As part of Black History Month, Penn State is bringing the first annual NAACP Week to campus to help educate students on issues affecting black students.

Tables distributing candy and condoms, educational programs about safe sex and college funding, and a game of "Black Jeopardy!" are some of this week's activities, co-sponsored by the Office for the Vice Provost for Educational Equity. "It is designed to educate the entire campus community on issues that are currently affecting students of color," said Jenny Jackson, Penn State's National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) president. "We're hoping we have a really large turnout."

This particular week was chosen for celebration because it does not conflict with programming held by other multicultural organizations, Jackson said. She said the dates of NAACP Week could change from year to year.

Brandon Neal, NAACP youth and college division national director, said most college chapters throughout the country celebrate NAACP Week at some point during the year.

"Young people really should pick up the mantel and train other young people," he said, adding that the NAACP youth and college division has existed since 1936.

Neal said programming for NAACP Week should focus on informing and educating students about black history and current social issues.

"Black Jeopardy!," which is co-sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, will be held Thursday night to challenge students with black history facts and trivia. The event will be open to the public.

Four teams of four students each will have to answer questions concerning black inventors, sports, music, writers and entertainers to earn a prize.

Jackson said that between rounds of Jeopardy!, the audience will be asked hypothetical questions about what the world would be like without the contributions of black people.

"For example, 'What would the world be like without the refrigerator?'" Jackson said. Black inventors Thomas Elkins and John Standard patented improved refrigerator designs in the late 19th century.

The week will end with a party called "The Blackout" Friday night in the Pollock Rec Room with music and dancing. Jackson said that although students will be charged a fee to enter, those who wear black clothing will get $1 off their entrance fee.

The "all-black" theme is a symbol of Black History Month, Jackson said.

Natasha Ewart, an officer for Penn State's NAACP, said the week is an important way to recognize diversity at Penn State. "There's less than 4 percent blacks at Penn State," she said. "Its important to have programs to get to know other ethnic people on campus."