The power of the spoken word from African-Americans is the theme of Black History Month events on campus during February.

Events include the annual Gospel Extravaganza and a panel discussion centered on comedian Bill Cosby’s recent comments about black America.

“This year’s Black History Month will be about what African-Americans are saying and have said,” says Jamie Mells, director of Minority Affairs. “All of this year’s activities will concentrate on the conversation that takes place in the African-American community on a day-to-day basis.”

Minority Affairs is sponsoring several events that are free and open to the public and campus community during the remainder of the month. Visit www.tntech.edu/bcc/Calendars/2005/feb_.htm for updates and a complete calendar. Here are highlights:

* Panel Forum: 7:30-9 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16, Leona Lusk Officer Black Cultural Center. This panel discussion features the president of Nashville’s NAACP chapter discussing comments made by Bill Cosby concerning black America.

* Gospel Extravaganza, 3-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20, Multipurpose Room. Alpha Phi Alpha presents a program of gospel music where performers from across the state come to display their talents of praise.

* “A Woman Ain’t I," 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, Johnson Auditorium. Kathryn Woods will re-live the life of Sojourner Truth with stories of her early days as a slave, detail her relationship with God, and chronicle her days walking through this land.

* "What’s Sex Got to Do with It? Black and White Responses to Interracial Relationships" and "Negotiating Jim Crow’s Children: Race in Contemporary America," time TBA, Friday, Feb. 25, presented by Dr. Charles Robinson.