Source: Daniel Ireton, 785-532-7436; dli6873@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Donna Ekart, 785-532-7452, dfe@k-state.edu

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009

K-STATE LIBRARIES OBSERVING BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH FILM SERIES

MANHATTAN -- An animated series, artists, 1970s cinema, and a popular comedian provide the material for K-State Libraries' participation in Kansas State University's observance of Black History Month in February.

K-State Libraries will have a film each Wednesday in February at 12:30 p.m. in the Dow Chemical Multicultural Resource Center on the third floor of Hale Library. All films last around one hour and are free and open to the public.

"We think this series fits K-State Libraries' vision of a deep and broad understanding of diversity and multiculturalism, particularly with the varied films we've selected from the our collection," said Daniel Ireton, K-State Libraries staff member and coordinator of the event.

The schedule for the film series includes:

* Feb. 4, "The Boondocks." Adapted from Aaron McGruder's comic strip of the same name, this Image Award nominated film follows Robert Freeman and his grandsons Huey and Riley as they adapt to their new life in suburbia, leaving no taboo untouched.

* Feb. 11, "Against the Odds: The Artists of the Harlem Renaissance." Narrated by Joe Morton, the film documents the struggle of African-American visual artists during the 1920s and '30s. Despite an explosion of creativity, these artists were excluded from mainstream galleries and museums, threatening their livelihood and artistic expression.

* Feb. 18, "Baadasssss Cinema: A Bold Look at '70s Blaxploitation Films." Filmmaker Isaac Julien explores the enduring cult appeal of Blaxploitation films, pulling footage from such films as "Shaft" and "Superfly" and interviews with Pam Grier and Richard Roundtree.

* Feb. 25, "Dave Chappelle: For What it's Worth." A current icon of ethnic humor, Chappelle pushes the envelope, tackling race relations and African-American popular culture.