DePaul University's Renaissance Circle has scheduled two programs highlighting the African-American community in its 11-part 1997 lecture series, which focuses on Chicago's ethnic makeup. Chicago's Polish, Mexican and Jewish communities were also spotlighted.

In a program titled "African-American Migrations to Chicago and Black Institutional Development," Charles Branham, a Northwestern University professor, will discuss Chicago's black culture and influence on Nov. 5. Branham will address the development of black culture in the city and its influence on the fabric of the urban scene.

Fruteland Jackson, storyteller and musician, will perform and discuss "Singing the Blues" and the origins of the blues on Dec. 3. His songs range from blues ballads to folk and gospel standards and take his audiences from the Southern plantations to the urban areas of the North in story and song.

The Renaissance Circle, sponsored jointly by DePaul's School for New Learning and the Office of Alumni Relations, is a discussion group which offers its members an opportunity to continue their education through a series of presentations by experts on topics of interest.

Both programs will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the 8th Floor Conference Center at DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd.

Members attend free, non-members pay $20 to attend individual programs. For information about membership, which is open to the public, call Erin McLain in DePaul's alumni relations office at 312/362-8314.

Note: Reporters may attend free of charge by pre-registering with Denise Mattson in media relations at 312/362-6225.