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 Jan. 12 and will be held through April 5 on the university campus. This series is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Services. All events are free and open to the public.

The following events are scheduled:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Thursday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m., Wall Auditorium

Joseph B. “Joe” Rogers, an attorney and former lieutenant governor of Colorado, will speak on how to keep Dr. King’s “Dream Alive.” The event is co-sponsored by the Mu Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

• “The Negro Baseball Leagues: An American Legacy,” Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m., Wall Auditorium

Filmmaker Byron Motley will present an evening of stories and film clips about the Negro Leagues’ history (1920-1960). Motley’s father was an umpire in the leagues for several years.

• Gospel Sing Out, Sunday, Feb. 19 at 4:30 p.m., Wheelwright Auditorium

This celebration of joyous music will feature the harmony of the Coastal Carolina University Gospel Choir with guest choirs from around the area. This year’s program will feature the Benedict College Gospel Choir and Christ-N-U from Columbia.

• Step Afrika!, Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m., Wheelwright Auditorium

Step Afrika is the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. The company, acclaimed for its efforts to promote an understanding of and appreciation for the history of stepping, has performed in North and South America, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean and has been featured on CNN, BET and PBS. This program is co-sponsored by the Office of Student Activities and Leadership.

• “Women in the Media,” Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m., Recital Hall, Edwards building.

Speaker Cynthia Hardy, who was awarded United Press International’s Best Reporter in the State award, will discuss women in the media. Hardy is also vice president for communications of the Columbia chapter of the National Urban League.

• African-American Poetry, Thursday, March 23 at 7 p.m., Wall Auditorium

AZONE, a group of local poets from the Dreamkeepers Community Arts Center in Georgetown, will be featured in this program. They have performed at the Moja Arts Festival and the world-renowned Spoleto Festival in Charleston. Coastal students, faculty and staff will present their own poetry, as well as that of other African-American poets.

• Cultural Celebration, Wednesday, April 5 at 11:30 a.m., Prince Lawn The annual event celebrates the art, music, history and cuisine of many cultures with participation from students, faculty, staff and the community. Rain date for the festival is Wednesday, April 12 at the same time and place.

For more information, contact the university’s Office of Multicultural Student Services at 349-2863.