Students and faculty interested in hearing about the contributions of blacks to our society and using lessons learned in their everyday lives should attend tonight’s lecture by Dr. Mark P. Orbe, associate professor of Western Michigan University.

The lecture,”How can we honor those who came before and pave the way for those who follow?: Learn to live life backwards,” will be at the 7th Street Underground at 6 p.m.

“Those in the audience will be challenged to think about the particular ways in which their everyday actions can serve as a bridge between the legacy of the past and the potential of future generations,” said associate professor Norman Greer of speech communications.

Orbe will touch on the legacy of blacks, a theme of connections among different cultural groups. Orbe will also present three different modes of operation which are survival, success and significance, Greer said.

“He [Orbe] is a noted speech communication scholar with a great reputation,” Greer said.

Orbe teaches a number of courses at Western Michigan University including Intercultural Communication, Interracial Communication and Interpersonal Communication. He has also contributed to a long list of publications including a book titled, “Co-Constructing Culture.”

Orbe received his doctorate’s degree at Ohio University, his master’s degree at the University of Connecticut and his bachelor’s degree at Ohio University.

“[Black History Month] is important because of the diversity of the campus,” Greer said. “It is important that people are able to hear about the past contributions of blacks and that connections are made. Union through unity is made through connecting.”

Students have also been vocal about the importance of Black History Month.

“It is important to celebrate because many black people today have drifted away from what is important in life, like morals, values and self-worth,” said Lynnette Brown, senior journalism major.

“Media is too focused on hip-hop reality. Black History will help focus black people on the fact that there is more to life than ‘bling-bling’ and they too can make a difference.”

“Learning about other cultures and different people’s backgrounds is always good,” Ashley Walz, junior English major, said.