Celebrate Black History Month With Exhibits, Kuamka

African American History Month at UC presents the opportunity to learn more about quilts made as signposts for the Underground Railroad, black children's book writers and Harriet Beecher Stowe.  The month opens with a special rite of passage celebration:

A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

A UC program aimed at helping African American freshmen to be successful students will celebrate the students' rite of passage in February. About 57 freshmen participating in UC's Transitions program at the African American Cultural and Research Center (AACRC) will take part in the special week of activities called Kuamka, which means "in the beginning" in Swahili.

The Feb. 3-8 activities will feature:

• a guest speaker, Mother Love, on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Event Pavilion
• an opportunity to meet Mr. and Ms. Kuamka candidates at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the AACRC
• a talent extravaganza at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Events Pavilion
  a brown-bag lunch presentation by business woman Linetta Collins on Thursday at the AACRC
• Friday Night Live poetry "slam" called BlackOut at 7 p.m. Friday in the Event Pavilion
• Red/Black/Green/Gold Ball at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Event Pavilion

All events are free, except the ball.

Information and ball tickets: (513) 556-1177.

QUILTS PAVED THE WAY TO FREEDOM
Quilts were used as more than covers at the time of slavery. They were often used as signposts along the Underground Railroad, showing when and where it was safe to travel. An example of the coded quilts is part of a display in the fourth floor entrance of Langsam Library. The University Libraries-sponsored exhibit is free and open to the public. The coded quilts will remain on display through March 21. Display curator Melissa Berling will present a free lecture that reveals the secrets of the quilts at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Max Kade Center, Old Chem (seventh floor).
Information: Melissa Norris, University Libraries, (513) 556-1558

POETRY EXHIBIT HONORS STOWE
Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin brought her fame, but the author also spread her message against slavery through her poetry. The exhibit, Harriet Beecher Stowe: The Poetry, is located on the fifth floor of Langsam Library through March 21 and is free and open to the public.
Information: Melissa Norris, University Libraries, (513) 556-1558

CELEBRATING THE CHILDREN 
Award-winning children's books that both celebrate and seriously examine issues pertaining to African Americans are on display in the fourth floor lobby of UC's Blegen Library. The display, African Americans in Children's Literature, features authors such as Nikki Grimes, Eloise Greenfield, Ezra Jack Keats and Christopher Paul Curtis. The University Libraries exhibit will be on display through March 21 and is free and open to the public.
Information: Melissa Norris, University Libraries, (513) 556-1558

A CHOIR WORTH PRAISING
A packed house is the usual outcome for a performance by the UC African American Cultural and Research Center Choir. Rashida Manuel, 19, a major in African American studies and a 2002 St. Ursula graduate, is one of the 45-voice ensemble's newest members. In addition to enjoying the terrific inspirational music the choir creates, Rashida likes the family atmosphere it provides her. Rehearsals are Wednesday nights from 7-11 p.m. at the center.
Next concert:The Winter concert, titled "The Celebration of Heritage and Praise," is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, at CCM's Corbett Auditorium.
Cost: $7 in advance; $10 at the door.
Tickets: (513) 556-1177.