African Peoples History Month, which began Monday, Feb. 1, at California State University, Fresno, will include workshops, poetry jams and films – including a review of President Obama’s accomplishments and a benefit concert for Haiti earthquake victims.

Events are presented by the Central Valley Cultural Heritage Institute (CVCHI) and University Student Union Productions, the campus programming board at Fresno State. CVCHI held opening ceremonies with dance groups, music, speakers and poetry readings and a concert to help Haiti’s earthquake victims.

On the schedule of CVCHI events are:
  • 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, an on-line video seminar, “10 Myths of Social Justice,” in the Student Recreation Center Room 201 with Vernon A. Wall of the Social Justice Training Institute in Washington, DC. It is co-sponsored by Fresno State’s Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and President’s Commission on Human Relations and Equity.
  • 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, Poetry Jam at the Bucket, presenting new and established poets in an open mic session.
  • 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, Africana Studies faculty will present a panel discussion on “Grading and Evaluating President Obama” at the Leon S. and Pete P. Peters Educational Center in the Student Recreation Center.

The Cultural Heritage Institute at Fresno State focuses on the celebration and study of the cultural heritage, diversity and contributions of the central San Joaquin Valley’s diverse population. Its mission includes creation and maintenance of a culturally competent, supporting and safe community.

University Student Union Productions events:
  • 7 p.m. Feb. 11, Academy Award-nominated movie “Precious” will be screened at the Satellite Student Union. Admission is $2 for Fresno State students with a valid ID and $4 for the general public. The movie is about an overweight, illiterate teen in Harlem, pregnant with her second child, who is invited to enroll in an alternative school in hopes that her life can head in a new direction.
  • 7 p.m. Feb. 13, the Hearts for Haiti Benefit Concert at the Satellite Student Union will benefit the Fresno Chapter of the American Red Cross. Performances by JJ Brown, 40 Watt Hype and HR7 are scheduled. Admission is $3 donation for Fresno State students with valid ID and $5 donation for the general public. Raffle prizes include tickets to Sea World, Magic Mountain and Fresno State Athletics games; a Starbucks basket; and movie passes.
  • 7 p.m. Feb. 19, the theatrical production “Portraits of Courage” at the Satellite Student Union. It’s an examination of overlooked African-Americans and their contributions to American history. Admission is $3 for Fresno State students; $5 for the general public.

For more information about CVCHI events, contact Francine Oputa at 559.278.6946 or francine@csufresno.edu or visit the Web site at www.csufresno.edu/cvchi.

For more information about USU Productions events, call 559.278.2741

University Communications news intern Amanda Fine contributed to this copy.

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