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��ɫӰ��'s spring 2020 Six O'Clock Series offers several programs on timely topics, including a program in observance of Black History Month.

“Respect: The Aretha Franklin Journey through the Civil Rights Movement,” will be presented on February 17 at 6:00 p.m. in ��ɫӰ��'s Performing Arts Center Fisher Auditorium. It is free and open to the community.

The program is a presentation of Aretha Franklin's musical civil rights journey and will highlight a number of events in Franklin's life during the civil rights movements, including her tour with Martin Luther King Jr. Some of Franklin's iconic songs will be performed.

“Many of our students have heard Aretha's songs,” Theo Turner, director of the Center for Multicultural Student Leadership and Engagement, said. “Her legacy spans decades, and her role in the civil rights movement helped to inspire generations. With two upcoming Hollywood projects featuring Franklin's work and life, we thought this program would be very timely for our students and the broader community. I can't think of a better way to wrap up Black History Month and kick off Women's History Month.”

Offered Monday evenings throughout the academic semester from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Six O'Clock Series programs provide an opportunity to learn about current issues and approach familiar topics from a new perspective.

All programs are free and open to the community and are usually in the Ohio Room of the Harley Union Building, unless otherwise noted.

Parking at the Hadley Union Building and on campus in non-reserved spots is free after 5:00 p.m.

Additional programs in the series, all offered in the Hadley Union Building Ohio Room, include:

• February 24: Documentary Screening: “Quarter Life Crisis”
  This program to discover the causes and dispel the myths of modern society's hardships, including misguided parenting, endless comparisons of lives over social media, and established institutions no longer guaranteeing happiness and prosperity.

• March 2: You Count! The Importance of the 2020 Decennial Census
  A panel of local official and Census representatives will discuss how the 2020 Census will impact students and the community. Panelists will present an overview of the Census, how numbers impact representation in legislature and distribution of funding, the Indiana County 2020 Complete Count Committee, and why students need to be counted at their school address. The panel will advise students on the various ways students can self-respond.

• March 16: “Escalation” Film by OneLove Foundation
  “Escalation” is a film telling the story of an abusive relationship from its beginnings to the tragic end. The authentic depiction of unhealthy behavior escalating into violence helps viewers understand and recognize the early signs of relationship abuse. The film is designed to offer information on how to have a healthy relationship and how to safely get out of an abusive one.

• March 23: Medicare for All
  This program will provide a comprehensive overview of the idea of “Medicare for all” and its potential benefits.

• March 30: Designing Tomorrow: Crafting a Life, Career, and Purpose
  John Rindy will discuss how individuals can to get a head start on purposefully designing a dream life and career.

• April 6: Exploring Excellence Beyond the Academics: Stand Out from Your Peers
  This program will bring together current applicants, past applicants, and representatives to discuss opportunities beyond the classroom, including Fullbright, Freeman-Asia, Gilman, and the Critical Language scholarships. Panelists will discuss what it takes, who can apply, how to get started, and how to get funded.

• April 13: The Long Road to Immigration
  This panel presentation will feature speakers from many different paths to immigration who have different types of visa permits and how that has affected their immigration process.

• April 20: Labor and Immigration
  This program offers information about one of the key issues for the November 2020 presidential election: current labor and immigration policy and its history.

• April 27: Bridges to Peace Presented by Rana Sodhi
  On September 15, 2001, Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh man, was killed outside of his gas station in Arizona by a man who assumed he was Muslim because of his beard and turban. Balbir's brother, Rana Singh Sodhi, will present at this program about Sikh culture and religion, along with his family's story about his brother's murder, and his campaign for peace and forgiveness.