The University of Pacific (UOP) is featuring a series of events next month in honor of Black History Month, including “An Evening with Common” on Saturday, Feb. 8, a free poetry reading and Gospelfest 2014 featuring gospel artist Tye Tribbett on Friday, Feb. 28.

Organized by UOP staff and students, the annual celebration honors the history and heritage of African Americans and the African Diaspora.

“An Evening with Common” will present a lecture and performance by the Grammy Award-winning artist on Feb. 8, 7 p.m., at the Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St. in Stockton.

Common is known for his conscious lyrics ,having released 10 albums including Resurrection (1994), Universal Mind Control (2008) and The Dreamer, The Believer (2011). His new album, Nobody Smiling, is expected to be released this year.

The poet and activist has performed at the White House and is the founder of the Common Ground Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to youth empowerment and leadership.

Also an actor, Common is currently featured on the AMC television series “Hell on Wheels.” His film credits include “Smokin’ Aces Wanted,” “Just Wright,” “Happy Feet Two,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Date Night.” He released his memoir, “One Day It’ll All Make Sense,” in 2011.

A free poetry reading and discussion with Claudia Rankine, author of “Plot” and other books of poetry, will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. She is currently the Henry G. Lee Professor of English at Pomona College and was elected chancellor of the Academy of American Poets last year. This event is open to the public and will be held at the Wendell Phillips Center, 1000-1070 W. Stadium Drive at the University of Pacific.

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UOP is presenting the Gospelfest 2014 in collaboration with San Joaquin Delta College, featuring gospel artist Tye Tribbett, whose latest album “Greater Than” debuted at number one on the Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums Chart.

Tribbett is known to give a lively performance with his choir Greater Anointing. Some of his most popular gospel hits include “No Way” and his latest single “If He Did It Before…Same God.”

Gospelfest 2014 will be held Feb. 28, 7 p.m. at the Warren Atherton Auditorium, 5151 Pacific Ave. at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton.

For ticket information and student pricing, visit www.pacific.edu or call (209) 946-7707.

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