The University of South Alabama celebrates Black History Month this February with a series of events, performances and lectures. All events will be held on the USA Main campus, and most are free and open to the public.

MADDRAMA Theater Company Inc. will perform "Upon this Rock" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, in the Student Center Ballroom. "Upon This Rock" is a soul stirring tribute to the black church. This show takes the audience to the foundation of the African-American culture by highlighting what the black church has meant to the strength of America.

The USA African-American Student Association and the Women of Excellence will sponsor a fashion and hair show on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Center Lobby. General admission is $3 and $1 for AASA and WOX members.

Rev. Dathan Thigpen, a 2010 top 10 contestant in BET's Sunday Best Gospel Singing Competition will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13, in the John W. Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. Thigpen, a native of Jackson, Miss., began singing at an early age in the Mississippi Children's Choir, where he led several songs on three recordings. In the fall of 2003, Thigpen assembled the Holy Nation, a choir whose main ministry is to expose people from every walk of life to unadulterated praise. Thigpen earned his bachelor of science degree and a master of arts degree in mass communications from Jackson State University. He is also an ordained minister. A Greek forum and panel discussion on "Past, Present and Future" will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15, in the Student Center, Room 222. The Abeneefoo Kuo Honor Society induction ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, in the Student Center Ballroom.

Comedian Jasper Redd will perform at USA at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16, in the Student Center Ballroom. Redd is a native of Tennessee. Redd began his comedy career in San Francisco, Calif. He has been performing non-stop at comedy clubs and colleges nationwide. His television appearances include "Late Night with Conan Obrien," "Last Call with Carson Daly," Comedy Central's "Premium Blend," and HBO's "Def Comedy Jam."

The USA Black History Month series of events are sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Jaguar Productions, Abeneefoo Kuo Honor Society, Women of Excellence, Men of Excellence, the African-American Student Association, Iota Nu City-Wide Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., USA Upward Bound, Mobile Kappa League and Spherion.

For more information, contact Dr. Carl Cunningham Jr. at (251) 460-6895.