Sources: Myra Gordon, 785-532-6276, mygordon@k-state.edu;
and Seth Ellis, sellis1@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Kayela Richard, 785-532-1546, media@k-state.edu

Monday, Jan. 31, 2011

BLACK HISTORY MONTH OFFERS CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES, WORKSHOPS AND MORE

MANHATTAN -- The Black Student Union and other multicultural groups at Kansas State University will offer several events in February for the national celebration of Black History Month.

"Black History Month is important to K-State because it allows us to share our rich culture and history with students, faculty and staff," said Seth Ellis, president of the Black Student Union and a senior in secondary education, Kansas City, Kan. "There are so many things that people may want to know about African-American culture. Black History Month gives us time to communicate, share and celebrate our culture with K-State."

Ellis said Black Student Union members at K-State are actively involved in planning events and activities for Black History Month.

"The Black Student Union, past and present, has stood for improving academics, leadership, cultural and political awareness, recruitment and retention of multicultural students, and providing educational campus programming and community service," said Myra Gordon, associate provost for diversity and dual career development and Black Student Union adviser.

All Black History Month activities are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted, and will be in the K-State Student Union. They include:

* Big 12 Informational and Resume Building, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, in Room 212. The event will include personal assistance in designing a successful resume.

* "Reclaiming the Black Genius," 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, in Forum Hall. The presentation, by African history lecturer Ashra Kwesi, is a critical discussion about redefining and regaining black culture.

* Black History Panel, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, in Room 212. The panel will examine black history in America.

* "Soldier Mentality," 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, in the Flint Hills Room. The lecture by Jerichi Lockett will provide techniques and tips on how students can deal effectively with physical and mental health during and after college.

* DSTinguished Gents Award Gala, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, in the Cottonwood Room. The ceremony is presented by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Tickets are $15. For more information call 785-532-6436 or e-mail dst1913@k-state.edu.

* "Ex Ku Klux Klan Member," 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, in Forum Hall. A former member will lecture about his life in the Ku Klux Klan and why he decided to leave.

* Study Session, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, in Room 212. The event will include free tutoring for students to promote educational success.

* A lecture by Kevin Powell, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, in Forum Hall. Powell is an American political activist, poet, writer and entrepreneur.