In observance of Black History Month in February, Old Dominion will feature a variety of programs, including lectures, music, movies and dance presentations.

Kicking off the activities, collectively titled "From Struggle ... to Triumph?" will be a talk Thursday, Feb. 1, by Virginian-Pilot public editor M. L. Lake on "Church Street: Harlem of the South."

He will present the thriving history of Church Street, once known as "The Harlem of the South," charting the evolution of this historical lifeline throughout the 20th century and discussing how the black community is now preparing to restore it to its former glory.

The free program, which begins at 7 p.m. in the Hampton/Newport News Room of Webb Center, is sponsored by Men About Progress.

Sister Souljah, author of the best-selling book "No Disrespect," will give the Annual Black History Month Lecture on Feb. 28.

Most of the Black History Month programs are free and open to the public. For more information call 683-4406.

The following is a calendar of activities and events through Feb. 11:

Feb. 2 - Miss Ebony Old Dominion University Pageant: Black American females will compete for the title of Miss Ebony Old Dominion University through personal expression, talent and intellect; 6 p.m., 102 Mills Godwin Jr. Life Sciences Building. Sponsor: Black Student Alliance.

Feb. 3 - Black Student Leadership Lab: Designed to help prepare all students for the challenges of leadership in the 21st century; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Webb Center. Registration required. Sponsor: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Feb. 4 - "Elemental Renaissance": An exploration of the aesthetics and the history of hip-hop; 3:15 p.m., North Cafeteria, Webb Center. Sponsor: Men About Progress.

Feb. 5 - "Striving for Good Holistic Health": Dr. Isheamel Anekheton, founder and director of the Zinduka Wellness Group of Cleveland, will explain how black Americans should strive for good health; 7:30 p.m., River Rooms, Webb Center. Sponsor: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

Feb. 6 - "The History of Black Resistance: From Slavery to Present": A lecture by the Black Panther Collective; 7 p.m., Hampton/Newport News Room, Webb Center. Sponsor: Black Student Alliance.

Feb. 7 - "I Have A Dream: The Civil Rights Fight": A discussion of the affirmative and legal actions that were taken during this fight for rights; 7 p.m., Hampton/Newport News Room, Webb Center. Sponsor: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Feb. 9 - Black Inventors Exhibit: Featuring more than 100 exhibits that showcase the many achievements of black American inventors; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., North Mall, Webb Center. Sponsor: Fellowship of Minority Engineers and Scientists.

Feb. 9 - "1,001 Black Inventions": A play performed by Washington, D.C.'s Pin Point Theater; 7 p.m., North Cafeteria, Webb Center. Sponsors: Hugo A. Owens African-American Cultural Center, NAACP, Men About Progress, CBFA, Black Alumni Council and Fellowship of Minority Engineers and Scientists.