IU Black History Month event highlights:

Starting Feb. 1, IU students will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate Black History Month around campus. From festivals to discussions, movies to performances, there's something for everyone who wants to delve into the chapters of black history. \nTo kickoff Black History Month, the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center will be hosting the fifth annual Sound the Drum and Family Fest from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Feb. 1. Audience members will make commitments to shared community values with each beat of the drum, an instrument which represents unity and solidarity in African cultures. \nThe fifth annual African-American Read-In will give students the \nopportunity to hear the works of Ralph Ellison, Langston Hughes, Kipchoge N. Kirkland and many other African-American writers read aloud. Since the first read-in in 1990. It is estimated that more than 1 million people have participated in the event across the world. In addition to the work of renowned artists, stories and poetry by local community members will also be shared. The event will take place at 10 a.m., Feb. 5 in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. \nStudents and faculty are invited to discuss issues of diversity and multiculturalism on campus during the program "Issues in Higher Education: Race Relations on Predominantly White Campuses." The film "Higher Learning" will also be shown. This event is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Feb. 6 at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. \nKnow a lot about black history? Put your knowledge to the test by competing in the "Black Knowledge Bowl." This event will take place from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Feb. 22 at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. To find a team or register a group, call 855-9271.\nFor students who want a taste of traditional African culture, Feb. 27 at the Neal-Marshall Black Cultural Center for the Africana Festival might do the trick. The two-part program will begin with a drumming workshop, The second half of the evening will take place in Alumni Hall. Attendees will be treated to a soul food dinner and an entertainment and fashion show. Tickets, which are $5 for students and $12.75 for adults are required for the second half of the show and must be purchased by Feb. 16 at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. \nChildren from the Iibada Dance Company will perform dances based on African-American stories from the time of slavery to the present. This event is free and will be held in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m, Feb. 28.