Opening Extravaganza and Reception: A celebration of the ancestors and those who carry on the legacy. Features music, dance, oratory and reception. 4:30 p.m., Illinois Room, Chicago Circle Center, 750 S. Halsted St.

Open Mic/Poetry Slam: Mojo's Pen, UIC's black writers group, invites everyone to "bust a rhyme, spin a spell, and rap your song in the key of life." 7 p.m., Addams Hall, African-American Cultural Center, 830 S. Halsted St.

Lecture: "Contemporary Racism and Public Policy." UIC's Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy's inaugural Grace Holt Memorial Lecture features Commissioner Cherry Short, internationally acclaimed activist of the United Kingdom. Lecture/panel discussion will examine race relations, racial progress and discrimination. 3 p.m., conference rooms, Student Services Bldg, 1200 W. Harrison St.

Performance: Oba William King, multifaceted African-American heritage and culture performer, will involve participants in a stimulating variety of self-esteem building activities through storytelling, drama and vocals. 6 p.m., Recovery Room, Chicago Illini Union, 828 S. Wolcott Ave.

Open Mic/Poetry Slam: Mojo's Pen, UIC's black writers group, invites everyone to " bust a rhyme, spin a spell, and rap your song in the key of life." 7 p.m., Addams Hall, African-American Cultural Center, 830 S. Halsted St.

Gospel Music Concert: Songstress Dorothy Roberson will delight the audience with her repertoire of gospel, hymns and spirituals. 12:15 p.m., Chicago Rooms, Chicago Illini Union, 828 S. Wolcott Ave.

Tribute to Gwendolyn Brooks: "Generations of the Diaspora: Voices from Obsidian III, Text(ure) and Mojo's Pen." Poets from around the country will converge on UIC to pay tribute to the late Gwendolyn Brooks, Illinois' poet laureate. 7 p.m., Cardinal Room, Chicago Circle Center, 750 S. Halsted St.

African Heritage Ball: Come enjoy music and dancing, hosted by UIC's Black Student Union, National Association of Black Engineers, Mojo's Pen and African-American Community Empowerment. Featuring performance by the Muntu Dance Company, a live DJ and refreshments. 8 p.m., Illinois Room, Chicago Circle Center, 750 S. Halsted St. Admission: $7 in advance; $10 at the door.

Film Screening: "Panther." This dramatic film tells the story of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense and its armed political movement in the ghettos of Oakland, Calif. in the late 1960s. 4:30 and 7 p.m. Recovery Room, Chicago Illini Union, 828 S. Wolcott Ave.

Eleventh Annual Blues Cabaret: Featuring "Magic Slim and the Teardrops" and UIC alum "Fernando Jones and My Band." 7 p.m. Illinois Room, Chicago Circle Center, 750 S. Halsted St. Admission: $10 UIC students, faculty and staff; $15 general public.

 

Open Mic/Poetry Slam: Mojo's Pen, UIC's black writers group, invites everyone to "bust a rhyme, spin a spell, and rap your song in the key of life." 7 p.m., Addams Hall, African-American Cultural Center, 830 S. Halsted St.

Career Conference: "Career Opportunities in Public Health for Minorities." The 15th Annual Spring Conference offers information about the School of Public Health, its combined degree programs and paid summer internships. 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Chicago Rooms, Chicago Illini Union, 828 S. Wolcott Ave. Conference includes breakfast, lunch and parking. Preregister by calling (312) 996-5955.

Theatrical Performance: Eli Hoe Nai, African musician, creates a fun-filled program for kids of all ages. 10 a.m., Illinois Room, Chicago Circle Center, 750 S. Halsted St.

"Living in the Black Age": Works by Turtel Onli of Black Age Comic Books. African-American Cultural Center, 830 S. Halsted St. (Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) Lecture and reception: Friday, Feb. 9, Noon

"An Exhibition of Black Photographers": A. Montgomery Ward Gallery, Chicago Circle Center, 750 S. Halsted St. (Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.) Reception: Wednesday, Feb. 7, 4 p.m.