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February 4, 2000

"killing Cool: Igniting the Soul of Society," a talk by actor and activist Derrick Ashong

TIME, DATE, AND PLACE: 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17, in Lower Strong Auditorium on the University of Rochester River Campus

ADMISSION: Free and open to all. Note: Parking is free on University lots after 7 p.m. weeknights

Actor and activist Derrick Ashong will present a lecture titled "Killing Cool: Igniting the Soul of Society," at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17, in Lower Strong Auditorium on the University of Rochester River Campus. He will address the need to break down the obstacles of pop trends and social conformity in order to effect change and individual strength.

Born in Ghana in 1975, Ashong graduated with honors from Harvard University, where he was president of the Black Students Association. In addition, he received the Harvard Faculty of Arts Award for outstanding contributions to Intercultural and Race Relations, and the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences' Award for outstanding undergraduate work, the highest award given for an undergraduate thesis. Ashong also recently played a feature role in Steven Spielberg's Amistad.

This speech, sponsored by the University's Black Students' Union, is part of a series of events in celebration of Black History Month, and is free and open to all.

About the University of Rochester

The University of Rochester (www.rochester.edu) is one of the nation's leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering is complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, and the Memorial Art Gallery.

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