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United Black World Month features nationally known speakers, music, food, discussion

"Where do we go from here? Taking control of our destiny" is the theme for Ohio State's United Black World Month, which will be observed throughout February.

Terina J. Matthews, interim coordinator of African-American Student Services, said that many of the activities planned for United Black World Month will focus on this year's theme of evaluating the present while looking to the future.

"In our committee meetings, many students talked about people becoming apathetic about all of the strides the African-American community has made in the last decades. We need to continue to move forward," Matthews said.

Several national speakers are scheduled to appear, including this year's kick-off event speaker Kadiatou Diallo, mother of New York City shooting victim Amadou Diallo, on Feb. 1. Naval diver Carl Brashear, whose life inspired the recent movie Men of Honor, will speak on Feb. 8; Denene Millner and Nick Chiles, experts on love, marriage and the battle of the sexes, will lead a discussion on Feb. 26; and Randall Robinson, best-selling author and president of the Washington-based TransAfrica Forum, will present a lecture on Feb. 28.

Other events include a sexual responsibility week, movie screenings, community-service projects, discussion groups and social gatherings. For more information, contact Matthews at 688-4988.

Events

Feb. 1, KICKOFF: Speaker, Kadiatou Diallo, 7 p.m., Ohio Union Ballrooms. Diallo, mother of shooting victim Amadou Diallo, will be the United Black World Month kick-off speaker. The event also will include a performance by Ohio State's African American Voices. Sponsored by African American Student Services and the Residence Halls Advisory Council.
	Kadiatou Diallo

Feb. 8, Carl Brashear, 7 p.m., Ohio Union Main Lounge. The life of decorated Naval diver Carl Brashear inspired Bill Cosby to make the film Men of Honor. Brashear will discuss life as an African American in a military setting during desegregation and, as a member of the Naval elite, having his life archived in the Naval Museum. Sponsored by A Place for Community Dialogue, Student Activities and Campus Programs, and African American Student Services.

Feb. 19, Urban Militants: The Legacy of Malcolm X, Eldridge Cleaver, Stokley Carmichael, etc., 8:30 a.m., Frank Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center. J. Herman Blake, director of African American Studies, Iowa State University. Sponsored by the President and Provost's Diversity Lecture Series.

Feb. 19, HIV AIDS in African Americans: The Greatest Challenge Since Slavery, 1 p.m., Hale Cultural Center. Emily L. Moore, professor of educational leadership and policy studies, Iowa State University. Sponsored by the President and Provost's Diversity Lecture Series.

Feb. 21, The State of Black and White America -- Implications for the New Millennium, 8:30 a.m., Faculty Club Lounge. Andrew Hacker, professor of political science, Queen College City University. Sponsored by the President and Provost's Diversity Lecture Series.

Feb. 26, Real Answers to the Recruitment of Minorities in Science and Engineering, 9 a.m., Room 4 Fawcett Center. John B. Slaughter, president/CEO of National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, New York City. Sponsored by the President and Provost's Diversity Lecture Series.

Feb. 26, Programs for Diversity that Work and Why, 1 p.m., Room 4 Fawcett Center. John White, chancellor of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Sponsored by the President and Provost's Diversity Lecture Series.

Feb. 26, What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know, 7:30 p.m., 131 Hitchcock Hall. Husband and wife Denene Millner and Nick Chiles discuss love and relationships in a provocative and humorous way in the "black" version of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. Come prepared to participate in open and candid dialogue. Sponsored by African American Student Services, Women's Student Services and OMA Retention Services.

Feb. 28, Randall Robinson, time TBA, Ohio Union West Ballroom. Robinson, author of the national best seller The Debt -- What America Owes to Blacks, is a Harvard-trained lawyer who is the president of the Washington-based TransAfrica Forum, established to educate the American public about Africa, the Caribbean and policies toward the African Diaspora. Sponsored by the Office of Minority Affairs (OMA), Hale Cultural Center and OMA Retention Services Mentoring Program.

Arts

Feb. 1-28, The 30th Anniversary Celebration of African American And African Studies Photo Exhibition, Bricker Hall 2nd floor lobby. Photographs from University Archives and photographer Kojo Kamau feature historical events. Sponsored by the African American and African Studies Department.

Feb. 1-March 16, Richard Duarte Brown and the Everett Middle School Art Exhibition, Hale Cultural Center. Sponsored by the Hale Cultural Center, OMA and Everett Middle School.

Feb. 1, 70s Late Night at the Ohio Union, 9 p.m.-midnight. Students are invited to an evening of interactive activities, including: a psychic fair; game night; tie-dying; dancing; bingo; and karaoke in Woody's. Sponsored by Student Activities and Campus Programs, Wellness Center, African American Student Services and Ohio Union Activities Board.

