For release: January 24, 2013
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901-678-2843

With the theme “The Fight for Freedom Continues,” the University of Memphis will host a full schedule of programs, music and lectures during Black History Month. The celebration marks the 150^th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50^th anniversary of the March on Washington.

Many of the events are open to the public and free of charge. The schedule includes:

Friday, Feb. 1 – Opening ceremony and presentation of Authur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement Award to Cato Johnson, 7 p.m., Michael D. Rose Theatre;

Monday, Feb. 4 – Screening of the documentary Duty of the Hour about the life of Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, 5:30 p.m., Rose Theatre;

Thursday, Feb. 7 – “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration,” a lecture by Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson, 6:30 p.m., Rose Theatre;

Friday, Feb. 8 – Gospel Explosion, 7 p.m., Rose Theatre;

Friday, Feb. 15 – Freedom Ball and Mahogany Award, 7 p.m., University Center Ballroom;

Saturday, Feb. 16 – Tour of Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, 1 p.m., 826 N. Second Street;

Friday, Feb. 22 – Diversity and Pre-Law Day, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Actor, author and Harvard Law School graduate Hill Harper will speak at 1:30 p.m.;

Wednesday, Feb. 27 – “Igniting Excitement,” 2-4 p.m., University Center River Room;

Thursday, Feb. 28 – Closing Ceremony featuring the Rev. LaSimba Gray, 1 p.m., University Center Bluff Room.

Parking for events in the Rose Theatre and University Center is available in the Zach Curlin garage.

More information, including the complete Black History Month calendar, is available online at www.memphis.edu/multiculturalaffairs/PDF/2013-black-history-month.pdf orfrom the U of M Office of Multicultural Affairs at 901-678-2054.