How the Past Influences What We Will Become: 

First Annual African American Book Fair

Local authors, poets and literary critics will present their works and discuss the importance of African-American literature and history.  Panelists include Buddy Hannah, Mard Little, Sonya Bernard-Hollins, Deborah Barnes, Denise Miller, Michelle Johnson, and Center

Dismantling the House that Race Built

one-day conference, hosted by the Africana Studies Program and the Lewis Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations, whose aim is to debate and discuss the issue of race in the United States and its impact abroad.  For more information, contact the Lewis Walker Institute at 387-2141.

In celebration of Black History Month, librarian Valerie Osbourne weaves the history of African-Americans in Michigan, with her slide show on the work of four artists, including three generations of her family.  Featuring story quilts, water colors, and mixed media.  For more information, contact the Oshtemo Branch of KPL, 375-5662.

Sponsored by the Lucille Crawford Women’s Missionary Society, this free event is an opportunity to spend some time with 86-year old great grandmother Mother Crawford, whose story mirrors the story told in James McBride’s The Color of Water.  Widowed at the age of 42, Mother Crawford successfully raised four children as a single parent.  One of those children is Pastor Bobette Hampton, pastor of Fresh Fire AME Church.  For more information, call Fresh Fire AME Church at 381-8050.

The Diversity Committee of the Texas Township Campus at Kalamazoo Valley Community College invites you to a day of dialog on building relationships and understanding. Dr. Marilyn Schlack will give a welcome message, followed by a variety of wide-ranging presentations, including...

• Unintentional Intolerance
• "Doctor, No Hablo Ingles"
• Move It Forward With Civility and Respect
• The Incivility of Poverty
• Requirements of a Diverse Society

Register online at http://diversity.kvcc.edu
or call Robyn Robinson at 488-4870.<

In preparation for the April 2-3 visit to Kalamazoo of author Sister Helen Prejean, free screenings of this powerful film that portrays Sr. Helen’s jail ministry while she was a spiritual advisor for a man sentenced to death.  After the film, there will be a brief discussion and an opportunity to assess your own attitudes on forgiveness.

In preparation for the April 2-3 visit to Kalamazoo of author Sister Helen Prejean, free screenings of this powerful film that portrays Sr. Helen’s jail ministry while she was a spiritual advisor for a man sentenced to death.  After the film, there will be a brief discussion and an opportunity to assess your own attitudes on forgiveness.

In preparation for the April 2-3 visit to Kalamazoo of author Sister Helen Prejean, free screenings of this powerful film that portrays Sr. Helen’s jail ministry while she was a spiritual advisor for a man sentenced to death.  After the film, there will be a brief discussion and an opportunity to assess your own attitudes on forgiveness.

In preparation for the April 2-3 visit to Kalamazoo of author Sister Helen Prejean, free screenings of this powerful film that portrays Sr. Helen’s jail ministry while she was a spiritual advisor for a man sentenced to death.  After the film, there will be a brief discussion and an opportunity to assess your own attitudes on forgiveness.

Meet this husband-and-wife team who produced the new children’s book, The Friend, which tells the story of a lonely young white girl who is nurtured and cared for by her African American housekeeper.  No registration is required.  For more information, call the Portage District Library at 329-4544.