Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the community to celebrate Black History Month with “Portraits of Courage: African Americans You Wish You Had Known.” The theatrical piece examines six notable but often overlooked African Americans and their contributions to American history. The free performance will take place Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. in Malibu Hall 100 on the CI campus.

“Portraits of Courage” is an original two-person play presented by Will & Company, a Los Angeles-based theatre ensemble that tours the nation. Founded in 1988 as a troupe dedicated to making Shakespeare accessible to underrepresented communities, the group has expanded its work to new educational and historical plays.

Artistic Director Colin Cox created “Portraits of Courage” to help bring recognition to a few notable African Americans who are often absent from the history books. One woman and one man portray characters such as Col. Charles Young, the first African American to attain the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, and Madam C.J. Walker, the nation’s first self-made African American female millionaire.

Limited parking on campus is available with the purchase of a $6 daily permit. Please follow signs to the parking permit dispenser. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot in Camarillo, with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the CI VISTA bus to the campus; the fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

For additional information contact Jennifer Chapman, Coordinator of Multicultural Programs, at 805-437-3243 or jennifer.chapman@csuci.edu.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research.