FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 28, 2000 CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119 DRAKE TO CELEBRATE AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH In celebration of African-American History Month, Drake University has organized numerous special events highlighting the history, culture and accomplishments of African Americans. The celebration will begin with Blitz Day on Tuesday, Feb. 1. Members of the Coalition of Black Students will reveal this year's theme for African-American History Month and the schedule of activities for the month. In addition, "The Eyes on the Prize" video series will be shown from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the lobby of Olmsted Center, 29th Street and University Avenue. One of the highlights of Drake's celebration will be a speech by Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, human rights activist and former professional boxer, at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, in Parents Hall at Olmsted Center. Carter, the subject of the "The Hurricane" movie, will discuss his rise in the boxing arena and his fall due to the injustices of the legal system. A question-and-answer session will follow the speech. Comedy Night, featuring Lavell Crawford of BET's "Comic View," will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, in Bulldog Theater at Olmsted Center. Tickets, available at the door, are $5. The Drake Honors Program will participate in the second annual "I'll Make Me a World in Iowa" celebration of African-American arts and culture from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Iowa Historical Building, 600 E. Locust St. The students will display their study of Iowa's Underground Railroad of the 1850s along with projects on community building. At 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, there will be "A Dialogue with Members of National PanHellenic Council" at the Drake Black Cultural Center, 3303 University Ave. Members of historically black fraternities and sororities will discuss why they have chosen to join a Greek organization. Members of the Drake community will assist in the building of a home through the Habitat for Humanity Community Service Project on Saturday, Feb. 12. Volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. in the lobby of Olmsted Center. Drake students will attend the Big XII Black Student Government Conference at Oklahoma State University Feb. 17-20. The conference will explore issues and strategies for developing successful organizations at predominately white institutions. A forum titled "Steps Towards Racial Maturity" will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, in room 101 of Meredith Hall, 28th Street and Carpenter Avenue. Audience members will pose questions to a panel of faculty, staff and students about the roles people can play in enhancing ethnic and racial maturity as well as awareness. The annual African-American History Month Honor and Recognition Banquet will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, in Parents Hall at Olmsted Center. On Saturday, Feb. 26, there will be "An Evening of Elegance" featuring the Miss Black Drake Pageant at 8 p.m. in Parents Hall at Olmsted Center. Participants will take part in a talent show and question-and-answer session, then appear in evening formal wear and an African ensemble. A formal dance will follow. For more information, call the Drake Student Life Center at (515) 271-3711.