Bluffton University's office of multicultural affairs offers the following events for Black History month. All events are open to the public.

Empowering African American Males - 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 in Kreider Room in Marbeck Center
Mark S. Hampton, president and CEO of FTL Leadership Group, will present The Leadership V.I.B.E. This award-winning look at leadership focuses on four key components of effective African American Leadership: Vision, Integrity, Boldness and Excellence. Hampton will discuss the meaning of these words and their significance in the context of the history of African American leadership while renewing our responsibility in leadership today. For more information visit www.ftlleadershipgroup.com or call the multicultural affairs office at 419-358-3306.

Annual Soul Food Dinner - 6 p.m. Feb. 25 in Ramseyer Hall lobby

Eighth annual Soul Food Dinner is $7 for community members; Bluffton University students are free. Reservations must be made before Feb. 22 by calling the multicultural affairs office at 419-358-3306.

The menu will include barbecued and fried chicken, greens, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, corn bread and dessert. The recipes have been gathered from across the United States with food that combines spices from the Caribbean and Africa. The term "soul food" refers to the cuisine developed by African slaves in the American south when they created nutritious meals from inadequate scraps of food.

"Food brings people together," said Theresa Henry, director of multicultural affairs. "The Soul Food Dinner is a way of bringing together family and friends to sit down, laugh together and communicate over food."