AMIRI BARAKA OPENS WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY AFRICAN HERITAGE MONTH OBSERVANCE

Amiri Baraka, an award-winning poet, political activist and teacher, will present a lecture at William Paterson University as part of the institution’s observance of African Heritage Month. Other events include an art exhibit and several theatrical performances.

January 31 to March 8
Illustrator James Ransome, who was named by the Children’s Book Council as one of 75 authors and illustrators everyone should know, presents a selection of his original drawings and illustrations, as well as books, in an exhibit in the University’s Ben Shahn Galleries from January 31 through March 8, 2002. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

February 4
Campus organizations and clubs will hold a Unity Dinner on February 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Machuga Student Center Ballroom, with entertainment by the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble. The purpose of the dinner is to create an environment of solidarity among the many organizations on campus and promote an understanding of different ethnicities and cultures among students.

February 5
Amiri Baraka will speak on February 5 from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. in the Machuga Student Center Ballroom. Baraka is the author of three books, and co-director of Kimako’s Blues People, an art studio he operates in Newark with his wife, Amina Baraka. He was named artist-in-residence for Newark in 1993, and was named a living legend at the 1994 Black Drama Festival in North Carolina. Baraka is a professor of African Studies at SUNY, Stony Brook.

February 7
A celebratory lunch will be held in honor of Bob Marley, the Jamaican musician, on February 7 from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. in the Machuga Student Center Ballroom. A selection of Caribbean cuisine will be available for a small fee, and the Exodus Supreme Band will provide entertainment.

February 11
"Seven Quilts for Seven Sisters" will be held on February 11 from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. in the Machuga Student Center. The show is among several performances are scheduled as part of African Heritage Month.

February 22
"Halley’s Comet," a one-man play written, directed and performed by John Amos, will be presented in Shea Center on February 22 at 8 p.m. The work tells the story of an 87-year-old man who uses the appearance of Halley’s Comet, which he saw as an 11-year-old boy, as a framework for the memories of a lifetime. Amos chronicles the journey of his character’s life as the century progresses through world wars, the follies of youth, nuclear bombs and fast food. Amos is an award-winning actor who has appeared on Broadway, television and in film. Please call the Shea Box Office for ticket information at 973-720-2371.

February 27
"The Life and Times of Fannie Lou Hamer on a Rugged Road to Freedom" will be presented on February 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Machuga Student Center Ballroom.

February 28
"A Life’s Journey," an exhibit of paintings by illustrator James Ransome, is on view in Ben Shahn’s East Gallery. Ransome will discuss his works during a special lecture on Thursday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. in the Galleries; for information, call 973-720-2654. The show includes a large number of Ransome’s oil on paper and acrylic on paper works which have been featured in more than 25 children’s books.

February 28
On February 28, The Bulanians, a group of dynamic poets who encourage the audience to "seek value in themselves and those in their environment, " will perform as part of "Back to Jazz Night" at 7:30 p.m. in the Machuga Student Center.

For additional information and a complete schedule of events, please call Dorian Douglas in the University’s Office of Campus Activities at 973-720-2519 or Jonnine De Loatch in the University’s Office of Minority Education, at 973-720-3100.

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1/23/02
For Further Information, contact:

Mary Beth Zeman, Director, Public Relations 973-720-2966