University plans Black History Month activities

Art displays, forums, presentations among scheduled events.

Designed to commemorate the heritage of African Americans, Black History Month will be marked by Southeast Missouri State University with a variety of activities during the month of February.

Events include:

The Misrepresentations of Minorities in the Mass Media -- From 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the University Center program lounge. Students can discuss how minorities have historically been misrepresented in the media. The forum will include topics such as targeted audience techniques, stereotypical portrayals, and gender and race misrepresentations in the media. Free and open to the public. The forum is sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration and Collegiate 100, in conjunction with Perspective Association of Minority Communicators. For more information call 339-4429.

Health and Wellness Day -- From 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 5 at the University Center Missouriana Room. This program aims to heighten awareness of health issues faced by the African-American community through presentations and related activities. Sponsored by the Cultural Events Planning Committee. For more information call 986-6135.

Share My World: Come Walk in My Shoes -- From 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 10 at the University Center's Missouriana Room. This program is designed to allow faculty, staff, students and administrators to think about the experiences, perceptions and reality of living in their own skin. Sponsored by the Cultural Events Planning Committee. For more information call 986-6135.

Minority Career Exploration Dinner -- From 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Robert A. Dempster Hall's Atrium. The annual dinner proactively involves minority students in mentoring and network activities that enhance their understanding of the value of higher education in today's competitive global marketplace. By invitation only. Call 651-2583.

African American Artists -- From 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 16 at the University Center Ballroom. An exhibition of African American artists is open to the university and surrounding communities. Reception immediately following. Sponsored by the Office of Minority Student Programs. Call 986-6163 for more information.

Marcus Garvey and the United Negro Improvement Association -- From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at the University Center Riverboat Room, a presentation to help celebrate and acknowledge the legacy of Marcus Garvey and the United Negro Improvement Association. Contact 986-6135 for more information. Sponsored by the Cultural Events Planning Committee.

What Have You Done For Me Lately: From Black Women to Black Men -- From 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Johnson Faculty Center. An open forum and discussion on the state of relationships and community between African-American men and women. Sponsored by Collegiate 100. For more information call 339-4429.

Knowledge Bowl -- From 8 to 10 p.m. Feb. 19 at the University Center trivia buffs will challenge their knowledge of African-American history and culture. Prizes awarded. Sponsored by the Cultural Events Planning Committee. Contact 986-6135 for more information.

Black Movie Weekend -- From 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27 and 28 at the Johnson Faculty Centre. Decades of African-American cinema will be showcased. Sponsored by the Cultural Events Planning Committee. Contact 986-6135 for more information.

Seventh Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Read-A- Thon -- From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during February and March. Local elementary schools and Head Start programs will benefit from university student and volunteer presentations of multicultural readings and activities to children. Contact 651-2188 or 6651-2499 for more information.

Speakers and Presenters Bureau -- Southeast students will be selected from various academic disciplines to research and make presentations in area classrooms on significant events and individuals of African-American history. Call 986-6135 for more information.

Share Our History: The Influences, the Impact and the Impression of African Americans -- From 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 at Johnson Faculty Center. Students can share and discuss a variety of issues that affect the African-American community. Different themes weekly include music, movies, poetry/literature and relationships plus a discussion topic. Sponsored by the Cultural Events Planning Committee. Call 986-6135 for more information.