In celebration of Black History Month the Paul Robeson Cultural Center Gallery has been hosting an exhibit of books, literature and art by and about blacks, their history and experiences.

The presentation, In Words and Pictures is part of a campaign to highlight black achievements in the arts and black heritage in print.

The intimate display features books by authors as diverse as Dick Gregory and Haki Madhabuti (who spoke at the University two weeks ago). There are books profiling the lives of such people as W.E.B. DuBois, books about black history in Centre County, black women in the 19th century and black contributions in classical music, as well as renowned writers such as Arma Bontemps and Langston Hughes.

In addition, notable black University alumni such as Rosie Grier, James Robinson and Murray DeDillas are represented in writings and art.

Nationally acclaimed artist and University alumnus John T. Biggers' work is also on display. Anyone familiar with the murals in the foyer of the Burrowes building knows Biggers' art. His murals combine black experiences with African tribal images in a symbolic and dramatic style. The Biggers piece on display is a startling innovation on the theme of the "American Gothic."

The exhibit was organized at the Robeson Center by director Lawrence Young. Young said that most of the books are part of the Cultural Center's library and can also be accessed through LIAS in Pattee Library. Young looks forward to similar exhibits in the future and also to greater cooperation between Pattee and the Robeson Center.

"The responses have been very positive so far," Young said. "We do regret however, that in light of all the recent race-related issues on campus, we don't have a comment book available (at the exhibit). It would have been very helpful."

Young said that exhibits like this and other Black History Month programs have been ironically overshadowed by the current racial tensions. He said that instead of a "celebration of the month" it has been an "investigation of the (racial) climate" at the University.

Asked if he has seen any progress, Young replied said that attendance at Tuesday's rally and recent statements by student organization leaders denouncing racism are steps forward.

"This campus has been sensitized, and it is impossible to retreat. We need to make concrete statements that a Penn State of racial intolerance is not our Penn State," Young said.

Young remarked that the campus is "primed for learning". Exhibits such as Words and Pictures can provide the catalyst for that learning, Young said.

In conjunction with the "Heritage in Print" and "Words and Pictures" themes of the Black History Month, the Penn State Bookstore also has a special display of books on black literature, art and music. Available authors range from Henry Dumas and poet Langston Hughes to Pulitzer Prize-winners Alice Walker and Toni Morrison.