access, Equity, and Social Justice" on Thursday, Feb. 11. The lecture on affirmative action, access to higher education for minority students, immigration and Latino/a issues begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Rhodes Hall Auditorium, 450 W. 10th Ave.

   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. Taught by African American student organizations Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave.

   -- "Surviving the Academy," a panel of faculty members and advanced graduate and professional students discussing strategies for students to succeed in higher education, particularly those interested in pursuing careers in academia, Feb. 13 at noon in the Hale Center.

   -- "The Relationships between Africans and African Americans: Stereotypes and Misconceptions," a lecture by Linda James Myers, professor of African American studies, dealing with the misconceptions that sometimes cause a rift between Africans and African Americans, Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Ohio Union Stecker Lounge.

   -- A conversation with Dinesh D'souza, author of The End of Racism, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ohio Union East Ballroom. D'souza will speak and challenge the audience to rethink the concept of race, racism and race relations in the American culture.

   -- A lecture by Michael Dyson, professor of African American history at Columbia University, Thursday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. in the Drinko Hall Auditorium, 55 W. 12th Ave. His commentary on American culture has landed him on "Nightline," "The Oprah Winfrey Show," The "Today" show and "Good Morning America.

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

Contact: Janice Hoffman, Ethnic Student Services, (614) 688-4981