Released January 28, 2005

HATTIESBURG – Two noted authors who have captured the experience of African-Americans in their work headline a variety of events scheduled for Black History Month at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Kimberly Lawson Roby, author of The Best Kept Secret and Too Much of a Good Thing, will read from her works Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in Joseph Greene Hall, Room 116 (College of Business building). Author and social activist J.L. King, who has been at the forefront in educating African-Americans about the AIDS epidemic, will speak Feb. 21 at Bennett Auditorium

Vrita Delaine, assistant to the vice president for student affairs at Southern Miss, said many of the programs during the month will be educational and offer information for African-Americans to deal with obstacles they face in everyday life. “We looked at major issues facing African-Americans today and built our calendar of events around those issues, including AIDS awareness, stereotyping, along with a health fair,” she said. “We’ll also recognize the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision (school desegregation ruling).”

This year’s Black History Month theme at Southern Miss is “Through Our Past We Have a Future: A Patchwork in Progress.” The month’s activities will kick off with the popular Soul Food Luncheon on Feb. 3. Other events will include entertainment and volunteer opportunities, among other activities.

Damian Thomas, a graduate student from Jackson, is assisting the Southern Miss Office of Minority Affairs in coordinating the month’s schedule. He said he hopes Southern Miss students from all backgrounds will attend the events to learn more about the achievements of African-Americans in our society. “We don’t seek to segregate ourselves (African-Americans) with these events, but let other cultures know about our culture,” Thomas said. “These events are open to everyone, where all can be involved in sharing our experiences, triumphs and the obstacles that we’ve overcome.”

For more information, contact the Southern Miss Office of Minority Affairs at (601) 266-6705.

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