Wallace Coleman performs Feb. 24.

Kent State University at Stark proudly presents various events to commemorate February as Black History Month. Each event takes place at Kent State Stark Campus. All events are free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

The Black List
Volume II - Monday, Feb. 7, 12:30 - 2 p.m., moderated by Dr. Verena Murphy
Volume III - Tuesday, Feb. 22, 12:30 - 2 p.m., moderated by Dr. Brenda Smith
Each Black List event takes place in the Library Conference Room.

Photographer/filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and public radio host, journalist and former New York Times critic Elvis Mitchell produced video portraits of some of today's most prominent African Americans from the areas of arts, sports, politics, business and government. The series provides insight on identity, diversity and race in America. Each video will be followed by a moderated discussion.

African-American Men in Post-Obama America
Thursday, Feb. 10, 5 - 7 p.m. in Main Hall Auditorium

This panel-led discussion with audience participation will focus on issues of inclusion and diversity relevant to young African-American males. Panel members include Sandy Womack, principal of Hartford Middle School; Tamiko Hatcher, principal of GlenOak High School's Health Science Academy; William Casterlow, admissions advisor at Kent State Stark; Michael Brown, community program director at Canton's YMCA Teen Center; Lester Sanders, creator of My Young Brotha National Outreach Initiative; Rahman Stokes, Stark State College F.A.M.E. program coordinator; and Damon Young, Stark State College Upward Bound math-science program curriculum coordinator.

African-American Women Pioneers in Sports
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 12:30 - 2 p.m. in the Library Conference Room
The presentation by Dr. Leslie Heaphy highlights African-American women who have made significant contributions and achievements in sports. The event is co-sponsored by Kent State Stark's History Club.

Get to Know Kent State University at Stark
Monday, Feb. 21, at noon in the Main Hall Auditorium

The kick-off event for EMPOWER2 (Exclusive Multicultural Plan on Widespread Engagement, Recruitment and Retention) Week's Multicultural Student Visit Day includes a campus tour and opportunities to speak to representatives from Kent State Stark's Admissions and Financial Aid departments.

EMPOWER2 Oratorical Competition for High School Students
Monday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. in the Main Hall Auditorium
Area high school students will deliver speeches on the following topic: "Generation Now: Where do we go from here? What issue/concerns need to be addressed in order to help empower African-American teens to successfully move forward? Provide explanations that will assist us in solving these issues." Winning students will receive monetary prizes. High school students are encouraged to enter the competition by filling out the application located at www.stark.kent.edu/empower2 by Feb. 16. The competition is limited to the first 20 participants who apply.

Multicultural Student Visit Day Keynote Address
Monday, Feb. 21, at 2:30 p.m. in Main Hall Auditorium

Sandy Womack, principal of Hartford Middle School, will present the EMPOWER2 Week keynote address on the topic, "If You Don't Know Where You're Going."

EMPOWER2 Week Movie Night, featuring The Blind Side
Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. in the Main Hall Auditorium
This Oscar-nominated film tells the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All-American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family. The film stars Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw.

EMPOWER2's Soup and Substance Series
Wednesday, Feb. 23, at noon in Main Hall Conference Room 1

Join a discussion group on the topic, "Sisters are doing it for themselves!" Enjoy a free cup of soup and empowering conversation about the many roles that women have in everyday life.

Electric Blues, featuring the Wallace Coleman Band
Thursday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m. in the Main Hall Auditorium

Wallace Coleman (pictured, front), a 10-year veteran of the Grammy Award-winning Robert Lockwood Jr. Band, started his own band in 1996. Four years later, he established his own record label, Pinto Blues Music. Since then, he has released five CDs, including Repossession Blues with UK bluesman Dave Thomas and his latest release, Blues in the Wind. Coleman has won a Living Blues Award for fan favorite, as well as garnered two nominations for outstanding harmonica. He has been named an Ohio Heritage Fellow. His performance embodies an American art form that has all but disappeared from the African-American music landscape and is certain to captivate blues lovers of all ages.

For more information on Kent State Stark's Black History Month and EMPOWER2 events, call 330-499-9600 or visit www.stark.kent.edu/about/diversity.