Feb. 6, Movie Night: School Daze, 8 p.m., Hale Cultural Center. After the movie, discuss with members of Pan-Hellenic Council whether or not the film accurately depicts black Greek organizations at OSU. Sponsored by African American Student Services.

Feb. 7, Playing Jazz in Yellow & Black, 8 p.m., Mershon Auditorium. World-renowned musicians Jon Jang (pianist) and David Murray (saxophonist) will perform a jazz concert as a way of exploring the possibilities of intercultural collaborations. Sponsored by Office of Academic Affairs, Division of Student Affairs, OMA, Institute for Collaborative Research and Public Humanities, Division of Comparative Studies and Wexner Center for the Arts.

Feb. 13, Movie Night: American History X, 7 p.m., Halloran House lobby. Discussion to follow movie. Sponsored by Coca-Cola and HBH Hall Council.

Feb. 14, Valentine's Day Movie Night, 8 p.m., MLK Lounge, Hale Cultural Center. Sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

Feb. 21, SHADES: Film and Discussion Series, 7 p.m., location TBA. Screening of the film Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice, about the life and times of an African-American heroine. Sponsored by Student Gender and Sexuality Services and the Hale Cultural Center.

Feb. 21, Movie Night: American History X, 8 p.m., Houck House lobby. Discussion to follow movie. Sponsored by Houck House.

Feb. 22, Second Annual Party Step Invitational/Black Greek Mixer, 7-9 p.m., Hitchcock Hall. This event focuses on the tradition of black Greek party steps and its origins in African dance and performance practice. Greek Mixer to follow at the Hale Cultural Center. Sponsored by the Hale Cultural Center.

Feb. 27, Movie Night: How to be a Player, 7 p.m., Hale Cultural Center. Sponsored by African American Student Services.

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Community

Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25, Soul Church, 4 p.m., Hale Cultural Center. Columbus-area ministers will take part in the services. Sponsored by African American Student Services and Hale Cultural Center.

Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27, Children's Cultural Hour, 9:30-11 a.m., Hale Cultural Center. Fourth- and fifth- grade students from Columbus Public Schools will participate in various activities to assist them in learning about famous African Americans. Sponsored by African American Student Services.

Feb. 10, Community Service Event -- Open Shelter, 9 a.m.-noon. Participants will paint, stock food and perform various other duties. Call 688-4988 to register. Sponsored by African American Student Services.

Feb. 18, Community Service Event -- Ronald McDonald House, noon-3 p.m. Participants will assist with cleaning. Call 688-4988 to register. Sponsored by African American Student Services.

Feb. 28, Ash Wednesday Service -- Prayer Service with Ashes, 5:30 p.m., Hale Cultural Center. Sponsored by St. Thomas Moore Catholic Newman Center, 291-4674.

Dining

Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23, Soul Food Luncheon, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Hale Cultural Center.

Feb. 7, A Taste of India, location/time TBA. A dinner/discussion about Indian culture and the differences between the American culture and other cultures. Sponsored by Residence Hall Advisory Council and HBH Hall Council.

Discussions

Feb. 1, Asian American Brown Bag: "Can Tiger Change His Stripes?" 12:30 p.m., 134 Hale Cultural Center. Georgina Dodge, assistant professor of English and African American and African Studies, will discuss her identity in relation to her work, as well as her experiences as a multiracial person living in Southern California, particularly during the 1992 LA riots. Sponsored by Asian American Student Services.

Feb. 5 and 20, Sister Series, 7 p.m., Hale Cultural Center. This discussion group for African-American women covers a variety of topics that concern the African-American community, locally and abroad. Sponsored by Women's Student Services, OMA, Hale Cultural Series and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Feb. 7, Images of Ourselves: An African American Reflection Series, 7 p.m., Hale Cultural Center. The evening will focus on how African Americans are portrayed and to what extent African Americans are responsible for the images that others see. Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. -- Theta Chapter.

Feb. 8, 15 and 22, Cookies & Conversation, 8 p.m., Hale Cultural Center. Sponsored by African American Student Services.

Feb. 19, A Case for Reasonable Doubt, 6 p.m., location TBA. A film and discussion about Mumia Abu-Jamal, former Black Panther and political prisoner.

Feb. 26, Black Community Politics, 7-9 p.m., MLK Lounge, Hale Cultural Center. Open forum and dialogue between civic and business leaders, politicians, and campus faculty, staff and students on current issues relevant to public policy and politics in the city, state and nation. Sponsored by Hale Cultural Center.

