UALR celebrates Black History Month throughout February with music, a play, discussions, and “Rap Sessions,” a national tour exploring race and hip-hop led by acclaimed author and activist Bakari Kitwana.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Office of Campus Life at 501.569.3308.

Here is a rundown of the activities:

• “Education + Action = CHANGE,” a discussion with financial advisor Ryan Mack. In his workshops and economic empowerment initiatives, Mack speaks to young hip-hop entrepreneurs and visionaries on how to optimize their paper-chasing endeavors. He has appeared on CNBC, CNN, and BET discussing America’s economic issues. 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12; DSC Rooms B and C.
• “Rap Sessions: A Community Dialog on Hip-Hop.” Guest speakers include Bakari Kitwana, hip-hop activist and visionary; MC Search, radio announcer and former member of the group 3rd Bass, and Lisa Fager Bediako, the president and co-founder of Industry Ears, a nonprofit organization that focuses on the impact media have on communities of color. The trio, moderated by author and community organizer Patrick Oliver, will discuss race, hip-hop, and whether America is in a post-racism era. Kitwana, in collaboration with the Community Technology Foundation of California, leads Rap Sessions, the first national tour of its kind. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18; DSC Rooms A and B.
• A screening of “Cadillac Records,” a film starring Beyonce Knowles and Adrien Brody that chronicles the rise of Chess Records and its recording artists. 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19; DSC Leadership Lounge.
• “Evolution of Music: A Play.” Local musicians and actors, including Central High School drama teacher Agnolia Gaye and lead singer of Afrodesia Tim Anthony, will show the journey of music, from the plantation fields to the concert halls to the radio airwaves. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25; Stella Boyle Concert Hall.