Kent State University at Stark Hosts Diversity Events to Celebrate Black History

Kent State University at Stark presents educational and entertaining events to celebrate the many contributions that African-Americans have made in the country. All events will take place on the Stark Campus located at 6000 Frank Ave. NW in Jackson Township. All events are free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

The Black List
Volume I - Wednesday, Feb. 6, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Volume II - Wednesday, Feb. 13, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Volume III - Wednesday, Feb. 20, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Each Black List event will take 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.

An Evening with NFL Hall of Famer Willie Brown   
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m. in The University Center

Willie Brown, a cornerback from the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders, tallied 54 interceptions during his AFL/NFL career. Perhaps his most famous moment came when he returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown in the Raiders’ Super Bowl XI victory. Don’t miss out on this unique educational seminar as Brown shares his story about the American Football League and playing professional football during the tumultuous 1960s.

Electric Blues by the Wallace Coleman Band
Featuring an opening performance by Jody Getz and Friends
Thursday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. in Main Hall Auditorium

Wallace Coleman, a 10-year veteran of the Grammy Award-winning Robert Lockwood Jr. Band, started his own band in 1996. He later established his own record label, which he named Ella Mae Music, in honor of his late mother. Coleman has released four critically acclaimed CDs on his label, including his latest release, Blues In The Wind, Remembering Robert Jr. Lockwood. 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.

African-American Women Pioneers in Sports
Tuesday, March 12, at 1 p.m. in Main Hall Auditorium

The presentation by Kent State Stark Associate Professor of History Leslie Heaphy highlights African-American women who have made significant contributions and achievements in sports. This event is co-sponsored by the Stark Campus History Club.

For more information on Kent State Stark’s diversity events, call 330-499-9600 or visit www.stark.kent.edu/about/diversity.