Award-winning, PBS film, ‘A Panther in Africa’ presented Thursday (12/4)

Poet and activist “Mama C” Charlotte O’Neal will present the award-winning PBS movie, “A Panther in Africa,” Thursday (12/4) at 7 p.m. at Purdue University Calumet.

The movie, to be shown in YJean Chambers Hall on the third floor of the Student Union & Library, focuses on the lives of O’Neal and her husband, Pete O’Neal, the former chairman of the Kansas City, MO Black Panther Party. Nearly 40 years ago, Pete was arrested for transporting a gun across state lines. A year later, he fled the charge and has lived as an American exile and community organizer in Tanzania.

“Mama C” will introduce the movie and respond to questions following its showing. She co-founded the United African American Community Center (UAACC) with her husband in 1971. Among its objectives, the UAACC is involved with programs and projects that enrich the Arusha, Tanzania community in which the O’Neals live.

Additionally, the UAACC seeks to promote closer cultural ties to African-American communities within the United States. The organization also sponsors global exchange and volunteer programs that include participants from the United States and Japan.

Admission is free. The event is sponsored by the Multi-Cultural Campus Council and the Purdue University Calumet Black Student Union and Social Justice Club.

The Student Union & Library (SUL) is located on the south side of Purdue Calumet’s Hammond campus, three miles east of the Illinois/Indiana state line, one-third mile north of Interstate 80/94, three blocks east of Indianapolis Boulevard, just north of 173rd Street. Free parking is availability in the lot south of the SUL.

Other information is available by phoning 219/989-2779 or 800/HI-PURDUE, ext. 2779.

News Release Date: December 2, 2008