February marks Black Heritage Month while the NIU community hopes everyone will get something out of the celebration.

Events such as appreciation days, issue forums, lectures, contests and film festivals are only a taste of what is on hand.

“One of the major things Black Heritage Month tries to achieve is to look at the diverse culture of America…It educates humanity on the rich heritage black history has given to America,” said Van Amos, coordinator of student cultural programming at the Black Student Union.

Black Heritage Month was started nation-wide in 1926 by Carter Woodson. Its purpose was to talk about the omitted achievements of blacks in American history. The festival was originally celebrated in elementary and secondary schools as well as churches. The celebration now extends into higher education, corporations and civic groups.

Lectures and forums being presented this year will include “The Black Economy,” “Contributions of African-American Women,” “The Marketable Minority” and “A Perspective on the Genocide of Black Men.”

Key events include a tribute to black men such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. The speaker will be Atallah Shabazz, Malcom X’s daughter. The month also will include lectures by attorney Alton Madex, co-counsel for Tawana Brawley.

The month’s events will begin with a black faculty appreciation day on Friday frm 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Capitol South room of the Holmes Student Center. The first weekend will include the kick-off of the Black Art Show which will last until Feb. 16, featuring James Brunson and Donna Simpson. An art show reception is slated for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. in the student center gallery.

On Feb. 5, the film “Ethnic Notions” will be presented in the student center, room 405. On Feb. 6, the black issue forum will hold the topical discussion of “A Perspective on Genocide of Black Men” in Lincoln Hall at 7:30 p.m.

The first week of events will conclude with a lecture by Tyron Crider, Operation PUSH, on “The Black Economy” in the Duke Elllington Ballroom, 7 p.m.

Amos insisted all students are welcome throughout the month.

“It is hoped that the Northern community will help us celebrate and educate Northern Illinois University about the rich culture African-Americans have given to the country.”

The Center for Black Students is able to present all evens without admission charges with the exception of the Sigma Gamma Rho (Greek Scene) in the Chick Evans Field House on Feb. 16. “There will be a $2 or $3 admission” said Amos.

A university-wide steering committee has operated for the last half of the year in order to organize the events being presented in February. “The steering committee has planned a series of activities that reflect the achievements of blacks that will be entertaining and educational,” said Amos.