In celebration of black history month, UW-Milwaukee is offering various events that embrace the rich past, present lives and multi-faceted perspectives of African-Americans. Events run from Feb. 1-26, and are free and open to the public unless noted.

An ongoing event throughout the month includes Golda Meir’s exhibit of films and books about African-Americans and African history and culture. Located in the Media Library, the films and books are on display and can be checked out through the end of February.

Critically-acclaimed author Sapphire, who wrote the New York Times best-seller Push, released as a film under the title Precious, will be spending an evening on the UWM campus discussing her writing expertise. In addition to Sapphire’s presence, the Black Health Expo and the 5th annual African-American film festival are only a taste of the various celebrations across campus.

Dr. Anika Wilson, from the UWM Dept. of Africology, said the department’s hope is to bring pertinent topics to campus and encourage public discourse amongst students and the community.

“[The department’s] main objective is to educate and expose topics,” Dr. Wilson said. For example, Dr. Wilson pointed out that there is a forum on health care for the poor which is in the national spotlight and relevant to the community.

“What we like to do is bring together panels to raise the level of discourse…this way we can give back to the community and the students,” Dr. Wilson said.

Many different groups across campus helped to organize the various events. Some of the organizations include the LGBT Center, UWM Hip Hop Scholars, the UWM Africology Club and many more.

“Our events give hope to students and the general public,” UWM Union Sociocultural Program Manager Clara Cadet said. “We hope it is interesting to different constituents.”