In honor of Black History Month, The University of Memphis is sponsoring several activities to commemorate the month.
Last week, Opening Ceremonies for the month-long celebration were held at the University Center in honor of longtime judge James Earl Swearengen.
This was followed by a prayer breakfast held by the Black Student Association and a lecture on Prominent Women of Distinction by Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
Next up on the schedule is a lecture by noted AIDS survivor Hydiea Broadbent, on Sunday at 6 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.
"She was born with the AIDS virus," said Tonie Johnson, public relations officer for the BSA. "She'll talk about that, and about being more tolerant of those infected."
The following Tuesday, a career fair will be held for all interested parties at the Cook Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On campus that day, the UC will play host to an African-American Vendor Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Vendors will be selling jewelry and other things," Johnson said. "It will be like a mini-Africa in April."
Wednesday, Sonia Sanchez will be giving a lecture in the UC Ballroom at 7 p.m.
"I don't know the subject of her lecture yet, but she is a poet and women's lib activist," Johnson said.
The annual NAACP/Kappa Alpha Psi Achievement Ball falls on Feb. 17. It will be held this year at the Wilson World Hotel at 8 p.m. Tickets are available from the UC.
"This is just a formal event to give everyone a chance to socialize," Johnson said.
The UC Ballroom will be the site of the play "The Meeting," on Feb. 21. Johnson said the play is a dramatic account of a fictional meeting between Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.
The Igniting Excitement Award will be presented Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. in the Faulkner Lounge of the UC.
"This award is for the faculty member that best embodies the mission statement of The University," Johnson said.
The Closing Ceremony for Black History Month will be held in the UC's Faulkner Lounge at 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 23.
"It'll basically be a thank you to everyone that supported the events of the month," Johnson said.
Also at the Closing Ceremony, the Arthur S. Holman Scholarship will be awarded to a student. The award will be based on essays written by entrants about the biggest problem facing the African-American community.
