Campus celebrates black history

In honor of Black History Month, student groups have organized events to bring the campus together in celebration of African American culture. \n"This month provides faculty and students the opportunity to learn about African American heritage by attending some of the events included in this year's exciting program," said Gloria Gibson, associate vice chancellor for multicultural affairs. \n"The Art and Passion of a Filmmaker," will be presented by alumnus and African- American filmmaker Jerald Harkness 4 p.m. Wednesday in Student Building Room 150.\nMonique Threatt, archivist for the Black Film Center Archives, said Harkness will discuss the technical aspects of film production while reflecting on his own host of works. Harkness has produced films such as "Steppin'" and "Living as a Legend: The Damon Bailey Story."\nCarnival Celebrations, a free family event, will be held Feb. 24 at the Mathers Museum of World Cultures 416 N. Indiana Ave. John McDowell, professor of folklore and chairman of the folklore institute, said the event will feature a performance by Sancocho, an Afro-Cuban dance troupe, a children's sing-along, craft activities and tours of two new exhibits at the museum that examine the role of Carnival in Latin America.\n"Just as in the U.S., in South America people of African descent have had a profound impact on culture," said Ellen Sieber, curator of education at the Mathers Museum of World Cultures. \n"Making the Case for Racial Reparations" is scheduled for Black History Month Feb. 21. This event, part of the monthly discussion program "Over a Cup of Tea," is featured at the Asian Culture Center. Audrey McCluskey, associate professor of Afro-American Studies, will be speaking at the discussion, Melanie Castillo-Cullather, Asian Culture Center director, said.\nOther events will fill the calendar in tribute to Black History Month, including "Music: An Interpretative Voice in the Extraordinary World of Museums," Feb. 12 and "From Painted Voices: 20 Paintings of African American Writers" Feb. 16.\nFor more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 855-9632.