The Youngstown State University Diversity Council has announced its 2008-09 Community Diversity

The Youngstown State University Diversity Council has announced its 2008-09 Community Diversity Program Series. The series, sponsored by the YSU Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, features many of events and performances for the community. Most are free and open to the public.

Today, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 3 p.m.: “How His Bride Came to Abraham,” Bliss Hall. The play centers on the romance between an Israeli soldier and an Arab woman. For tickets, contact the University Theater Box Office at (330) 941-3105.

Oct. 28, 7 p.m.: An Evening with Minnijean Brown Tricky, Ford Recital Hall. One of the original Little Rock Nine will give an evening performance and lecture. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 25, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: “Dispelling the Myths of Native Americans,” Main Library, Wick Avenue, Youngstown. The Pipe family of Austintown gives an American Indian presentation with a discussion on the misconceptions about their culture. For more information or reservations, contact Deborah Liptak at (330) 744-8636, ext. 118.

Feb. 24, 4 and 6:30 p.m.: The Langston Hughes Poet Society, Newport Branch Library at 4 p.m. and East Branch Library at 6:30 p.m. The Langston Hughes Poet Society of Pittsburgh will present “Black Tie Poetry — Reading and Remembering Langston Hughes.” For more information, contact Deborah Liptak at (330) 744-8636, ext. 118.

March 12, 6:30 p.m.: “Summer Art in China” Book Discussion, Newport Branch Library. George McCloud, YSU vice president for University Advancement, and students will give presentations on the book they wrote about their trip to China.

April 2: YSU 2nd Annual Diversity Leadership Recognition Celebration. Luke Visconti, guest speaker.

April 8, 6:30 p.m.: Writing a Multicultural Novel, Newport Branch Library. Mary Claire Mahaney, author of “Osaka Heat,” will facilitate discussion. For more information, contact Deborah Liptak at (330) 744-8636, ext. 118.

April 14, noon: “The Zoot Suit Riots” by YSU’s Dr. Mehera Gerardo, Main Library, Youngstown. Gerardo, of YSU’s History Department, will recreate events of a 10-day race riot in Los Angeles during World War II.

April 14 – Flight to Freedom: A Two-Day Spring Bus Excursion. Educational journey across southwestern Ohio to discover the state’s contributions to the Underground Railroad. For more information, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity at (330) 941-3370 or visit the YSU Diversity Web site at www.ysu.edu/div_ysu.