Ohio State hosts 33rd annual African American Heritage Festival April 23-May 1

The African American Heritage Festival has been a staple on OSU’s campus for more than three decades. The festival’s mission is to educate, impact and promote cultural awareness at The Ohio State University and in the Greater Columbus community while commemorating the legacy of the African American experience. A weeklong celebration of African American culture, the festival displays a theme for the entire week, with the first word being in Swahili. The theme for this year’s festival is “Lengo: Vision: Realize. Manifest. Transcend.” In addition to the week of events, the African American Heritage Festival is also involved in giving back to the community and will be involved in various community service projects throughout the week.

For complete event information, visit www.heritagefestival.osu.edu. The complete schedule of activities follows:

Saturday, April 23, 2011
Campus Community Service Event - Scarlet, Gray and Pink: A Walk for Stefanie Spielman
Ohio Union, 9 a.m. – noon
“Recess: Capture the Moment” – Kick off Celebration
South Oval (Rain Location: Recreation Physical Activity Center, RPAC), 2 - 6 p.m.
“Embracing Our Community” - Vendor Fair
South Oval (Rain Location: Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center), 2 – 6 p.m.
“Bears for Charity” – Community Service
Ohio Union, Maudine Cow Room and Creative Arts Room, 3 – 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 24, 2011
“From Blackface to Madea: An Interpretive History of Blacks in American Film” – Sunday Themed Event
Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 5 – 7 p.m.

Monday, April 25, 2011
“It’s All Good in the NeighborHOOD… Or is it? Defining Our Vision, Refining Our Focus” – Town Hall Forum
Great Hall Meeting Room 3, Ohio Union, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011
“The Power of Our Words Come Alive” – Poetry Slam,
Performance Hall, Ohio Union, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011
“The Art of illustrating what is Invisible to others” – Soul Time Talent Showcase,
Performance Hall, Ohio Union, 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 28, 2011
“Muse Film Festival: Inspiring Through the Lens” – Thursday Themed Event
Gateway Film Center, 1550 North High Street, 7 p.m.

Friday, April 29, 2011
"One Mission, One Vision, One Village” – OSU Reads
Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 9 a.m.
“24th Annual NPHC Step Show”
Archie Griffin Grand Ballroom, Ohio Union, 6:45 p.m.

Saturday, April 30, 2011
“Giving Back Now to Manifest Our Future” – Community Service
Various Locations
“Making Changes Today to See a Healthier Tomorrow” - Health Fair
RPAC (Recreation and Physical Activity Center), noon- 4 p.m.
“What Dreams May Come” – Mahogany Moments Dinner & Dance
Fawcett Center, 2400 Olentangy River Road, 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 1, 2011
“Rebuild. Restore. Renew” – Gospel Fest
Archie Griffin West Ballroom, Ohio Union, 5:30 – 8 p.m.

The 33rd Annual African American Heritage Festival is sponsored by the Multicultural Center, Office of Student Life, Student Activity Fee, Radio One, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, OSU Alumni Association, Black Student Association, and the Council of Graduate Students.

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If you would like more information about this event or to schedule an interview with TJ Stewart or Habiba Kamagate, Overall Advisors, please contact Kellie Uhrig at 614-292-5944 or uhrig.3@osu.edu