January 26, 2004

Lectures, Music, Film To Mark
Black History Month

A lecture by internationally-known author Maya Angelou and a panel discussion marking the 50th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning racial segregation in public schools highlight a series of February events celebrating Black History Month at UConn.

The events, sponsored by various organizations at the University, are designed to reflect a broad range of interests that center upon African Americans and their history. The events are free unless indicated.

Lecture by Sherene Mason
UConn MD/MBA student Sherene Mason will discuss strategies for success at UConn. 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, African American Cultural Center (AACC) Community Room. Sponsored by the AACC.

Voices of Freedom Gospel Choir Reunion Concert: A Celebration of Music and Song 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, AACC Community Room. Sponsored by the AACC.

Third Annual Gospel Cabaret
This concert features the UConn Voices of Freedom Gospel Choir Reunion, The Praises of Zion Choir from Bloomfield's First Cathedral, The Hartford Church of Christ, and the UConn Capoiera Club. Soprano Julie Rock-Brown will make a special appearance. 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. Sponsored by the AACC and the Institute of African American Studies.

American Red Cross Blood and Bone Marrow Drive
Walk-ins accepted. RSVP to UConnBloodDrive@hotmail.com or call 800.GIVELIFE. 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 9 through Friday, Feb. 13, AACC Community Room. Entertainment provided by Ruby Fruit and the UConn Con Men. Sponsored by UConn's American Red Cross Club.

Maya Angelou
A talk by internationally-known poet, historian, author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer, and director Maya Angelou, the Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $25, $21, $17, and $14. For tickets, call the Box Office: 860.486.4226. Sponsored by the Student Union Board of Governors, the AACC, the Institute for African American Studies, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Tyler Perry
Performance by playwright, director, producer, and actor Tyler Perry, who went, within six years, from being "out on the streets" to "selling out" theaters wherever he goes. 7-11 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, AACC Lounge. Sponsored by the AACC.

The Mahogany Affair
Annual semi-formal event presented by the Black Students Association. This year's theme is "Mahogany: Walked out of Heaven." 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, South Ballroom, Rome Commons. Sponsored by the Black Students Association. Tickets are $20. For tickets, call 860.486.3433

Reflections on Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas
Panel discussion celebrating the 50-year anniversary of and reflecting upon Brown vs. Board of Education, the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision overruling the constitutionality of the "separate but equal" doctrine that had been the legal basis for racial segregation of the nation's public schools. Panel members include Jeffrey Ogbar, director of the Institute for African American Studies; Ronald Taylor, vice provost for multicultural and international affairs; and Richard Schwab, dean of the Neag School of Education. 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 16, Thomas J. Dodd Research Center. Sponsored by the AACC.

Rockapella Concert
Performance of soul, rock, R&B, and jazz by Rockapella. 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $37, $32, $27, and $22. For tickets, call the Box Office: 860.486.4226.

Degrees of Blackness
A Question of Color, 1993 film exploring color consciousness and internalized racism in the African American community. Discussion to follow. 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24, AACC Community Room. Sponsored by the AACC.

Black History Month Family Dinner
"Lyrical Love" with Kraal Kayo Charles, award-winning poet. Dinner provided. 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 26, AACC Community Room. Sponsored by the AACC.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Performance of song and dance by South African ensemble. 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb 26, the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. Sponsored by the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts and the AACC.Tickets are $25, $21, $17, and $14. For tickets, call the Box Office: 860.486.4226.

For further information, please contact Willena Price, director of the AACC, at 860.486.3433.