The St. Olaf community's celebration of Black History Month is well underway. A variety of activities offer opportunities to recognize accomplishments of current and past students, to exchange ideas, and to understand historical and present issues. SGA Diversity Celebrations Coordinator Jay Oakman encourages students to "come out to events, to hear about history and contributions of African Americans‹especially on our campus."

Already elapsed events include two thought provoking movies: Color of Fear, a documentary unfolding the fears, prejudices, and attitudes concerning race, and Miss Evers' Boys, a disturbing film detailing the US Government's 1932 to 1960's ill-conducted research of syphilis in the black male population.

David Lamb, author of Do Plantos Go Wit' Collard Greens, spoke about Hip-Hop's foundation by Black and Latino musicians and relations between the groups. The Rev. Eric Campbell delivered a charged and personal message concerning important and moving issues around the theme, "Unfinished Business."

Plenty of opportunities to attend concerts, movies, speakers and other activities occur throughout February. Kori Zinsmeister, a member of the Cultural Union for Black Expression (CUBE) and the Black History Month planning committee stated, "I hope experiences people get out of events add a new awareness to incorporate into their lives."

Galen Abdur-Razzaq, an internationally renowned jazz Flautist, performs in the Viking Theater at 7pm on Thursday, February 15 and offers a chance to enrich your life. "Galen the Flautist" performs at dozens of colleges nationwide and with other world-famous artists. In the Kings Room on February 23 at 7pm, Charles McDew will speak about his experiences as chairman of the Student Non-Violence Coordinating Committee during the historical period before the Black Power Movement. Look for posters detailing other events like Open Mic Night and Black History Jeopardy with Dean Pierce hosting.

The annual African American Alumni Recognition Banquet highlights student talents and honors two prominent alumni who exhibit great leadership, community involvement and maintained commitment to St. Olaf. Student Dexter Watson will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Bill Green, Director of Multicultural Student Services (MCSS), and John Chapman, C.U.B.E President, are featured speakers under the theme "Black History at St. Olaf; Past, Present and Future." Obtain tickets outside Stav Hall or by calling MCSS at x3060. Although the banquet culminates February's celebration, in the wise words of Zinsmeister everyone should recognize "Black History not only for a month, but for an entire year by breaking down existing walls that separate people by color."