Although February is nationally recognized as Black History Month, some members of the Penn State community believe the title may be misleading.

"Black history is not a monthly celebration," Ed Thompson, president of the Forum on Black Affairs (FOBA), said. "Black History is a perpetual celebration. ... I live it every day."

Debra Simpson-Buchanan, assistant director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, also said the celebration of black history should not be confined to one month of the year.

"Black history is not just relegated to February. ... [It] is every moment that we exist," she said. "It's important that the campus recognize that in curricula, programming and staffing. There needs to be a presence of all cultures."

This year's Black History Month celebrations and events are a result of a collaborative effort among various multicultural organizations on campus, which includes cultural exhibits, performances and film series throughout the month.

Buchanan said Penn State's observance of Black History Month began Tuesday night with a showing of The Murder of Emmett Till, a film about the dragging death of a black man in Texas that is intended to expose racism in America.

She added that additional films and theatrical performances pertaining to race and culture will be shown throughout the month.

FOBA met Tuesday night with officials from the Office of Educational Equity to discuss ways to better foster diversity at Penn State, especially in the areas of recruitment and retention rates of minority students, Thompson said.

He added that Penn State is better positioned today than ever before to address diversity issues.

"We understand the lessons of the past, and we are focused on the future," Thompson said.

Another important upcoming event is the annual African-American Read-In Chain, a three-day program dedicated to sharing poetry and literature.

Guest author Kamau Brathwaite will perform readings during the event, which will be attended by members of the Penn State community as well as students from local school districts.

Lauren Chyle, HUB-Robeson Galleries publicist, said the gallery is currently featuring the works of various black artists, including Eugene Grigsby, Jr. and the sculptor Woodrow Nash.

The HUB-Robeson Gallery is also holding an exhibition by Donnamaria Bruton called Calculations for the Perfect Woman, containing paper dresses, dolls, mixed media, drawing and castings.

Black Caucus Treasurer Lisa Henriques said student groups are making a greater effort this year to participate in Black History Month.

She said the Black Caucus will host a panel discussion regarding Black AIDS Day at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the HUB-Robeson Center.

Thompson said that although Penn State provides a number of events in honor of Black History Month, a greater range of students should participate.

"I don't think that Black History Month is just for black people," he said. "I think it's important for students who are not black to make it a point during Black History Month to try to learn something that they don't already know."