Published: Feb. 6, 2001

Editors: A complete schedule of events is attached.

The University of Colorado at Boulder will offer a variety of events in February in honor of Black Awareness Month. Event organizers hope to provide students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members with an enriching experience.

"The African Diaspora consists of very diverse people, rich in culture and heritage," said student organizer Amauri DaRocha. "The events planned for Black Awareness Month will explore that culture and heritage through poetry, music, folktales, lectures, workshops and a variety of other mediums. We hope these events will help people deepen their understanding of what black culture means to them."

Highlights include:

ß A special presentation of "Ego Trippin'," an imaginative, and unique production combining elements of poetry, music, spoken word and audience participation to explore the black aesthetic. Headlining the performance will be world-renowned literary figure Amiri Baraka, on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. in the University Memorial Center Glenn Miller Ballroom.

ß An evening with Professor Derrick Bell: A compelling voice on issues of race and class in American society, Bell will discuss the progression of law over the past 50 years on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Glenn Miller Ballroom.

ß A weekly film series will be held on Thursdays through March 1 from noon to 2 p.m. in the University Memorial Center, room 305.

ß Health and Body Politics presented by the Punany Poets: The Punany Poets dare to speak the unspeakable, shocking audiences across the world with their interpretation of American sexual values in "Health and Body Politics," a poetic play about sex and survival. Writer Jessica Holter challenges the tradition of Black History Month with a music, poetry and dance production about the truths and distortions of black sexuality. The event is strictly for a mature audience and will be held on Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. at Macky Auditorium.

ß African and African American Folktales: Lois Burrell will present African folk tales, old Negro folk tales, slave stories and poems. Crude, simple musical instruments from Africa will be incorporated into the program on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at Stearns Central, located in the Williams Village housing complex on the corner of 30th Street and Baseline Road.

ß Soul Food Fest, Feb. 28, 4:45 to 7 p.m., at Sewell Hall. For information on tickets call 303-492-3356.

Black Awareness Month calendars are available at the University Memorial Center information desk, the Black Student Alliance office and the Cultural Unity Center.

Black Awareness Month activities are coordinated by the Black Student Alliance and the Black Faculty/Staff Association. For more information contact coordinators Valerie Embry at (303) 492-3842 or Amauri DaRocha at (303) 492-3154.

CU-BOULDER BLACK AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES

FEBRUARY 2001

The Strange Demise of Jim Crow: Feb. 8 at noon, UMC 305

Ego Trippin': Feb. 8 at 7 p.m., UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom.

Black History Exhibit: Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Norlin Library Special Collections, room N345.

Sister to Sister & Brother to Brother: Feb. 12 at 6 p.m., Sisters are in UMC room 305 and Brothers are in the UMC room 217.

Black Student Alliance meeting: Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m., UMC room 305.

Health and Body Politics: Feb. 14 at 8 p.m., Macky Auditorium. Call (303) 492-6161 for ticket information.

The Road to Brown: Feb. 15 at noon, UMC room 305.

An Evening with Professor Derrick Bell: Feb. 15 at 7 p.m., Glenn Miller Ballroom.

African Dance Seminar: Feb. 17 at 11 a.m., UMC room 305.

Your History is Black History: Feb. 19 at 3 p.m., UMC room 305.

Black Voices: A Forum for Change: Feb. 20 at 6 p.m., UMC room 305.

Black Student Alliance meeting: Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m., UMC room 305.

Freedom on My Mind (part 1): Feb. 22 at noon, UMC room 305

Star Power: Feb. 26 at 5 p.m., UMC room 305.

African and African American Tales: Feb. 27 at 7 p.m., Stearns Central 178, located in the Williams Village complex on the corner of 30th Street and Baseline Road.

Soul Food Festival: Feb. 28 at 4:45 p.m., Sewell Hall.

Freedom on My Mind (part 2): March 1 at noon, UMC room 305.