FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2004
CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119

DRAKE UNIVERSITY TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

In celebration of Black History Month, Drake University has organized many special events highlighting the history, culture and accomplishments of African-Americans. The events are free and open to the public.

Among the highlights of Black History Month will be appearances by three renowned guests: Sonia Sanchez, Mums and Victor Lewis.

Sanchez, a writer, poet, playwright and activist, has been an influential force in African American literary and political culture for more than three decades. She will read from her poetry and prose at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, in Levitt Hall in Old Main, 25th Street and University Avenue.

Mums, a spoken word artist who also has appeared on HBO’s “Oz” series, will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, in Cool Beans, Hubbell Dining Hall, 1315 30th St. Mums’ appearance is sponsored by the Student Activities Board in association with Hip Hop Heaven.

Lewis, an internationally recognized leader in the field of anti-oppression diversity work and alliance building, will speak about his work at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, in Bulldog Theater in Olmsted Center. He is best known for his leadership role in the award-winning race relations documentary “The Color of Fear.”

Black History Month will include several forums to discuss sex, love, marriage and divorce. “Sometimes Rhythm, Sometimes Blues,” will be the topic of a men’s forum at 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at the Black Cultural Center, 1149 28th St. A women’s forum, “Sistah 2 Sistah,” will be held at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the ballroom of Morehouse Residence Hall, 1202 28th St. A “Fishbowl” discussion with attendees of both forums will be held at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the Black Cultural Center. A final “Fishbowl” discussion will present an open forum to focus on relevant issues at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Cool Beans in Hubbell Dining Hall.

A Black Movie Marathon will take place from 3 p.m. to midnight Sunday, Feb. 8, in Bulldog Theater in Olmsted Center. “SchoolDaze,” will be screened at 3 p.m., “Bamboozled” at 5:15 p.m., “The Wiz” at 7:30 p.m. and “4 Little Girls.” At 9:45 p.m.

Rosenna Bakari, author of “Self Love: Developing and Maintaining Self-Esteem for the Black Woman,” will discuss spirituality at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, in room 312 of Olmsted Center.

Bulldog Theater also will be the site of the showing of the “The Color Fear” documentary at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, and of a performance of “The Color Museum” by the Coalition of Black Students at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27.

A bowling party will take place on Feb. 28. Details will be announced later.

Black History Month at Drake will conclude with a soul food feast at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 29, at the Black Cultural Center. A $2 donation is requested.

For more information, contact the Student Life Office at (515) 271-3711.