Southeast Missouri State University will observe National Black History Month in February with a variety of programs designed to celebrate the culture of black Americans.

National Black History Month is a time to recognize outstanding black men and women, and their contributions in building America, said Debra Mitchell-Braxton, assistant director of Southeast's Campus Assistance Center and coordinator of National Black History Month activities. This national observance depicts the efforts this country has made to preserve its many cultures.

"Black History Month mainly is used as a time to heighten awareness of the contributions of African American men and women," said Debra Mitchell-Braxton, assistant director of Southeast's Campus Assistance Center and coordinator of black history month activities at the school.

The observance will begin with a "Black Professional Person's Seminar" at 3 p.m. today in the University Center Program Lounge. Speakers will provide information on career and educational choices for African Americans.

A "Salute to African Americans," an oratorical and musical program in which students will depict current and past black leaders, will be held at noon Wednesday in the University Center lobby. The National Pan-Hellenic Council will complement the event with display tables honoring famous blacks.

Festivities will continue Friday with a performance of "The Rhythms and Folklore of Africa," by the Young Audiences of St. Louis. The production will include a broad sampling of Africa's tribal traditions, including poems, stories and dance. The event is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Academic Hall Auditorium.

A film tribute honoring African American actors and actresses will be held at 8 p.m. Feb. 16 in the University Center Ballroom.

"A Tribute to Malcolm X Now and Then," a dramatic presentation of black leader Malcolm X's life, will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 18 in the University Center lobby.

A "Gospel Explosion," featuring the Black Student Fellowship Mass Gospel Choir and several area church choirs, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 in Academic Hall Auditorium.

A panel discussion titled "The Vanishing African American Male" is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in the University Center Indian Room.

This issue is "hitting every facet of our society," said Mitchell-Braxton.

The number of black men, ages 16 to 25 who are employed, seeking post-graduate education, serving as teachers in the nation's schools and actively involved in the family unit has been on the decline in recent years, she said.

Serving on the panel will be area businessmen, students and entrepreneurs, including: Harry Schuler, director of Southeast's Equal Opportunity programs; Calvin Bird, Cape Girardeau Civic Center director; Willie Newbern, an Illinois educator; Arthur Hammonds, an officer with the Cape Girardeau Police Department; Frank Braxton, a kidney disease specialist; Lee Langston, finished product handling manager at Procter & Gamble Paper Products Co.; Derek Hudson, Southeast Student Government president; and Trent Ball, Damon Cannon, Kevin Todd and Ron Williams, all Southeast students.

Mitchell-Braxton said the panel will examine whether "we actively are investing as much in men of color as we are in others."

Also as part of the monthlong observance, a self-defense seminar will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 in the University Center Missouriana Room.

Capping the monthlong activities will be a guest lecture by Nikki Giovanni, a "revolutionary poet" and author of the 1968 poetry book, "Black Feeling, Black Talk." She will speak at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in Academic Hall Auditorium.

Over the past 20 years, Giovanni's outspokenness, in her writing and in person, has brought the eyes of the world upon her, university officials said.

Hailed as one of America's finest artists and nicknamed "The Princess of Black Poetry," Giovanni has fought for civil rights and equality in education. She has published nearly 20 books, made a half dozen records, had a movie made about her work and performed with an orchestra.

In her lectures, she speaks with humor on her life, poetry and the creativity in everything. Her focus is on the individual and on the power people have to make a difference in themselves and in the lives of others.