By Sarah Malczynski, student writer

In honor of African American History month and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a celebration will commence on Monday, Jan. 21 and run until Feb. 21. The month-long celebration gives students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community an opportunity to learn about African-American history and celebrate the culture. This year’s theme is “Reflecting Truth through the Understanding of Our Historical Inspirations.”

Kicking off the events on Jan. 21 is a march at 9 a.m. in honor of King. A candlelight vigil will be held in the evening at 8 p.m.

The annual Keeper of the Dream awards ceremony will also take place on Monday in the Oakland Center. Students who have demonstrated strong citizenship, scholarship and leadership in breaking down cultural stereotypes and promoting racial understanding will be awarded with scholarships at the ceremony. The keynote speaker for the event is Harry Belafonte, human rights activist and entertainer.

In addition to the events on Monday, students will have the chance to celebrate African-American culture throughout the month by enjoying food, films and art shows. Presentations and lectures will also be available for students to learn more about the history and current events within the African-American culture.

African-American Celebration Schedule

Monday, Jan. 21

• Classes not in session in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day March 9 a.m.
• Keeper of the Dream Awards Celebration with Harry Belafonte, 11:30 a.m., Oakland Center Banquet Rooms
• MLK Day of Service “Nathan's Blankets,” 2 - 6 p.m., Oakland Center Oakland Room and Heritage Room
• MLK Day Candlelight Vigil, 8 - 11 p.m., Hamlin Circle/Vandenberg Lounge

Thursday, Jan. 24

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority presents “Our Pillars,” 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Oakland Center Fireside Lounge

Wednesday, Jan. 30

• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Movie Night: “The Hurricane,” 6:30 p.m., Oakland Center Rooms 128-130

Friday, Feb. 1

• “The Birth of a New Nation” Art Gallery, 6 - 9 p.m., Oakland Center Oakland Room

Monday, Feb. 4

• What Is Our Purpose? Circle Discussion, 7 - 9 p.m., Oakland Center Gold Room C

Tuesday, Feb. 5

• HIV/AIDS Devastating the African American Community, 3 - 4:30 p.m., Oakland Center Rooms 126-127
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Mock Wedding, 6:30 p.m., Oakland Center Oakland Room and Heritage Room

Wednesday, Feb. 6

• Dancing with the OU Stars. 7 - 9 p.m.. Oakland Center Gold Rooms

Thursday, Feb. 7

• "Mentorship: Imparting Knowledge and Insight through Experience and Inspiration" with WDET News Director Jerome Vaughn, 12 - 1 p.m., Kresge Library
• "Race and Rust: The Transformation of Detroit," 7 p.m., Oakland Center Lake Superior Room A

Friday, Feb. 8

• Taste of Africa Gala, 4 - 7 p.m,. Oakland Center Banquet Rooms

Tuesday, Feb 12

• Get Your Money Straight, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Oakland Center Rooms 129-130

Friday, Feb. 15

• Xpressive B.T.Z. Performance, 7 - 9 p.m., Varner Recital Hall

Saturday, Feb. 16

• Our World Today Student Development Conference, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Oakland Center

Sunday, Feb. 17

• ABS Presents The Hollywood Fashion Show: A Red Carpet Affair, 7 p.m., Varner Recital Hall

Monday Feb. 18

• Debate: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson vs. Reverend Marcia Dyson, 7 p.m., Oakland Center Banquet Rooms

Thursday, Feb. 21

• Closing Ceremony and Tribute to Neo-Soul, 7 - 10 p.m., Oakland Center Gold Rooms

For more information on African-American Celebration events, contact the Center for Student Activities at (248) 370-2400 or csa@oakland.edu or the Center for Multicultural Initiatives at (248) 370-4404.