News Release

Performances, speakers and student events will mark the celebration of Black History Month 2005 on the Homewood campus of The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St. in Baltimore. Organized by members of the Black Student Union, the program, "Leading the Past into Tomorrow," spans the month of February and features guest speaker Bishop Douglas Miles, a political forum and a fashion show.

Chair of the program is Cassandra Batichon, a sophomore from Richmond Hill, N.Y. She is backed by the chair-elect, Fallon Ukpe, a sophomore from Houston, and the Black History Month Committee.

"Our chosen theme, 'Leading the Past Into Tomorrow,' emphasizes the essence of what leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Sojourner Truth, Malcolm X and Langston Hughes tried to get across to the growing minority population," Batichon said. "It is necessary to continue this campaign for advancement."

For more information about the following events, call the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at 410-516-2224 or go to www.jhu.edu/bsu.

Tuesday, Feb. 1, noon-1 p.m. Glass Pavilion, Levering Student Union.
Opening Ceremonies.

Wednesday, Feb. 2, 6-9 p.m. Sherwood Room, Levering Student Union.
Lecture by Bishop Douglas Miles, one of the founders of the Black Student Union at Johns Hopkins. He is the pastor at Koinonia Baptist Church in East Baltimore.

Saturday, Feb. 12, 7-9 p.m. Shriver Hall Auditorium.
"The Blueprint," a Fashion Show. $5 general public and $3 for Johns Hopkins affiliates in advance; $6 at the door. The ticket includes admission to the party following the show. For information about buying tickets, go to www.jhu.edu/~bsu/events.html.

Monday, Feb. 14. Glass Pavilion, Levering Student Union.
Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Registration in honor of Charles R. Drew, an African-American physician who conducted pioneering work in blood preservation. Blood drive: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Marrow donor registration: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 7-9 p.m. Glass Pavilion, Levering Student Union.
Political Forum. Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, a Johns Hopkins alumnus, is scheduled to speak, along with other local politicians who will talk about the road to their present offices and the policies about which they are passionate. A question-and-answer period follows their talks.

Friday, Feb. 18, 8-10 p.m. Arellano Theater, Levering Student Union.
Poetry Slam. Poets will be judged and a cash prize awarded to the winner. $10 to participate, $5 for all attendees.

Saturday, Feb. 19, 6-8 p.m. Glass Pavilion, Levering Student Union.
Gospel Jubilee. Presented by the JHU Gospel Choir and the Black Student Union, the Gospel Jubilee will be a collaboration among the choirs and dance ministries of area colleges and universities, including Morgan State, Coppin, UMBC, Loyola and Towson.

Saturday, Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. show. Arellano Theater, Levering Student Union. Cabaret.
The Dunbar Baldwin Hughes Theater Company presents a formal evening with a catered dinner and one-hour dance, jazz and drama. Following the performance, the stage will be turned into a dance floor for everyone. $13 general admission, $10 students.

Sunday, Feb. 27, 3-6:30 p.m. Glass Pavilion, Levering Student Union.
Closing Ceremonies.