Ben Vereen to Headline Black History Month Presentation at City College, 2/27

The Black Studies Program and The City College of New York invite you to a Black History Month presentation by Broadway Star Ben Vereen on Monday, February 27th at 5:30 pm. Ben Vereen appeared in the ground breaking television mini-series Alex Haley’s Roots as the unforgettable Chicken George. Ben’s renowned performance in Bob Fosse’s Pippin, garnered him a Tony Award.

Ben Vereen, who recently appeared on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network Special Oprah and the Legendary Cast of 'Roots' 35 Years Later, will discuss blackface minstrelsy and his personal contribution to this controversial theatrical phenomenon. Ben will show a screening of his portrayal of Bert Williams, the early 20th Century vaudevillian. Ben is one of the most sought out lecturers in the United States as a motivational speaker and a proponent for Black History and the arts and education.

Ben has solidified his place among Broadway royalty, with starring roles in such Broadway productions as Wicked, Fosse,Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Jelly’s Last Jam, Grind, A Christmas Carol and I’m Not Rappaport. He starred in the new play Fetch Clay, Make Man at the McCarter Theatre, directed by Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys). Last month, Ben Vereen was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame. Best known for his Emmy nominated role as Chicken George in Roots, as well as the feature film All That Jazz. Select film and television credits include: a recurring role on How I Met Your Mother, and guest starring appearances on Grey’s Anatomy, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, along with the Hallmark feature film Accidental Friendship for which he was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Ben continues to tour the country with his show, Stepping Out with Ben Vereen. Last spring, he released his first CD, Steppin' Out Live With Ben Vereen. In July of this year, Ben will appear at the new venue 54 BELOW for 2 weeks, followed by the Broadway debut of his one man show.

Ben is the spokesperson for Sanofi US, a leading pharmaceutical company which specializes in insulin, and together, they created a campaign called: S.T.A.N.D. (Start Taking Action Now for Diabetes), campaign which promotes a healthy and active lifestyle while living with diabetes. You can view the website here: http://www.standfordiabetes.org/.

Broadway Legend Ben Vereen headlines Black History Month at CCNY on Monday, February 27th, 2012@ 5:30pm at AARON Davis Hall – located on the campus of the City College of New York at West 135th Street and Convent Ave.

ADMISSION IS FREE