Black History Month events

Americans have recognized black history annually since 1926, when it began as a week-long observance. February 1976 marked the first month-long celebration, as the nation took the time to reflect on the varied contributions African-Americans have made.

From the famed Tuskegee Airmen to the Civil Rights movement, from George Washington Carver’s ground-breaking work in agriculture, to Dr. Charles Drew, the physician and medical scientist who pioneered the research on the preservation of blood, African Americans have had a monumental impact on society.

In recognition of February as Black History Month, Augusta State University offers the following events.

• A Soldier’s Play, Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and 2, at 8 p.m., and Feb. 3 at 3 p.m., Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. Written by Charles Fuller, it is the story of a segregated Army camp in Louisiana during 1944. Presented in conjunction with Paine College, tickets: $10, adults; $7, seniors; $5, students; and free with valid ASU or Paine College ID. Call 737-1500.

• Black history film and brown bag lunch. TBA.

• Phi Kappa Phi forum Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 1 p.m., in Washington Hall Towers, free. ASU faculty members discuss African American. Michael Searles, history and anthropology, will discuss black cowboys, and Dr. Charles Case, sociology, will speak on civil rights.

• Dress for Success, Feb. 8 at 1 p.m., Washington Hall topic room 3, free. Lesley Riley, associate director/career employment manager at ASU Career Center, speaks on business etiquette and resume building. Hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha. Call 737-1472.

• ASU Jazz Combo, Feb. 13 at noon, Washington Hall.

• An open forum on race, Augustans Together and ASU, Feb. 15 at noon, Science Building W1008, free. Call 737-1411.

• Gospel Expo, Feb. 17 from 3 to 5:30 p.m., Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, free. Featuring performances by local church choirs; presented by the ASU Black Student Union, call 737-1492.

• Buffalo Soldiers, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m., Galloway Hall room 101A, free. Featuring a video, lecture and riding performances by the Buffalo Soldiers. Call 737-1709.

• Art Expo, Feb. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Washington Hall lobby and cafeteria, free. Music and oral performances, original art exhibits, and a five dollar book sale; presented by the ASU Black Student Union, call 737-1492.

• Open Forum on traditional African American fraternities and sororities Feb. 27 at 1 p.m., Washington Hall topic room 2, free. Call 729-2078.

• High school student recognition, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. Top two African American scholars from each area high school recognized. Call 737-1444.