Biographies

Nore Davis

Performing 7 p.m. Feb. 4, Vulcan Theatre, Natali Student Center

Comedian Nore Davis is known for his witty quips, sharp punch lines and energetic delivery. He addresses topics ranging from relationships and family to race and politics in a style that is both edgy and clean. A comedy-club favorite, Davis has performed in New York City nightspots including Caroline’s On Broadway, Comic Strip Live, NY Comedy Club, HA Comedy Club and Broadway Comedy Club.



Brian C. Johnson
Speaking 6 p.m. Feb. 7, Vulcan Theatre, Natali Student Center

Educator Brian C. Johnson is a faculty member at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and director of the Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence. He is a founder of the Pennsylvania Association of Liaisons and Officers of Multicultural Affairs, a consortium that promotes best practices in higher education. A former trainer with the National Coalition Building Institute, he was certified in the institute’s Prejudice Reduction and Controversial Issues Process modules. He is a featured columnist on the Antiracistparent.com website and has professional experience in social and human services.



Black Violin
Performing 6 p.m. Feb. 10, Performance Center, Natali Student Center

Trained in classical violin, Florida natives Wil B and Kev Marcus crate a signature sound by adding jazz, hip-hop, funk and a DJ to the mix. The group has toured regularly since 2004 and has worked with musicians such as P. Diddy, Kanye West, Fifty Cent, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Aretha Franklin and the Eagles. The group has released an album, “Black Violin,” and embarked upon a campaign of social change, using youth orchestras and reinvigorated music programs to foster self-expression among urban youth.





Dr. Boyce Watkins
Speaking 6 p.m. Feb. 14, Performance Center, Natali Student Center

A finance professor at Syracuse University, Boyce D. Watkins is an advocate for education, economic empowerment and social justice. He has published many scholarly articles on finance and investing, particularly for black Americans, and he has appeared as a political expert on CNN, Good Morning America, MSNBC, FOX News, BET, NPR, Essence, USA Today, The Today Show and ESPN. In response to a White House initiative, he is actively working with other black leaders to combat the high dropout rates among African-American students.

Twin Poets
Performing 6 p.m. Feb. 17, Performance Center, Natali Student Center

Philadelphia-based wordsmiths Al and Nnamdi have published two collections of poetry and two spoken-word CDs, From Lips to Ears and One Night in Jerusalem, recorded live in Newark, N.J. Their work has been aired on Philadelphia radio stations and they have performed at slam poetry events and at colleges throughout the mid-Atlantic states. They also are the founders of GOALS (Getting Organized Always Leads to Success), a tutoring and mentoring program that teaches children about the importance of writing as a means of self-expression.

Kendrick “Wyldcard” Dean
Presenting a workshop and lecture, 6 p.m. Feb. 21, Morgan Hall

A native of Miami, Kendrick “Wyldcard” Dean is a songwriter and music producer as well as a four-time Grammy Award nominee. A former high school history teacher, he has contributed to numerous Billboard chart-topping songs including the No. 1 record "Say Goodbye,” performed Chris Brown, and “Last Time,” performed by Trey Songz. Films including This Christmas, Step Up and Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail all feature his work. Dean’s television credits include appearances on MTV’s Making the Band and BET’s Monica – Still Standing. With a sophisticated musical style encompasses elements of R&B, classical, jazz, gospel, and classic rock, Dean has co-written and produced singles with artists including Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige and Danity Kean and Destiny’s Child.

All Black History Month events at California University of Pennsylvania are free and open to the public. Visitor parking is available in the new Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance.