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. Events begin this month and will be held through April 2 on the university campus. All events are free and open to the public.

The following events are scheduled:

- The Peace Circle will commemorate the struggles and triumphs of Martin Luther King Jr. as participants join hands and pray for peace. Walter Jackson, CEO of Kyndacris Enterprises in Irmo, S.C., will be the featured speaker. The event will be Friday, Jan. 17 at 12:30 p.m. in Wall Auditorium.

- Actor Darryl Van Leer will perform his one-man show, Power on Earth, Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. in Wall Auditorium. The show has earned high praise from critics and audiences throughout the country. It features vivid dramatizations of some of history's most important and influential African Americans. Van Leer portrays eight different characters, beginning with slave insurrectionist Nat Turner and ending with the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

- The Gospel Sing Out, a celebration of joyous music, will feature the harmony of the Coastal Carolina University Gospel Choir with special guest choirs from around the region. The Sing Out will be held Sunday, Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m. in Wheelwright Auditorium.

- The African-American Heritage Showcase will feature skits, music and dance highlighting the history and culture of African Americans. The event, sponsored by Coastal's African-American Association and NAACP chapter, will be held Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Recital Hall in the Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts Building.

- The Adande African Dance Company, an authentic group of African drummers and dancers, will perform Saturday, March 8 at 7 p.m. in Wall Auditorium. The disciplined yet magical beat of the African chant and drum conveys a high level of energy and rhythm that is distinctive of this evocative art form. The company, an authentic group of African drummers and dancers, is under the artistic direction of Jesse Thrower.

- Enjoy African-American poetry written or read by Coastal Carolina University students, faculty, staff and friends Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center, Room 208.

- "Cultural Celebration," an annual, day-long festival celebrating cultural diversity through music, art, food and more, will be held Wednesday, April 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Prince Lawn. The rain date will be Wednesday, April 9.

For more information about Coastal's African-American Celebration, contact the university's Office of Multicultural Student Services at 349-2863.