FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   DATE:  February 23, 2006        CONTACT: Mike Roman, Student Activities Coordinator, (361) 825-3430; or Steve Paschal, Public Affairs, (361) 825-2336 Symbolic African-American Artistic Performances to Highlight “Black History Month” Celebration at A&M-Corpus Christi KEYS-AM Radio Talk Show Host Bob Jones to Deliver Keynote Address               Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students and community groups will display their artistic talents with performances significant to African-American culture during the Black History Celebration Banquet on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the University Center, Lone Star Ballroom. The banquet is hosted by the African-American Cultural Society, a 30-member student organization whose goal is to raise awareness of the positive aspects of African-American culture. The banquet’s keynote speaker will be talk show host Bob Jones of KEYS 1440-AM. Jones will address the question “African-American Culture: We’ve Come Far, but is it Far Enough?” Jones, a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, began his career with KEYS in 1993 and is the first African-American to host a prime time morning drive show in Corpus Christi. He is also a citizen representative to Gov. Rick Perry’s Coastal Coordination Council which oversees the 367-mile Texas coastline. Jones is an ordained elder and pastor of the Messianic Fellowship Church. He has served on a number of boards and councils including terms as vice chairman of the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority and executive vice-chair/services for United Way of the Coastal Bend. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and Italy and is a life member of VFW Post 3837. In addition, Jones’ daughter Jai Leah Jones is an A&M-Corpus Christi graduate and a founding member of the African-American Cultural Society. “I’m honored by the invitation to speak at the banquet, but I’m looking forward to the day when there is no Black History Month,” said Jones. “Every student at every level should be able to look at any history book and see the contributions of all Americans, including blacks.” The evening’s entertainment will include a vocal rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Islander basketball player Mercedes Cooper accompanied by cellist Antoine Miles; an interpretation of Nigerian cultural dances by freshman Grace Usoro; and a performance by the St. John’s Baptist Church Ministry Mime Group. “Featuring several performances that are symbolic to the African American culture will be an effective way to unite members of the A&M-Corpus Christi community with members of the Corpus Christi community,” said Gavarae Jones, president of the University’s African American Cultural Society. “We believe that the banquet is an excellent way to promote education and the celebration of black history.” The Black History Celebration Banquet is free and open to the public. For more information, email Nancy Ngwa or call (361) 334-4029.