WKU News & Events

January 31, 2002

Black History Month Activities
Scheduled At WKU

Bowling Green, Ky. - A lecture by rapper, author and actor Ice T is among the highlights of Black History Month activities at Western Kentucky University.

Ice T, who plays Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola on NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," will speak at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at Downing University Center theater.

Ice T, a Grammy Award-winning artist and author of "The Ice Opinion," has lectured at prisons, high schools and colleges. His film credits include "New Jack City," "Ricochet," "Johnny Mnemonic," "Tank Girl," "Trespass" and "3000 Miles to Graceland."

"A Celebration of African-American Culture" is the theme for Western's monthlong activities that begin Monday night.

"Each year during the month of February, we focus on and celebrate various aspects of African American history to broaden our knowledge and deepen our appreciation of the countless contributions African Americans have made to the life of our nation," said Dr. Monica Burke, assistant director of Minority Student Support Services. "In honoring their many contributions, the Office of Minority Student Support Services coordinates a calendar of events for the month of February sponsored by various units at Western Kentucky University and the Bowling Green community. The programs are intended to be educational and to foster an appreciation for the diversity of our American heritage."

Here's the schedule of Black History Month activities:

Monday, Feb. 4: Soul Food Dinner, 7 p.m. Downing University Center, room 310.
Tuesday, Feb. 5: Black inventions exhibit, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Downing University Center.
Thursday, Feb. 7: Shake Rag: Historic Black Community of Bowling Green, presentation by Maxine Ray and Dr. John Long, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble on Campbell Lane.
Thursday, Feb. 7: Documentary about the life of Frederick Douglass, 7 p.m., Garrett Conference Center auditorium.
Friday, Feb. 8: Ice-T lecture, 7 p.m., Downing University Center Theater.
Monday, Feb. 11: Taylor II Dance Company performance, 8 p.m., Van Meter Auditorium.
Monday, Feb. 11: Forum on the tradition of black Greek organizations, 7:30 p.m., Downing University Center, room 305.
Tuesday, Feb. 12: Mardi Gras celebration, 8 p.m., Downing University Center, fourth floor.
Saturday, Feb. 16: Crimson and Cream Ball, 10 p.m., Ellis Place. Tickets $12 for singles, $22 for couples in advance; $15 for singles, $25 for couples at the door.
Thursday, Feb. 21: The Cotton Club, 8 p.m., Downing University Center.
Thursday, Feb. 21: "God of a Second Chance" dramatization, 8 p.m., Downing University Center Theater.
Saturday, Feb. 23: History of Gospel Music, 6 p.m., Van Meter Auditorium.
Sunday, Feb. 24: "York," dramatization by actor Hasan Davis of the slave who accompanied Lewis and Clark, 2 p.m., Kentucky Building.
Tuesday, Feb. 26: Lecture by author Crystal Wilkinson, 4 p.m., Cherry Hall, room 125.
Thursday, Feb. 28: A Salute to Black History concert, 7:30 p.m., First Baptist Church. General admission $15; students $5.

The Black History Month calendar is coordinated by WKU's Minority Student Support Services. The month's activities are sponsored by several campus and community organizations.

For more information, contact Monica Burke, assistant director of Minority Student Support Services, at (270) 745-5066.