ATHENS, Ohio (February 2, 2001) -- The Center for International Studies African Studies Program is sponsoring West Africa Week Feb. 5 through 8 to celebrate African-American History Month. The week recognizes West Africa and its relationship with Ohio University, said Ousseynou Samb, a graduate assistant in the African Studies Program. West African states that will be represented include Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone and Cote d'Ivoire.

"In celebration of African-American History Month, we would like to share the values that we have with our brothers here in America," Samb said.

The week's events include:

• Monday, Feb. 5
  The lecture "For Ghana's Children" by Margaret Sackey and Peter Eduful of the Ghana National Children's Commission at 6:30 p.m. in 127 Morton Hall.
• Tuesday, Feb. 6
  "The Blue Eyes of Yonta," a feature film from Guinea Bissau with subtitles, at 6:30 p.m. in 127 Morton Hall.
• Wednesday, Feb. 7
  The lecture "Toward Peace and Reconciliation in West Africa" by Abdul Lamin of Sierra Leone-Howard University at 6:30 p.m. in 127 Morton Hall.
• Thursday, Feb. 8
  The lecture "Contemporary Music and Society in Cote d'Ivoire" by Simon Akindes of the University of Wisconsin at 7 p.m. in 235 Morton Hall.

Each session will be followed by a forum discussion. All events are free and open to the public.