The annual African-American Celebration at Coastal Carolina University will offer a variety of events promoting the art, history, music and theater of the African-American culture. All events are free and open to the public.

Events begin Thursday, Jan. 11 and will be held through April 3 on the university campus. This series is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Services. For more information call 349-2863.

The following events are scheduled:

-- Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Thursday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m., Wall Auditorium

Join the University in celebrating the struggles and triumphs of Martin Luther King Jr. This campuswide event celebrates unity and diversity. The featured speaker will be Rev. Stephen D. Brown, pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Mullins. This program is co-sponsored by the Rho Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

-- 1001 Black Inventions

Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m., Wall Auditorium

Presented by PinPoints Theatre, "1001 Black Inventions" is a play about the lives of brilliant men and women. The audience is taken into the "Twilight Zone," where a typical American family attempts to survive in a world without inventions created by Africans and African-Americans. Audiences laugh themselves into the realization that black ingenuity is an integral part of their everyday lives.

-- "Voices of Africa" Choral & Percussion Ensemble

Thursday, Feb.1 at 7 p.m., Wall Auditorium

This internationally acclaimed ensemble presents a complete and unique experience of a cappella harmonies and traditional West African percussion rhythms. The all-female performing arts ensemble has performed in Ghana, West Africa, the Kennedy Center, the National Women's Music Festival and other venues throughout the U.S. and abroad.

-- Gospel Sing Out

Sunday, Feb. 18 at 4:30 p.m., Wheelwright Auditorium

A celebration of joyous and heartfelt music, this annual event is a community favorite, featuring the harmony of the Coastal Carolina University Gospel Choir. The program also showcases other choirs from the community and surrounding areas.

-- An Evening of Jazz

Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m., Wall Auditorium

This event will feature the smooth sounds of Galen Abdur-Razzaq, a renowned flutist who has performed domestically and internationally for more than 30 years. He is an arranger, composer, director, educator and writer. Galen has been described as a master musician who has performed and recorded with many artists including Billy Taylor, Melba Moore, Freda Payne and Sonny Phillips.

-- Ephren Taylor, Lecturer

Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m., Wall Auditorium

Hip Hop generation-born, Ephren Taylor, at 24, has been widely recognized as America's youngest African-American CEO of a publicly traded company. He has helped fund seven companies, raising millions in investment capital. Taylor started his first business at the age of 12 and made his first million by the age of 16. Taylor has worked closely with corporations such as CitiGroup and Wal-Mart as well as city municipalities. He is the author of five books, including "How To Start A Company While Broke" and "250 Tips For Real Estate Investing."

-- "James Baldwin-“Down From The Mountaintop"

Thursday, March 29 at 7 p.m., Wall Auditorium

"James Baldwin-"Down From The Mountaintop" is a one-man play tracing the fervent life of writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin, performed by Tony Award-nominated actor Calvin Levels. The play follows Baldwin's childhood in Harlem to his relationships, rivalries and associations with Martin Luther King Jr., Richard Wright, Marlon Brando, Truman Capote, Malcolm X and other formidable activists. Levels, who also wrote the play, has worked with theaters across the country, performing this unique theatrical tribute to an American icon.

-- Cultural Expo

Tuesday, April 3 at 7 p.m., Wall Auditorium

Coastal Carolina University celebrates different cultures through art, music and dance. This event embraces the concept of cultural diversity and encourages awareness and learning.