Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Civil rights champion, world-renowned entertainer and human rights advocate Harry Belafonte will deliver the keynote address for Kansas State University's Black History Month celebration in February. Belafonte will speak at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, in McCain Auditorium.

This event is free and open to the public. Because seating is limited, tickets must be picked up at the McCain Auditorium box office, open from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

During Belafonte's entertainment career, he broke racial barriers by becoming the first artist ever to sell a million records. Using his celebrity, he became a champion for many social and political causes during the civil rights era and with international social justice and humanitarian efforts such as the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and with UNICEF.

In the 1950s, Belafonte became a confidant of Martin Luther King Jr. He was instrumental in the civil rights movement by providing and raising funds among his Hollywood friends and using his celebrity to call attention to the numerous historical nonviolent rallies and protests. Belafonte was with King when he gave the famous "I Have A Dream" speech in Washington, D.C., and visited with civil rights leader just days before he was assassinated in 1968.

"This is a time for our campus and community to come together and witness history," said Bryon Williams, adviser to the university's Black Student Union. "Mr. Belafonte is one of the last living civil rights era activists and it is huge for him to visit K-State."

The Black Student Union has a month of events to celebrate the legacy of African-Americans in the United States. Activities, most free unless otherwise noted, include:

* A viewing of "Sing Your Song," a documentary on the life and work of Harry Belafonte, at the Black Student Union general body meeting, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, Room 227 at the K-State Student Union.

* "The Essence of Black Artistry," featuring slam poet Jasmine Mans, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, in Salsarita's at the Union Station, K-State Student Union. If interested in performing, contact Micaela Torres at mttorres@k-state.edu.

* "Test Your Black History Knowledge," in partnership with the Union Programming Council,

Partnership with Union Programming Council, at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, in Salsarita's, Union Station, K-State Student Union.

* "The Talented Tenth: Redefining Black Student Leadership," Myra Gordon, university associate provost for diversity, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, in Room 227, Union.

* "The Story," a theatrical performance by Ebony Theater, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20-22 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in East Stadium's Purple Masque Theatre. Tickets can be purchased by calling 785-532-6428 or online at http://www.k-state.edu/mccain. Tickets also will be sold at the door, if available.

* A viewing of "12 Years a Slave," in partnership with the Union Programming Council and K-State Alumni Association, will be at 7:30 p.m. in Forum Hall, Union.