For release: January 26, 2012
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901/678-2843

With the theme “Black Women in American History and Culture: Passionate, Powerful and Proud,” the University of Memphis will host a full schedule of programs, theater, music, and lectures during Black History Month, including appearances by television personality Star Jones and dancer/actress Debbie Allen.

Many of the events are open the public free of charge. Events and their dates, times, and venues include:

Feb. 1, Wednesday – Opening ceremony and presentation of Authur S. Holmon Lifetime
Achievement Award to Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham, 7 pm., Michael D. Rose Theatre

Feb. 2, Thursday­ – Blue Lights in the Basement, 7:12 p.m., University Center Ballroom

Feb. 8, Wednesday – NAACP Knowledge Bowl, 6 p.m., University Center River Room

Feb. 11, Saturday – noon-3 p.m., tour of Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum;
7:30 p.m., Gospel Explosion featuring Kierra Sheard, Rose Theatre

Feb. 12, Sunday – “A Night With Star Jones,” 7 p.m., Rose Theatre

Feb. 14, Tuesday – “Black Indians: An American Story,” 1-2:30 p.m., Univ. Center Bluff Room

Feb. 17, Friday – NAACP Freedom Ball, 7 p.m., University Center Ballroom

Feb. 21, Tuesday – The Help, play and panel discussion, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m., UC Theatre

Feb. 22, Wednesday – Igniting Excitement, 2 p.m., Rose Theatre Entertainment Lobby

Feb. 23, Thursday – “An Evening with Debbie Allen,” 7 p.m., Rose Theatre

Feb. 24, Friday – SAC Movie Night, The Help, 7 p.m., University Center Theatre

Feb. 26, Sunday – Black Women Who Write: Playwrights and Publishers Extraordinaire, 4 p.m., University Center Theatre

Feb. 29, Wednesday – Closing Ceremony, 1 p.m., University Center Bluff Room

More information, including the complete calendar, is available online at www.memphis.edu/multiculturalaffairs/events.htm or from the U of M Office of Multicultural Affairs at 901-678-2054.