Responsibility Week

Feb. 11, Black Sexual Responsibility Week Kick-Off/Battle of the Sexes (Tri-Black Student Associations), 5-7 p.m., Hale Cultural Center. This weeklong program will explore the importance of sexual awareness among young black adults. Co-sponsored with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and Hale Cultural Center.

Feb. 12, Lifestyles Condom Program, noon to 3 p.m., Ohio Union West Ballroom. Sponsored by African American Student Services and Lifestyles Condoms.

Feb. 12, Abstinence Panel Discussion and Valentines Creation, 5-7 p.m., 149 Hale Cultural Center. Sponsored by Hale Cultural Center.

Feb. 13, Black Passion and Poetry, 7-9 p.m., MLK Lounge, Hale Cultural Center. Sponsored by Hale Cultural Center.

Feb. 15, Massage and Relaxation Therapy Workshop, 7-9 p.m., MLK Lounge, Hale Cultural Center. Sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Feb. 16, Black Lily "Open Mic"/Frank's Place, 7-10 p.m., MLK Lounge, Hale Cultural Center. Sponsored by Hale Cultural Center.

Feb. 17, Black Ballroom Dance Workshop/Abstinence Week Wrap-up, 1-3 p.m., MLK Lounge, Hale Cultural Center. Sponsored by Hale Cultural Center.

Workshops

Feb. 1, 2, 9 and 10, Project Coach Diversity Workshop, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Hale Cultural Center. This four-module holistic training will focus on communication/workplace diversity. Sponsored by Hale Cultural Center.

Feb. 1, Falun Gong Workshop, 4:30 p.m., location TBA. Falun Gong (also named Falun Dafa) is a mind and body practice originating from ancient China, based on the principles of "truthfulness, compassion and forbearance."

Campus hosts Any Day Now actresses for discussion of race issues

When actresses Annie Potts and Lorraine Toussaint take the stage of Weigel Auditorium on Feb. 23, they'll be assuming roles slightly different from those they act out each week for the Lifetime Television Network's award-winning drama Any Day Now.

The actresses will help to lead a discussion about diversity with more than 700 individuals, including Ohio State students, faculty and staff and Columbus community members. The fictional scenarios created by Any Day Now, in which Potts and Toussaint portray Southerners whose biracial friendship began in the 1960s, will be used to jump-start conversations about the real-life challenges experienced by their audience.

Joining Potts and Toussaint on stage will be Nancy Miller, Any Day Now's creator and executive producer; Gary Randall, executive producer; Sheldon Pinchuk, a former executive producer; and Lois Johnson, a staff writer, as well as President William E. Kirwan.

Can We Talk? Confronting our Differences Together is the first campus/community summit of its type at Ohio State. The event, which will be held from 3-5 p.m., is sponsored by Mercedes Benz, USA, with support from Lifetime Television Network, and is coordinated by the College of the Arts, the Fisher College of Business and the College of Humanities.

"The arts can be a useful tool for initiating dialogue on race and other differences that separate people," said Judith Smith Koroscik, dean of the College of the Arts. "The arts provide a vantage point, or a lens, to see more clearly your own biases. It is an advantage to our students that they learn to see beyond their personal biases."

Those attending the summit will be greeted by a series of video clips from the show, focusing on issues of race, and a musical montage, prepared by Ted McDaniel, professor of music and African American and African studies. Video clips from the show will be used periodically throughout the summit to encourage discussion.

Discussion will be broken into three parts: "Can We Talk as a Society?" a discussion with the Any Day Now visitors, moderated by Kirwan; "Can We Talk as an OSU Community?" a discussion with 30 University, community and student leaders who will be seated near the stage, moderated by journalist and author Farai Chideya; and "Now It's Your Turn -- How Can We Talk?" which will involve audience participation.

Several additional activities are planned. The actresses and writers will meet with students in their respective fields during sessions held in the morning, and business, design and engineering students will have the opportunity to meet with Mercedes Benz representatives on Feb. 22. Also, students in theatre and film have been discussing the summit's theme in courses all quarter.

Any Day Now is in its third season on Lifetime and has been critically acclaimed for addressing racism and other issues of difference. The show's episodes are divided between flashbacks to Birmingham, Ala., in the 1960s and the present day.

Barbara Pinchuk, an Ohio State alumna in music, conceived of the summit during a conversation with Koroscik. Pinchuk's husband, Sheldon, is a former executive producer of Any Day Now.

"Judith Koroscik and I saw a wonderful opportunity to participate in Dr. Kirwan's diversity initiative," Pinchuk said. "The arts are very powerful in helping people to develop cross-cultural understanding."

Faculty have been encouraged to distribute summit tickets to their classes. A limited number of free tickets are still available for the general public. Contact Pattie Charles at charles.33@osu.edu or Cindy Daylong at daylong.1@osu.edu.

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