Speech by Common will lead Southeast Black History Month events

Southeast Missouri State University will celebrate Black History Month in February with events designed to commemorate the heritage of black Americans.

The featured event will be a presentation by hip-hop artist Common, who will speak about "Greatness." The event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Show Me Center.

General admission tickets are $10 per person and can be bought at the Show Me Center box office or online at showmecenter.biz.

Common is one of music's most poetic and respective lyricists. Over the course of nine albums, his introspective rhymes have pushed boundaries with social commentary, university officials said.

In 2007, he launched the Common Ground Foundation, an organization dedicated to the empowerment and development of America's urban youth.

Other Black History Month events include:

• The Hard Facts about Soft Skills -- a seminar on the importance of job skills such as communication and teamwork; 5:30 p.m. Feb. 3, University Center Indian Room.
• All Politics are Personal: From the Fiscal Cliff to Your Front Yard -- a guided discussion on political awareness; 5:30 p.m. Feb. 11, University Center Indian Room.
• Becoming an Expert/Excelling in Your Environment -- panel discussion on professionalism, understanding work environment and how success is defined; 12:30 p.m. Feb. 13, University Center Redhawks Room.
• What Plagues Our Youth Forum -- Students, faculty and staff will discuss challenges and issues affecting black youth; noon Feb. 17, University Center Redhawks Room.
• The Etiquette Advantage -- an interactive dining experience covering professional dress, etiquette and social skills; 5:30 p.m. Feb. 17, University Center Program Lounge.
• Sisters Are Doing It Themselves -- Kaye Monk-Morgan, a leadership consultant, will discuss black women in the workplace.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Read-a-Thon -- volunteers will visit local schools and share multicultural literature with children.