Thursday, January 20, 2000

WILMINGTON, NC- During Black History Month, University of North Carolina at Wilmington will host the following:

*Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in Kenan Auditorium: Warith Deen Mohammed presents a lecture sponsored by the Department of Philosophy and Religion. He is the son of the late Elijah Muhammad and religious leader of the Muslim American Society and traditional Islamic followers. Imam Warith Deen Mohammed has been called upon by President Clinton for advice on Islamic affairs. He met with Pope John Paul II in 1996 and he has spoken at UNC-Chapel Hill and Yale University. This free lecture is sponsored by the UNCW Department of Philosophy and Religion and the Tauheed Islamic Center. All tickets must be reserved at the Kenan Auditorium Box Office.

*Thursday, Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. in Kenan Auditorium: The Persuasions. A musical performance by an "a capella" quartet formed in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1962. The group has influenced artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Boyz II Men, and Take 6. The are known for performing captivating versions of R&B, soul, gospel, and classic rock and roll songs, the persuasions have recorded more than 10 albums and provided back-up vocals for Bette Midler, Paul Simon, and Stevie Wonder. This concert is sponsored by the UNCW Office of Minority Affairs. Tickets are free to UNCW students, faculty, and staff w/ID. General Admission is $10 at the Kenan Auditorium Box Office.

*Monday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. in Warwick Center Ballroom: Brent Staples, journalist and author, will present a lecture on his memoir Parallel Time: Growing Up in Black and White. His lecture will focus on his experience of growing up in a small predominately black factory town and going to a mainly white university. Brent Staples writes on education, politics and culture for The New York Times. He holds a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from Widener University in Chester, PA, and a master's and Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Chicago. This lecture is sponsored by the UNCW Division of Student Affairs and the UNCW Leadership Center. The lecture is free for students, faculty/staff, and public.

* Friday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. in Kenan Auditorium: Gala 2000, A Celebration of African-American Music. This vocal and symphonic concert will include spirituals, R&B, jazz, classical, and gospel music. Dr. Steven Errante, UNCW music professor, will conduct, and featured artists Melva Houston, Marva Mapson-Robison, George W. Miles, JR., and Patricia Duren Waddell will perform. Reserved seating with all tickets. Tickets: $25 (includes post-concert reception) and $15 (concert only) at the Kenan Auditorium Box Office. Gala 2000 is sponsored by the Links, Inc., Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, UNCW Department of Music, and UNCW Office of Minority Affairs. All proceeds will benefit the Zimmer Cancer Center at New Hanover Regional Medical Center

For more information contact the UNCW Minority Affairs Office at 910-962-3832. For ticket reservations contact Kenan Auditorium Box Office at 910-962-3500 or Toll-Free at 800-732-3643.