There are a host of events in store for the celebration of Black History Month at the University of Arkansas. This year's kickoff event is "My Black is Beautiful," a First Friday event hosted by The Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, in the Arkansas Union Connections Lounge. The event is free and open to the campus and the Northwest Arkansas community. The center will also host Angela Rye as the month's keynote speaker at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, in the Arkansas Union Verizon Ballroom.

For those looking to celebrate early, the Faulkner Performing Arts Center will feature events that explore the roots and evolution of black folk music with Ruthie Foster at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. today, Wednesday, Jan. 30. There will also be a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, titled "Sweet Honey in the Rock," sponsored by the UA Inspirational Chorale, Music Department and the Jim and Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center.

The annual Shades of Ebony Awards, hosted by the Black Students Association, Black Alumni Society Scholars, and the Black Alumni Society, will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House.

For a special arts presentation this Black History Month, the African and African American Studies program has partnered with Visionairi Foundation for the "incARceraTed: Art Transforming Lives" series. Events in the series include keynote lecturer Kenneth Reams speaking on art, history and the criminal justice system, a film screening and talkback of Free Men by Anne Frédérique Widmann, and a panel for "incARceraTed, Artist, Activism and Systemic Injustice" featuring Brian Gallini, Lawrence Bartley and Dr. Valandra with panelist host Osyrus Bolly.

For the full list of events planned throughout the month, including community Black History Month events from Compassion Fayetteville, please visit the Office for Diversity and Inclusion website.