As part of USF's Black Emphasis Month series of events, Freethinkers@USF host "Superstition Ain't the Way: Secular Movements in Africa," a presentation on how scholars, activists, and educators contribute to contemporary African life by providing secular alternatives to belief systems. The evening's guest speaker is foremost African philosopher and retired USF professor Emeritus Dr. Kwasi Wiredu. 7-9 p.m., Marshall Student Center, Room 2709, USF Tampa, free admission.
Canadian/American singer/songwriter Justin Nozuka, 20, writes poppy tunes and sings them in an effete tenor. Missy Higgins (pictured at right), a more substantial artist than Nozuka, hails from Australia; her music alternates between moody, intimate post-folk and livelier acoustic pop. Also on the bill is cutie Aussie folkie Lenka. 8 p.m., State Theatre, St. Petersburg, $25. (Text by Eric Snider)
In honor of Black History Month, several Hillsborough County libraries welcome retired Tuskeegee Airman Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Hiram E. Mann to share his experiences as one of America's first black military airmen during WWII. 7 p.m., Jan K. Platt Regional Public Library, Tampa;free admission.
Free pancakes at IHOP! Today, IHOP restaurants across the country celebrate National Pancake Day with a free short stack (three) buttermilk pancakes for each guest. In return, the restaurant asks for a donation to Children’s Miracle Network or other local charities. Find your closest local IHOP by clicking here. 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Scarfone/Hartley Gallery stages a single-night open house with African-American abstract painter Sam Gilliam, who's visiting UT to experiment with printing, painting and assembling of monoprints at STUDIO-f. Tues., Feb. 24, 6 p.m., R.K. Bailey Art Studios-University of Tampa, Tampa, 813-253-6217.
USF Public Administration and Political Science Professor Dr. Susan MacManus gives a talk on the political election process in Florida titled, "Based on the 2000 Florida Election: A Look Back at the 2008 Election and Forward to the 2010 Election." 7 p.m., Lutz Branch Library, Lutz, free admission.
