By Jarrod Thacker

UK students will have no issues finding opportunities to celebrate Black History Month.

The UK NAACP, or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, chapter is hosting a variety of events this week to educate participants about black history and heritage, UK NAACP President Ashley Campbell said in an email to the Kernel.

“Due to Lexington’s past, it is important that the UK community is informed about African-American accomplishments throughout history,” Campbell said. “The NAACP is an important organization that continues to educate people within the community about unequal rights due to discrimination based on color.”

The NAACP is an organization dedicated to assurance of the equality of rights and eliminates race prejudice among the citizens of the U.S., according to the Kentucky State Conference of the NAACP website.

The UK chapter is one of 55 operating in the state.

While there is not an intended theme that links the events together, the UK NAACP has put together an appealing program for interested students, Campbell said.

The NAACP will host a social in the Student Center room 359 on Monday in collaboration with the Iota Phi Theta fraternity.

Students will be able to meet one another, in addition to new UK NAACP officers, and a discussion concerning the history of the “N-word” will be conducted.

Students will be able to attend an African-American studies class at Tates Creek High School Tuesday, where NAACP history will be discussed, along with Greek life with two representatives from Alpha Kappa Alpha.

“A Time to Kill,” a film based on John Grisham’s first novel, will be shown Wednesday, and the NAACP health chair will present health-related issues affecting college students, such as possible consequences of unprotected sexual intercourse. On Friday, NAACP will work with Alpha Phi Alpha on Friday to host a Voter Registration Drive in White Hall Classroom Building.

“As an organization on UK campus, we would like to inform students that this is not only an organization that touches on African-American issues, but issues that reflect all of people of color,” Campbell said. “So feel free to come in one of our meetings this semester.”

if you go

What: NAACP Social

When: Monday at 7 p.m.

Where: Student Center room 359

Admission: Free

What: “A Time to Kill”

When: Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Where: Student Center room 211

Admission: Free

What: “How to Stay Positive in a Negative Environment”

When: Thursday at 6 p.m.

Where: Student Center room 231

Admission: Free

What: Voter Registration Drive

When: Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: White Hall Classroom Building