By Selena Stevens

"African-American History Month is part of our ongoing efforts to heighten awareness and appreciation for the role African-American people have played and continue to play in the shaping of world history and culture."

Phillis Rambsy,
program coordinator,
King Cultural Center

The Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center, the UK African-American Studies and Research Program and the UK Black Student Union will sponsor a wide array of programs including concerts, lectures, a quiz bowl and a talent extravaganza.

"African-American History Month is part of our ongoing efforts to heighten awareness and appreciation for the role African-American people have played and continue to play in the shaping of world history and culture," said Phillis Rambsy, program coordinator of the King Cultural Center.

Events for the month include:

• Feb. 22: “Malcolm X: The Truth and the Myth of his Legacy,” 4:30 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center, Student Center. The life and legacy of Malcolm X will be examined through this engaging presentation by scholar/archivist Omar Farooq. Farooq, a lifelong student of the work of Malcolm X,  owns one of the most impressive collections of Malcolm X memorabilia in existence. His presentation will combine video and rare taped interviews, as well as an exhibit of historic documents, photos and other rare items associated with the life and work of Malcolm X. Free Admission. Sponsored by the King Cultural Center.

• Feb. 25:  Two original plays, "Freedom Knows My Name" and "A Bus Ride with Mrs. Rosa Parks," 3 p.m., Singletary Center for the Arts Recital Hall.  The first one-act play tells of the lives of Harriett Tubman and Fannie Lou Hamer.  The second is a re-enactment of Mrs. Parks historical decision to take a stand for equality.  Tickets: $10 for the general public, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for students and children.  (859)257-4929.

• Feb. 27: "School Daze," a video showing, evening, Gregory Parks and Rynetta Davis, facilitators, Haggin Hall Study Lounge.

• Feb. 28: "Pathways Through African-American History, a Black History Extravaganza, UK Singletary Center for the Arts. Meet and greet with performers and campus and community members at 5 p.m., program at 7 p.m. The program will feature song, dance, poetry and theater. The play "Affrilachia" will be staged in part. Free and open to the public.

• March 2: American Spiritual Ensemble concert, 8 p.m., March 2, Singletary Center for the Arts. Under the direction of UK’s Everett McCorvey, the ensemble has gained national recognition for its performances. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door for the general public. Senior citizen and student tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For groups of 20 or more, ticket prices are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Singletary Center or at Fifth Third Bank.

For more information on the events, contact the Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center at (859) 257-4130, or the African-American Studies and Research Program at (859) 257-3593.