University Park, PA -- The University Libraries' Diversity Studies Room, 109 Pattee Library, is featuring three exhibits in conjunction with the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month—"John Biggers," "Charles L. Blockson," and "Paul Robeson"—as well as the additional exhibit "Sketches from Todi: a Study Abroad Experience," all through March 13, 2002.

"Charles L. Blockson" features photographs and novels by the writer of The Underground Railroad and many other notable works. Blockson is also curator of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University, Pennsylvania—one of the nation's largest private collections of black history material.

"Paul Robeson"—who was a renowned scholar, actor, athlete, and singer—features photographs, musical recordings, videos, and autographed books from the Libraries' collection and the private collection of Lawrence Young, director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Penn State University Park campus.

An exhibit on acclaimed-artist John Biggers is also featured in the Diversity Studies Room. His murals are reflections of his childhood in the South during the Great Depression; his experiences as a student at Hampton University, Virginia, and later at Penn State where he received a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in education; and as a recipient of the UNESCO fellowship that allowed him to study in West Africa.

"Sketches from Todi: a Study Abroad Experience" contains artwork made by students and faculty members who participated in the Education Abroad Program in Todi, Italy, during the summer of 2001. The artwork includes sketchbooks, photographs, paintings, and a cookbook including regional recipes put together by the students. For more on the Education Abroad Program, visit www.outreach.psu.edu/PSSEA/Italy/Italy_Todi/.

For other Libraries' current exhibits, visit www.libraries.psu.edu/pubinfo/events.html.