SEMO MAKES PLANS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Southeast Missouri State University will celebrate Black History Month in February.

One of the featured events will be the annual Michael Davis Lecture, slated for 7 p.m. on Feb. 14 in the University Center Ballroom.

Chuck Stone, founding president of the National Association of Black Journalists and a two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, will present the lecture.

The event honors the late Michael Davis, a Southeast student who died as a result of a hazing incident.

Black History Month events will get under way Monday with a Minority Student Programs Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Center Room 310.

The office of minority student programs is celebrating two years of service to students and the campus community.

Also on Monday, a book sale will be held from noon to 3 p.m. in the University Center lobby.

Books by and about blacks will be sold. In addition, book bags may be purchased, with some of the proceeds going to the Michael Davis Scholarship Fund.

Throughout the month, Cape Girardeau elementary school students may participate in the annual Read-A-Thon, which encourages cultural diversity through literature. The Read-A-Thon begins Thursday and runs through Feb. 25.

An African-American Read-In Chain is planned for 3 p.m. on Feb. 8 in the University Center Program Lounge.

Students, faculty and community members are invited to read poetry or prose written by their favorite black authors. The event is part of a national event sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English.

Members of the university community can test their knowledge of black history and culture during a Knowledge Bowl on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. in the University Center lobby.

Teams of three or individuals may register to participate.

On. Feb. 17, Southeast will hold a Common Hour program on the impact of affirmative action on college admissions.

Trent Ball, director of Minority Student Programs, will lead the discussion. The event is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. in the University Center Program Lounge.

A Minority Career Exploration Dinner for minority students will be held at 5 p.m. in the Robert A. Dempster Hall atrium. A keynote speaker and a panel of professionals will discuss career paths, motivation and other issues. Those interested in attending should call career services at (573) 651-2583.

An awards ceremony is planned for 7 p.m. Feb. 24 with the Mwanamugimu Essay Contest. Students researching various aspects of black culture and countries will be honored for their work.

Culture Night is planned for 8 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the University Center Club. Students will have an opportunity to display their artistic talents.

Poetry readings, dramatizations and other artistic expressions will be featured. Participants may register the day of the program.

Black History Month will close on Feb. 26-27 with Black Movie Weekend, which will feature all genres of black movies from the past three decades.

Movies made by and for blacks will be shown from 6:30-11 p.m. in the Johnson Faculty Centre.