FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Division of Student Affairs and the Black History Month Committee invite the campus community to celebrate African American culture at Friday Night Live: Soul Night at the University of Arkansas Union beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17.

Friday Night Live is an initiative by the Division of Student Affairs to create fun, educational and entertaining late-night programs for university students and guests. Friday Night Live provides a setting in which students, faculty, staff and guests can be "edutained" in a stress- and alcohol-free environment. Each Friday Night Live provides a variety of activities, games, contests and memorabilia.

Activities for Friday Night Live: Soul Night kick off with slam poet Sonya Renee performing her version of “Reality Rub” poetry at RZ’s at 9 p.m. Renee’s mixture of humor, reality and a pinch of sass brings spitfire truth to the words she shares with audiences. Winner of the 2004 National CITE Slam, the 2004 Southern Fried Regional Slam, and the 2004 PSI National Slam, Renee is a member of the District of Columbia/Baltimore National Slam Team.

The film “The Gospel” will be shown in the Union Theater at 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. The movie records the return of a singer to the church congregation of his father to face redemption or destruction.

The Soul Bowl Competition will begin in the Red Lounge at 9:30 p.m. Students will compete in Black History Month trivia for the chance to win Wal-Mart gift cards.

Step Afrika!, a powerful collaborative project between young artists from the United States and the South Africa-based Soweto Dance Theatre, will perform in the Union Ballroom at 10 p.m. Step Afrika! displays the roots of “stepping,” a traditional South African dance, in modern South African gumboot dance, tap dance and hoofing.

Local UA rap sensation Kenyon “The Dawn” Lowe will give his debut performance as a solo rap artist in the Connections Lounge at midnight. Already with a big fan base among students, sophomore Lowe is preparing the release of his second CD.

There will also be lots of food and a limited number of commemorative Black History Month T-shirts featuring artwork by Stephon Lathom, winner of the Black History Month T-shirt design contest. Other ongoing activities include air brush trucker hats, open mike at RZ’s after 10 p.m., ping pong, Dance Dance Revolution, make your own keychain and mosaic tiles, and DJ Derrick on the turn tables.

Admission is free to all students, faculty, staff and guests. Persons requiring special services related to disabilities are asked to call 575-5255 in advance to make the proper accommodations.

Visit the Friday Night Live Web site for more details on Soul Night at http://www.uark.edu/fnl.