Feb. 1: A black history celebration and keynote address by , an activist for black, Muslim and femme communities and executive director of Equality for HER. The 6 p.m. program in Strickler Hall’s auditorium begins with music by UofL’s Black Diamond Choir followed by more music, dances and comments from students and community members around the theme of “Carrying the Torch.”

Feb. 2-6 and 9-12: “,” a play by Kirsten Greenidge and directed by Theatre Arts Department Chair and Professor Nefertiti Burton. Performed by students in the African American Theatre Program, the play examines the implications and aftermath of a racially charged incident on a college campus. Performances are Feb. 2-6 and Feb. 9-12 (no performances Feb. 7-8) at 8 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, Thrust Theatre, 2314 S. Floyd St. is $8-$15.

Feb. 13: Composer and conductor performs with the University Symphonic Band and Noe Middle School Band as part of an African American Music Heritage Institute , 7 p.m., School of Music, Comstock Hall. General admission is $10 and $5 for students. It is free for UofL students.

Feb. 17-26: “Empowerment: Making and Shaping History,” a at the Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium that explores themes in social justice. Shows are 6 p.m. Feb. 17, 18 and 24 and 2 p.m. Feb. 18, 19, 25 and 26.

Feb. 19: “A Salute to African American Athletes: Trailblazers Who Broke Color Barriers in College Sports” will be the UofL/Yearlings Club’s Black History Month , 4-6 p.m., Yearlings Club, 4309 W. Broadway.��

UofL also offers free online guides to two Louisville civil rights tours: , compiled by the Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice Research, and a noting civil rights demonstration spots near businesses that refused to serve African Americans.��The College of Arts and Sciences developed both tours with community partners.

The UofL College of Arts and Sciences’ international, diversity and engagement programs office is offering the free, public forums in partnership with the Yearlings at the civic club’s 4309 W. Broadway location. The series, part of the Signature Partnership Initiative, seeks to bring faculty members and the public together to share expertise, discuss issues and forge common bonds.

The events run 4-6 p.m. monthly on Sundays (unless otherwise indicated) from September through April. The April 11 program will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday.

The schedule includes:

Jan. 22 – “Putting Students First: Creating a Community of Learners.” Panelists will include Kentucky ����ֱ�� and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner, Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Donna Hargens and Jefferson County Teachers Association President Brent McKim, with UofL Pan-African studies professor Carson Byrd as moderator. Topics will include the educational needs of urban youth, school choice and charter schools.

Feb. 19 – “A Salute to African-American Athletes: Trailblazers Who Broke Color Barriers in College Sports.”

March 19 – “Women’s History Month Program: Honoring ‘Hidden Figures’ in Kentucky’s History.”

April 11 – “Annual Community Spirit Awards.” Reception will honor distinguished citizens for their service. (6-8 p.m. Tuesday).

The Yearlings Club Inc. was established in 1951 and its members include representatives from corporate, government and private organizations. The club is devoted to promoting civic responsibility, community service and leadership development.