Africana History Month is under way at West Virginia University with a range of events from panel discussions and performances to a visit from the Harlem Globetrotters.

“This is a beautiful celebration of the richness and diversity of the Africana culture, with many activities both serious to fun,”said Katherine Bankole, director of the WVU Center for Black Culture and Research.”I hope everyone will partake of some of our offerings this month and remember the importance of recognizing and appreciating all that the Africana culture and all cultures have to offer.”

Some of the events planned include:

  • A panel discussion on the development of Africa at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Mountainlair Mountain Room (speakers to be announced). The talk is co-sponsored by the Center, the Outreach Kenya Development Volunteers and the African Student Association.
  • The Creative Arts Music Series will present an African Music and Dance Concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, in the Mountainlair ballrooms. Call 304-293-SHOW for ticket information.
  • A 12 :30-2 p.m. lunch titled Integrating Race, Class and Gender in the Classroom is set for Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the Cafof India. The event is sponsored by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • On Feb. 21, Associate Professor of Geography Ann Oberhauser will present a 4 p.m. Fireside Chat on Gender and Community Projects in South Africa in the Mountainlair Shenandoah Room.
  • The centers popular Heritage Academy begins its spring series Saturday, Feb. 23. The monthly 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. weekend program brings public schoolchildren to the Spruce Street Center for academic and cultural programs.
  • The rap group Outkast will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the WVU Coliseum. Tickets are on sale by calling 304-293-SHOW.
  • The zany Harlem Globetrotters will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, as part of its 2002 North American Tour. For tickets, call 304-293-SHOW.

Africana History Month concludes with a 6-8 p.m. reception Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the 590 Spruce Street Center.

For more information on Africana History Month activities, call 293-7029, or go to http://www.wvu.edu/~cbcr