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<\/p>\nOXFORD,
\nMiss. – Special events planned at the University of Mississippi
\nthroughout February to celebrate Black History Month include a Feb. 25
\nkeynote address by national award-winning journalist Roland Martin and
\na Feb. 9 speech by former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell.<\/p>\n
The
\nmonthlong observance kicks off Tuesday (Feb. 3), with comments from UM
\nsenior administrators Donald Cole, assistant to the chancellor for
\nmulticultural affairs, and Gloria Kellum, vice chancellor for
\nuniversity relations. The two will speak at noon in the Student Union
\nLobby about their individual perspectives of the university and its
\nsteps toward racial equality on campus over the last four decades.<\/p>\n
“Although
\nour individual accounts may include differences, I look forward to the
\nstudents observing our common ground,” Cole said. “In the past, whites
\nand blacks were farther apart, but today we’re growing closer together.”
\n
Other events include a live Mississippi Public Broadcasting radio broadcast Feb. 12 featuring UM students reading speeches by black leaders, the unveiling of a Mississippi Blues Trail marker Feb. 27 and the screening of feature films connected to black history during the Sixth Annual Oxford Film Festival scheduled Feb. 5-8.<\/p>\n
Martin delivers his free, public address at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. His speech is expected to center on the Black History Month theme “Legacy of Hope – Promise for Tomorrow.”
\nNamed by Ebony Magazine in 2008 as one of the 150 Most Influential African-Americans in the United States, Martin is the 2008 winner of the NAACP Image Award for Best Interview for “In Conversation: The Sen. Barack Obama Interview.” An insightful and provocative analyst, Martin has offered his commentary to numerous media outlets. A nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate and an analyst for CNN, Martin is also author of “Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith” and “Speak, Brother! A Black Man’s View of America.”<\/p>\n
Powell delivers the address “A World of Opportunity and Challenge” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Ford Center. Powell is expected to share his views of the challenges college students face and the opportunities awaiting them. UM’s Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College is sponsoring the event as the college’s spring convocation. Free tickets are required and can be picked up beginning Feb. 6 at the UM Box Office in the Student Union.<\/p>\n
Powell served as the 65th secretary of state in President George W. Bush’s administration from 2001 to 2005. A professional soldier for 35 years, Powell rose to the rank of four-star general. He serves as a strategic limited partner for a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm.<\/p>\n
With high expectations of the monthlong celebration, Cole said the faculty, staff and student volunteers who assisted with planning the month’s programs have helped verify and solidify UM as a national stage.<\/p>\n
“The University of Mississippi has one of the best Black History Month celebrations in the state, if not the nation,” Cole said. “We have gone over the top this year bringing in these two nationally recognized leaders.”<\/p>\n
Black History Month committee chair Val Ross, assistant dean of students for multicultural affairs and volunteer services, encourages the entire campus and local community to attend as many events as possible.<\/p>\n
“It’s an honor and a privilege to have both Gen. Powell and Mr. Martin visit campus,” Ross said. “There are numerous other events planned, and I hope our students, faculty and staff, as well as area citizens, take advantage of these incredible activities.”<\/p>\n
Mississippi Public Broadcasting airs the program “Black History Voices,” at 8 p.m. Feb. 12 from the Ford Center. The event features UM students reading famous speeches by various black leaders, followed by a panel discussion to examine the historical context and significance of each reading. For broadcast stations, visit http:\/\/www.etv.state.ms.us\/radio\/index.htm. The event is free and open to the public but attendees must be seated by 7:45 p.m.<\/p>\n
A public unveiling of a Mississippi Blues Trail marker takes place at 11 a.m. Feb. 27 outside of Barnard Observatory as part of the Seventh Annual Blues Today Symposium. The marker recognizes the university’s commitment to documenting blues art and culture. UM publishes Living Blues Magazine, the nation’s longest running blues magazine, and the UM Blues Archive is one of the world’s largest blues collections.<\/p>\n
Feature films to be included in the Sixth Annual Oxford Film Festival Feb. 5-8 include “Bama Girl,” “Mississippi Drug War Blues,” “M for Mississippi” and “Full Moon Lightnin’.” Visit http:\/\/www.oxfordfilmfest.com<\/a>\u00a0for more information, including ticket prices.<\/p>\n For a complete listing of Black History Month events and updates throughout February, go to http:\/\/events.olemiss.edu\/events.<\/a>\u00a0For other information or to request assistance related to a disability, call Ross at 662-915-7567.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"