Media Contacts:
Dr. M. Iyailu Moses, 919/515-5210
Mick Kulikowski, News Services, 919/515-3470

Oct. 18, 2002

NC State to Celebrate African-American Heritage Day on Oct. 26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The North Carolina State University African-American Cultural Center (AACC) will host its annual African-American Heritage Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.

The event -free and open to the public- will be held at the center, located in the Witherspoon Student Center at the corner of Cates Avenue. and Dan Allen Drive. The event is co-sponsored by the university's African-American Heritage Society.

Dr. Karla Holloway, William R. Kenan Professor of African and African-American Studies and English, and dean of humanities and social sciences at Duke University, will deliver the keynote address at 3:30 p.m. in NC State's Campus Cinema, which is also located in the Witherspoon Student Center. Holloway will discuss "Performing the Ends of Days: Black Death and Dying." She is the author of five books, most recently Passed On: African-American Mourning Stories, which is a cultural and historic look at African-American death, dying, burial and bereavement in the 20th century.

Heritage Day will also celebrate African-American heritage with music, dance, storytelling, food, rap sessions and creative workshops.

Through its programs and activities, the AACC seeks to provide educational experiences that promote an awareness of and an appreciation for the diversity and richness of the African-American experience. With a goal of engaging all academic areas of the university, the AACC develops and implements a variety of programs including lectures, workshops, seminars, student study groups, festivals, theater, dance, music and other cultural events. While enhancing the academic excellence and cultural awareness of African-American students, the center provides opportunities for all members of the campus community to receive a more culturally diverse and enriching educational experience.

For more information, contact the AACC at 919/515-5210.

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