Academy Award nominated actress Taraji P. Henson is the keynote speaker for Black History Month, which kicks off Monday, Feb. 4, in the University Theatre.

The Office of Campus Life and Diversity Programs are sponsoring the scheduled events, which coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. Those historical events are the themes for the month’s activities.

Taraji P. Henson will speak at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, in the University Theatre. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Henson currently co-starts in the CBS series “Person of Interest” and previously appeared in “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Henson will present the talk, “Finding Faith in Yourself,” a discussion focused on the importance of education, following your dreams, and mentoring to young people. Diversity Programs coordinator Kara Matthews Brown said she’s looking forward to students hearing about how they, too, can be humble in all avenues and learn to overcome obstacles.

“Taraji P. Henson has always developed successfully in her career, so students should become inspired learning about finding their inner faith for overcoming obstacles and believing in and achieving their goals,” Brown said.

At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, students can enjoy a Jabali Afrikan dance performance in Ledbetter Hall of the Donaghey Student Center. There will be a pre-show teaser at 5 p.m. in the DSC Diamond Cafe. Both events are co-sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

The Academy Award nominated film “Flight” will be shown at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, in DSC Ledbetter.

The Psychology Department is co-sponsoring a talk at4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, with nationally known scholar and urban issues expert Dr. Robert L. Green. He will present the discussion, “How Teacher Expectations Can Increase Student Involvement,” in the Student Services Center auditorium.

Students are invited to join the Hair Forum Discussion: Good and Bad Hair at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in DSC Ledbetter A.

For more information on Black History Month, visit the Diversity Programs website or contact Kara Matthews Brown at 501-683-7016.