United Black World Month to be celebrated at Ohio State

COLUMBUS – Political activist, writer and hip-hop historian Kevin Powell, comedian Chris Rock and an African American musical celebration highlight United Black World Month (UBWM) at The Ohio State University Feb. 1-29. “Celebrate – ‘Our Diversity, Our Strength’” is the theme for the 34th annual celebration. Most events are free and open to the public.

Powell will deliver the UBWM keynote address at 7 p.m. on Thursday (2/5) in the main ballroom of The Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. He is the author of five books including, “Who’s Gonna Take the Weight? Manhood, Race, and Power in America,” and contributed to the New York Times bestseller “Tupac Shakur.” Powell also was an original cast member on the MTV series “Real World.”

Belinda Higgs, coordinator for African American Student Services and UBWM, said that Powell was selected because of the unique connection he has with young African American men.

“Kevin Powell is a multi-talented artist,” Higgs said. “Through his life experiences he can identify with many of the issues and challenges affecting African American men and he can communicate solutions.”

The entire UBWM calendar follows. For more information, contact the Ohio State Multicultural Center at (614) 688-8449.

Feb. 2, 2004
• African American Quiz Bowl
6 to 8 p.m.
Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12 Ave.
Student organizations will test their knowledge of African American history in a game show setting. Prizes will be awarded.

Feb. 3, 2004
• Flag Wars
7 p.m.
The Ohio Union, Multicultural Center, Room 436, 1739 N. High St.
Participants will view excerpts from “Flag Wars,” a movie that depicts the challenges between long- time African American residents of a historic Columbus neighborhood and an emerging gay community. A group discussion will follow.

Feb. 4, 2004
• Motivational Speaker Tei Street
12:30 p.m.
Gerlach Hall, Room 365, 2108 Neil Ave.
Motivational speaker Tei Street will present “Remembering the Past and Embracing the Future!”

• Free Willie – “Identifying & Unleashing Your Innate Abilities”
6 to 8 p.m.
Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave.
Dr. Calvin Mackie, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Tulane University, will lead students through an interactive seminar involving personal introspection and evaluation.

Feb. 5, 2004
• Step in the Name of Love (Part I)
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Baker Hall, West Recreation Room, 129 W. 12th Ave.
Instructors will incorporate fitness in a fun and unique way by offering free dance lessons on the latest hand-dance moves.

• UBWM 34th Annual Celebration featuring keynote speaker Kevin Powell
7 to 9 p.m
The Ohio Union, Main Ballroom, 1739 N. High St.
Kevin Powell is a journalist, hip-hop historian, political activist and multi-media commentator. He will speak specifically on community, identity and a positive lifestyle as it relates to the African American male experience on college campuses. A reception and book signing will follow.

Feb. 6, 2004
• Step in the Name of Love (Part II)
8 p.m. to Midnight
The Blackwell, 2110 Tuttle Park Place
A semi-formal dance open to the university community and the general public. Tickets are $7 per person and available for purchase at The Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave.

• Single, Not-So-Single Late Night
8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St.
An evening of Valentine activities that include music, movies and arts and crafts.

Feb. 9, 2004
• Gender Issues & Impact on Community
6 p.m.
Taylor Tower Lobby, 50 Curl Dr.
Students will deliberate and discuss gender issues and dynamics in communities.

Feb. 11, 2004
• Health & The Black Community Blood Drive
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave.
Ohio State faculty, staff and students are encouraged to give the gift of life and participate in the community blood drive. Challenges will be issued to African American student groups and organizations.

• College Football, The Color Barrier, The NFL Past & Present
6 p.m.
The Ohio Union, Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High St.
Ohio State alum and author Dr. Charles K. Ross will discuss his recent publication “Outside the Lines: African Americans & the Integration of the National Football League.” A panel discussion featuring celebrity guests will follow.

• The Art of Kissing
8 p.m.
The Ohio Union, Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High St.
William Cane, author of “The Art of Kissing: Book of Questions and Answers,” will lead a multimedia presentation. Audience members will be enlightened and entertained by examining the history of the kiss and various techniques.

Feb. 12, 2004
• Art of Change
7:30 p.m.
The Ohio Union, Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High St.
A dance piece titled “Need” will be performed to an emotional poem written by poet Audrey Lorde in response to a number of murders against African American women in Boston in the late’70s.

• Stereotypes of a Race: What exactly does it mean to be of African Descent?
7 to 9:30 p.m.
The Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave.
An Ohio State faculty-led panel discussion will address the stereotypes that are perpetuated among people of African descent and are used as a basis of fear, contempt, and intolerance within our society.

Feb. 13, 2004
• Amateur Comedy Night
9 p.m.
The Ohio Union, Woody’s Café, 1739 N. High St.
Ohio State students are invited to showcase their comedic talents. Registration begins at 8:30 p.m.

Feb. 18, 2004
• OSU/NCBI: Celebrate Our Diversity
1 to 3 p.m.
The Ohio State University, Multicultural Center, Room 436, 1739 N. High St.
This workshop is designed to celebrate the similarities and differences in individuals and to learn more about the personal impact of discrimination.

• Soup & Substance
4 p.m.
The Ohio State University, Multicultural Center, Room 436, 1739 N. High St.
Soup and Substance is an ongoing program designed to help women build common bonds of friendship and to focus on life affecting issues, raising awareness and promoting educational materials. Log on to http://www.wss@osu.edu for more information.

Feb. 21, 2004
• Cooking Afrikan Style
Noon
The Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave.
Learn how to prepare a few traditional dishes from selected regions of Africa. Recipes will be included as part of the learning experience. Phone (614) 292-0074 for more information.

Feb. 23, 2004
• Comedian Chris Rock
8 p.m.
Value City Arena at The Jerome Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr.
A night of comedy featuring stand-up comedian Chris Rock. An alum of “Saturday Night Live,” Rock has enjoyed huge success in television and on the big screen. The show is free to Ohio State students only. Tickets are available at the second floor information desk at The Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St., beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Monday (2/2). Students are limited to two tickets and must present their BuckID. Call the Event Services Office at (614) 292-5200.

Feb. 24, 2004
• The Children’s Hour
11 a.m.
The Frank W. Hale Black Cultural Center, 153 W. 12th Ave.
Preschool and elementary school students will participate in readings, games, dancing and music commemorating Black History Month.

Feb. 25, 2004
• African American Musical Celebration
8 p.m.
Weigel Auditorium, 1866 College Rd.
Music written entirely by African and African American composers will be performed by a variety of musical artists, including the African Performing Ensemble, a jazz combo, gospel choir and vocalists. For more information, contact Patrice E. Turner at (614) 688-9514 or by e-mail at turner.277@osu.edu.

Feb. 27, 2004
• Northland High School Mentoring Program
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Northland High School, 1919 Northcliff Dr.
Ohio State students will provide tutoring to Northland High School students. Contact Shakeer Abdulla or Cheree Johnson at (614) 688-8449 or by e-mail at abdulla.11@osu.edu or