Black History Celebrated at UK

LEXINGTON, KY. (Feb. 3, 2011)  — The University of Kentucky honors Black History Month with several events on campus, ranging from a production of the American folk opera “Porgy and Bess” to a hip hop fashion show.

Below is a listing of many of the events scheduled during the month of February.

Why We Love Hip-Hop Series 2K11: “The Evolution of Hip-Hop”
MC Lyte is an icon in the world of hip hop, the first female solo rapper ever to be nominated for a Grammy. Lyte will kick off the series, talking about her experiences in the music industry as a female artist.
Feb. 3, 7 p.m.
Student Center Grand Ballroom
Sponsored by Student Activities Board

“Mandela: Son of Africa, Father of a Nation”
Black History Month Film Series
A captivating view on the incredible spirit of one of the world’s most fascinating people, this full-length documentary follows Nelson Mandela from his early days and tribal education to his election as South Africa’s first black president. Nominated for 1996 Academy Award for Best Documentary.
Thursday, Feb. 3, noon,
Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center
Free admission

Gerswhins’ “Porgy and Bess”
Gershwins’ acclaimed American folk opera that took the world by storm with songs like “Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” and “I Loves You.” The musical will premiere with new scenic technology never before used in live theatre.
Feb. 3-6, 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
UK’s Singletary Center for the Arts
Sponsored by UK Opera Theatre and the Lexington Opera Society

“Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy”
Black History Month Film Series
Experience the laughter that has influenced generations. This highly acclaimed documentary features performances, insights and interviews with some of the most celebrated and outspoken comics of our time, including Dave Chapelle, Steve Harvey, Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, Dick Gregory and many, many more. This is a must-see for every true fan of great comedy.
Thursday, Feb. 10, noon
Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center
Free admission

S. T. Roach Community Conversation: “I Dedicate This Ride: The Making of Isaac Murphy” with featured presenter Frank X. Walker
Frank X. Walker is an author, educator, poet, and professor in the UK English Department. He is the author of five books that examine issues of social justice, family, identity and place.
Feb. 10, 6 p.m.
Lyric Theater
Sponsored by the UK Africana Studies Consortium and the Lyric Theater & Cultural Arts Center

Ethnic Heritage Ensemble Concert
For more than 30 years, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble has carried on the African American tradition of percussive jazz from a distinctly Midwestern-Chicago perspective. This concert features a creatively daring trio featuring the internationally renowned percussionist and composer Kahil El Zabar, widely regarded as one of the most prolific jazz innovators of his generation.
Feb. 11, 8 p.m.
Free Admission
Lyric Theater & Cultural Arts Center
Sponsored by the MLK Cultural Center, WRFL-88.1FM, Outside The Spotlight Series, Jazz Arts Foundation, Lyric Theater & Cultural Arts Center

“Besauro”
Black History Month Film Series
One of the biggest productions in the history of Brazilian cinema, “Besauro” is based on the life of a legendary capoeira fighter from Bahia, Brazil. It spins a fantastic tale of a young Brazilian man of African descent in search of his mission.
Thursday, Feb. 17, noon
Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center
Free admission

Diversity Dialog Series: Diverse Issues and Perspectives
State of Mind with Judy Jackson, vice president for institutional diversity
Jackson will talk about contemporary issues related to race and diversity.
Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
Student Center Small Ballroom
Sponsored by Student Activities Board

“Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun”
Black History Month Film Series
Zora Neale Hurston was gifted, flamboyant, controversial, even paradoxical -- but always fiercely original. This definitive film biography, 18 years in the making, portrays Zora in all her complexity and genius.
Thursday, Feb. 24, noon
Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center
Free admission

Progressive Dinner: A Walk to Remember
Journey through time as a [particiapant or observer when the UK Black Student Union presents this hands-on experience which allows students to move along an historical timeline in African American entertainment history.
Feb. 24, 6 p.m.
Student Center
Sponsored by the UK Black Student Union

Why We Love Hip Hop: Hip Hop Fashion Show
A fashion show highlighting each decade of hip hop featuring the unique evolving trends from the ‘80s, ‘90s and today.
Feb. 28, 7 p.m.
Student Center Cats Den
Sponsored by Student Activities Board