Black History Month events scheduled at University of South Florida

SARASOTA -- USF Sarasota-Manatee is marking Black History Month this February with three events including a "poetry slam" that encourages student participation.

"Every year we celebrate Black History Month and this year we thought we would keep it more fun and light. There's discussion, but also poetry and music," Darren Gambrell, coordinator of student engagement, said in a statement.

On Feb. 9, a live solo performance of "Incognito: An American Odyssey of Race & Self Discovery" is scheduled.

This one-person play tells the story of Michael Fosberg, who grew up in a working-class section of Chicago. Raised by a white mother and stepfather, Fosberg later learned that his father was black. All students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of USF Sarasota-Manatee are invited. The performance begins at 5:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, Feb. 17, USFSM students will gather in the courtyard at 12:30 p.m. for an outdoor "poetry slam." Students, faculty and staff are urged to attend to read aloud selections from black poets.

Music, games and various world cuisines - Jamaican, Haitian and American soul food - will be offered free of charge during this afternoon-long event.

This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 3:07 PM with the headline "Black History Month events scheduled at University of South Florida ."