For release: January 27, 2011
For press information, contact Linda Hall, 901-678-2054

Under the theme “African-Americans and the Civil War: Bruised, Battered, But Not Broken,” the University of Memphis will host a full schedule of programs, theater, music, and lectures during Black History Month.

Many of the events are open the public and free of charge.

Black History Month events include:

Tuesday, Feb. 1 – Opening ceremony and presentation of Authur S. Holman Lifetime Achievement Award to Judge Bernice Donald, 7 p.m., Michael D. Rose Theatre;

Wednesday, Feb. 2 – Storyteller Dylan Pritchett, “African-American Life During the Civil War,” noon, University Center Fountain View Room;

Friday, Feb. 4 – The American Legacy “Know Your History” Mobile History Tour, on campus situated between the University Center and the bookstore;

The tour focuses on what has been accomplished by African-Americans in the past and on the continuing story and history being written by today's leaders.  The exhibit features magazine covers highlighting the depth and magnitude of African-American history and culture; “Always In Our Sight: The Fight For Civil Rights,” an exhibit of artifacts and memorabilia from slavery to civil rights from the collection of Gene Peters; items featuring the legendary Buffalo Soldiers; and an exhibit from American Airlines, “Black History in Aviation.”  Also as part of the mobile museum, visitors can test their knowledge on a “Black History Trivia Wheel” as well as trace their ancestry through census records.

The American Legacy, the magazine of African-American history and culture, is partnering with Regions Bank for its "Know your History" mobile museum tour in nine U.S. cities.   The mobile exhibit is wheel-chair accessible.

Tuesday, Feb. 8 – Play For Colored Girls, 7 p.m., University Center Theatre;

Wednesday, Feb. 9 – Reading and discussion with Marcus Matthews, author of I Am Not the Father, 6 p.m., Rose Theatre lobby;

Friday, Feb. 11, ­– Talk by Nobel laureate Adolfo Perez Esquivel, 4 p.m., University Center Ballroom;

Gospel Explosion featuring Deitrick Haddon, 7 p.m., Rose Theatre;

Monday, Feb. 14 – A Night of Romance featuring Lil Rounds of American Idol, 7 p.m., University Center Ballroom;

Thursday, Feb. 17 – Igniting Excitement, 2 p.m., University Center River Room;

Friday, Feb. 18 – “Food Fight: How to Bridge the Food Divide Before Things Get Really Ugly” with Chet W. Sisk, noon, University Center Fountain View Room;

Wednesday, Feb. 23 – “An Evening With Soledad O’Brien,” 8 p.m., Rose Theatre;

Thursday, Feb. 24 – “A-Train Express: When Harlem Was King and the Music Was Swing,” panel discussion 10-11:15 a.m., documentary film screening 1-2:15 p.m., lessons 6:30-7:30 p.m., band 7:30-10:30 p.m.; various locations in the University Center;

“What Does It Take to Go to Law School?,” 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., University Center Bluff Room;

Monday, Feb. 28 – Closing ceremony with speaker Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, 1 p.m., University Center River Room.

Parking is available in the Zach Curlin garage, adjacent to the University Center.

More information is available online at www.memphis.edu/multiculturalaffairs/events.htm or