The 1989 Black Arts Festival tries to present educational messages in a fun atmosphere, said Lawerence Young, director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and coordinator for the festival.

The festival, which began last Friday has enjoyed excellent attendance, Young said. Both the "A Touch of Africa" and "Caribbean Experience - One Love" activities drew approximately 500 people each, while the Indiana University at Bloomington "Soul Revue" drew about 250.

"At all the events thus far, we've had a fairly good mix of people from a variety of ethnic groups," Young said.

The festival is run by a central planning committee consisting of faculty, staff, clergy, Greek and student organizations. The festival has been running since 1969, when it lasted a week, Young said.

Last January, On Campus Voice did an article on the Black Arts Festival. Other schools also send inquiries about the program to the University, Young said.

"We try to fit programming around a centralized theme, and we try to be as broad as possible in determining programs," Young said.

This year's theme, "Honoring the Elders, Empowering the Youth," was chosen to "offer up a certain look backwards and really show respect for people who have gone before us, as well as provide youth with a sense of empowerment which would allow them to achieve," Young said.

The festival coincides with the black alumni reunion and Paul Robeson's birthday celebration on April 9. Young said four days of activities will surround Robeson's birthday to "try to acquaint people with the stature of Paul Robeson and his accomplishments."

"Sigma Gamma Rho has been the major sponsor of this week of activities. April 9 would have been (Robeson's) 91st birthday - the week's activities would culminate in a birthday party."

Several of the week's activities, sponsored by Sigma Gamma Rho and Kappa Alpha Psi, included a choir program in Pollock quads, an awards program honoring five black faculty members for their work in education, and "Black by Popular Demand," a program in a game show format which explored black stereotypes. About 60 students attended each of the Greek events.

Brian Swain, president of Kappa Alpha Psi said, "I think the theme of the week is accepting the challenge to achievement."

Dr. James Stuart, director of the university's black studies program, said the festival's goal is to involve as many campus organizations as possible.

"I'm hoping it will serve as a culmination of the events which have happened over the year which I think have highlighted the issues of cultural diversity and the need for greater understanding among groups," Stuart said.