DePaul University will commemorate Black History Month in February with an array of programs that celebrate the black experience from antiquity to modern times. The following events are free and open to the public. Unless otherwise indicated, reservations must be made by contacting DePaul’s Culture Center at 773/325-7759.

Program Opening Reception and Recital – Master Flautist Galen Abdur-Razzaq will perform Tuesday, Feb. 2, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the DePaul Art Gallery, located in the Richardson Library, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave. The recital is co-sponsored by the DePaul Art Gallery and the Cultural Center.

Lecture/Reception with Jacob Carruthers – "Ancient African Kemetic Culture: Its Importance to Persons of African Descent and to the World" is the topic a lecture by Jacob Carruthers, acting director, Center for Inner City Studies, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., DePaul Cultural Center, Stuart Center, 2311 N. Clifton Ave., Suite 304. Carruthers, who is also a political science professor at Northeastern Illinois University, has written several books and articles on the topic.

"Chicago and National Politics Forum" featuring U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.) and Cook County Clerk David Orr, Sunday, Feb. 7 at St. Vincent’s Church, 1010 W. Webster Ave., 6:30 p.m. The politicians will share their perspectives on political processes and the legacy of Martin L. King, Jr. The forum is co-sponsored by the DePaul Student Government Association and the Office on Diversity. Reservations are not required for this event.

Lecture/Reception with Conrad Worrill, Ph.D. - "The Origin and Development of African-Centered Education," is the topic of Worrill’s lecture, Monday, Feb. 8, 6 – 8 p.m. in the Schmitt Academic Center (SAC), 2320 N. Kenmore Ave. Worrill is coordinator of the Department of Inner City Studies Education at Northeastern Illinois University. He is one of the leading advocates of African-centered education, and serves as national chairman of the National Black United Front.

Lecture/Reception with Na’im Akbar, Ph.D. – "Africa: From Antiquity Until Today," is the topic of Akbar’s lecture, Friday, Feb. 12 at 3:30 p.m.in SAC, 2320 N. Kenmore Ave., Room 254. The reception after the lecture will be held in the Stuart Center, 2311 N. Clifton Ave., Suite 304. Akbar is a nationally renowned psychologist, educator, author and motivational speaker, who has spoken at more than 300 colleges and conferences around the world. His books including "Chain and Images of Psychological Slavery" and "The Community of Self," have been widely acclaimed.

Lecture/Reception with Robert Starks – "Chicago Politics Since the Death of Harold Washington" is the topic of a lecture by Starks, associate professor, Northeastern Illinois University, Monday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Recognized as an expert on African American politics, Starks has appeared on "Nightline," "The Today Show" and "Crossfire." He served as a political advisor to the late Mayor Washington and currently acts as an issues advisor to the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson. Starks is penning a book on Washington’s political life.

Lecture/Luncheon with Felix Masud-Piloto, Ph.D. – "The Haitian Exodus: Political or Economic Motivations?" is the topic of Masud-Piloto’s lecture, Friday, Feb. 19, noon to 1:30 p.m., DePaul Cultural Center, Stuart Center, 2311 N. Clifton Ave., Suite 304. Masud-Piloto is the director of DePaul’s Center for Latino Research and an associate professor of history. DePaul faculty, staff and students who plan on attending this event, must R.S.V.P. to the Cultural Center, x7759. [This item for DePaulia only]

Black Art Exhibit – A collection of portraits by artist Fred O’Neil will be exhibited Wednesday, Feb. 24, noon to 2 p.m. in the DePaul Cultural Center, Stuart Center, 2311 N. Clifton Ave., Suite 304. O’Neil’s work is inspired by his love for the culture of New Orleans. His portraits are of jazz and gospel greats and famous faces of Black history.

Lecture by Eric Foner - "The Story of American Freedom: Debates Over the Meaning of Freedom in America’s History" is the topic of Foner’s lecture Thursday, Feb. 25, SAC, 2320 N. Kenmore Ave., Room 254, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Foner is the Dewitt Clinton Professor of History at Columbia University in New York City. This event is sponsored by DePaul’s Center for Culture and History of Black Diaspora. Make reservations by calling 773/325-7510.

For more information on DePaul’s Black History Month programming, contact

the Cultural Center at 773/325-7759.