A three-month project taking place at DePaul University will shed light on Muslim cultural practices and beliefs, while providing an exciting sampling of Islamic music, dance and food through several special events that get underway in April.

     The "Exploring Muslim Cultures" (EMC) events kickoff April 3 when the savory aroma of foods enjoyed in Muslim cultures around the world fills the air at "A Taste of the Islamic World" in Cortelyou Commons, 2324 N. Fremont St., at 7 p.m. Tasty cuisine -- prepared in the Islamic tradition -- from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States will be available for guests to sample.

     The power of song and spoken word will be demonstrated in flamboyant fashion April 14, when The Last Poets take to the stage at DePaul. The concert performance will be held at 7 p.m. in Cortelyou Commons.

     The revolutionary wordsmiths came of age in the early 1960s with original rap songs that were spoken directly to Black people, and called for a conscious awakening to racial and social injustice. The group includes original member, Abiodun Oyewole, who is a practicing Muslim.

     "The Last Poets' music and talk is what brought many Americans into Islam," said Aminah McCloud, associate professor of religious studies at DePaul and organizer of EMC. "It's not so much because they talked about Islam in their performances, but they talked about Islam to their fans, after performances."

     On May 5, Khalidah's North Afrikan Dance Theatre will bring the colorful and provocative dances of the Islamic North African region to the stage at DePaul when dancers perform at Cortelyou Commons at 7 p.m.

     The company is led by internationally renowned dancer and choreographer, Khalidah Kali. For more than 20 years, she has traveled extensively throughout North Africa, studying the dances and cultures of ancient societies.

     "Exploring Muslim Cultures" at DePaul also includes art exhibitions, lectures, courses and community forums. For more information about the series visit the Web site at www.exploringmuslimculture.com or call 773/325-7863.

     All of the "Exploring Muslim Cultures" events are free and open to the public. Reservations must be made in order to attend The Last Poets and North Afrikan Dance Theatre performances. Reservations can be made by visiting the Web site or by calling 312/362-6346.