Every February Americans devote attention to the unique history and culture of African Americans during Black History month.

This year Shepherd University has been holding a series of educational and cultural programs to showcase the African American experience.

On Friday Shepherd University’s Multicultural Student Affairs office hosted Grammy-nominated Shepherd Alumnus and professional musician Carolyn Malachi.

Bassell Franks, Assistant to the Director Multicultural Student Affairs said that welcoming back a successful black female performer sent an important message to current students about African American achievement.

Franks said Carolyn’s style of music, which includes Jazz, R&B Hip Hop and spoken word influences, is an appropriate sample of African American musical culture.

“Her musical vehicle is definitely part of the African American experience,” he said.

Franks said the show is one a few events the university will hold in honor of Black History month, that he said really kicked-off last month with the special lecture by Terrence Roberts, of the Little Rock Nine held in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. day.

This month the university will be working cooperatively with the Shepherdstown Film Society to show the film “Round Midnight” on Feb. 15.

Multicultural Student affairs with also work with Shepherd University dinning services to hold an African American heritage dinner for students and the community.

Franks said the university looks forward to offering more educational and cultural programs in the future, and said students seemed to respond positively to the Carolyn Malachi event specifically.

“The people that came really really enjoyed it,” he said.

“People wanted to see more programs like it.”