Actor and author Hill Harper, who plays Dr. Sheldon Hawkes on the CBS hit series “CSI: NY,” will discuss black history within today’s society at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall as part of UALR’s Black History Month events.

Harper has written four books including “Letters to a Young Brother” and “Letters to a Young Sister” which provide inspirational lessons and guidance for today’s youth.

Originally from Iowa City, Iowa, Harper graduated from Brown University and holds two graduate degrees from Harvard – a juris doctor degree from Harvard Law School and a master’s degree in public administration from the Kennedy School of Government.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the University Program Council, Sodexo, and the Office of Campus Life.

Black History Month Kick Off

Distinctive Discussion: “Know Your History, Predict Your Future” – The month’s events will kick off at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall Room B. The first event is an interactive workshop featuring Tina Fletcher, author of “10 Steps to Succeed in ANY College.” In the workshop titled, “Know Your History, Predict Your Future,” Fletcher will elaborate on the role of African Americans in America.

Schedule of Events:

• Film: “To Kill a Mockingbird” – The film adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel starring Gregory Peck as a wise, quiet man with a great sense of justice who defends a black man accused of rape in the South during the Great Depression. Dr. John Kirk, Donaghey professor and chair of the History Department, will facilitate a discussion. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall Room A.

• Distinctive Discussion: “I’m Gettin’ Paper: A Reality Perspective of Your Future Life” – A facilitated discussion by Dr. Trakenya Dobbins of the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising will take place at noon Monday, Feb. 6, in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall Room C. Dobbins is a personal awareness instructor who teaches first year experience classes. The discussion will make students think about the realities of life after college and how to make successful life decisions.

• Film: “Do the Right Thing” – A 1989 film written, produced, and directed by Spike Lee, tells the story of a neighborhood’s simmering racial tension that comes to a head on the hottest day of the summer. Harvell Howard, coordinator of the African American Male Initiative program, and Ben Fry, General Manager of UALR Public Radio, will facilitate a discussion. The film and discussion will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall Room A.

• Distinctive Discussion: “The Color Variable” – A discussion will be facilitated by Dr. David Briscoe, professor of sociology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, who will delve into the struggle against inner-group prejudice that many African Americans have faced for generations because of variation in skin tones. He will also reflect on the phenomenon of racism and discrimination within the African American community.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Office of Campus Life at 501-569-3308.