KINGSTON, R.I. — September 27, 2000 — What is the relevance of black studies today? What direction it is heading? These types of questions will be explored during a panel discussion on “The Role of Black Studies in Higher Education in the 21st Century” on October 5 at the University of Rhode Island. The African and African-American Studies Program invites the public to share ideas and thoughts. There is no charge. The discussion will be held at 7 p.m. in Atrium 1, Memorial Union, Kingston campus. Dr. Harold Horton of the Trotter Institute, the University of Massachusetts-Boston will moderate. Panelists include Dr. William Nelson, a research professor of African and African American Studies, professor of political science and the director of the Center for Research and Public Policy at the Ohio State University, will serve as a panelist. Nelson will be available to sign his latest book, Black Atlantic Politics during the evening. Other panelists include Drs. E. Rae Ferguson and Peniel Joseph of URI’s History Department and Dr. Gitahi Gititi of URI’s English Department. The evening will begin with each panelist offering remarks. The audience will then be encouraged to participate in the discussion. The evening is co-sponsored by URI’s Office of the Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Honors Program and Visiting Scholars Committee and the Dean’s Office of the College of Arts and Sciences. For Information: Cynthia Hamilton, 874-2536, Jan Sawyer, 874-2116