African American Heritage Festival is May 11-16

FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE AFRICAN AMERICAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO ART

COLUMBUS -- Political activist and rap artist Chuck D will 
speak Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. in Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. 
High St., as part of The Ohio State University's African American 
Heritage Festival May 11-16.

Building on the theme "African Americans Celebrating and 
Creating Legacies in Art," the festival is a week-long 
celebration of African American contributions in art.  

"We wanted to showcase a different art form for each day of 
the festival to symbolize the various art forms that have been 
influenced by African Americans," said Cynthia McDonald-Devese, 
coordinator of African American Student Services.  "By 
representing these art forms, we hope to show how important a 
role African Americans played in the arts and also pay tribute to 
the artists, poets, writers and performers."

A greek organization step show will follow the lecture by 
Chuck D, who is the lead vocalist for the group Public Enemy.  
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, and can be 
purchased at the Mershon ticket office or the Ohio Union 
newsstand, 1739 N. High St.

Other activities include:

--  A fashion show by Sigma Gamma Rho sorority Monday (5/11) 
at 7 p.m. in the Ohio Union ballrooms.  Admission is $5.

-- A poetry slam Wednesday (5/13) at 6 p.m. at the Frank W. 
Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave.  Admission is 
free.

-- A gospel festival Thursday (5/14) featuring several local 
choirs and soloists at 7 p.m. in the Ohio Union ballrooms.  
Admission is free. 

-- A crafts bazaar with a variety of Afrocentric art, T-
shirts, clothing and jewelry Friday (5/15) from noon to 6 p.m. at 
the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center.

-- The Heritage Festival Saturday (5/16) from noon to 7 p.m. 
on the west lawn of the Ohio Union.  It will feature gospel 
music, poetry, jazz and a fashion show.  Admission is free.

-- A comedy show featuring comedians A. J. Johnson and 
Chocolate Saturday (5/16) at 7 p.m. in St. John Arena, 410 Woody 
Hayes Drive.  Admission is $8 for students and $10 for all 
others.  Tickets can be purchased at the St. John Arena box 
office.

                            #

Contact: Cynthia McDonald-Devese, coordinator, African American 
Student Services, (614) 292-6584