AMHERST – Today at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center, Danny Glover and Sonia Sanchez will speak on the “Responsibility of the Black Artist in the 21st Century,” as part of celebrating Black History Month.

Glover, a well-known and honored actor for films such as “The Color Purple,” “Beloved,” the “Lethal Weapon” series and most recently, “The Royal Tenenbaums,” is a committed human rights activist and has traveled widely, promoting relief for African nations. He is board chair of the TransAfrica Forum, which deals with issues relating to Africa and the Caribbean and has also been Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program since 1998.

Sonia Sanchez is a renowned writer, poet, playwright and activist who has been an influential force in African American literary and political culture for over three decades. Sanchez has lectured at over 500 universities and colleges in the United States and has traveled extensively, reading her poetry throughout the world.

The event is free open to the public. For more information contact Hind Mari at 577-3791 or Sonny Suchdev at (413) 545-2149.

SOUTH HADLEY – In celebration of February’s Black History Month and March’s Women’s History Month, U.S. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and award-winning journalist Joan Steinau Lester will discuss book at the Gamble Auditorium at Mount Holyoke College on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

The book, “Fire in My Soul: Eleanor Holmes Norton in Conversation with Joan Steinau Lester,” tells of Norton’s passionate life in civil right’s activism and U.S. legislature. Thought of as one of the most powerful women in American history, Norton is referred to as the “Warrior on the Hill” for the spirit with which she has waged political battles spanning more than four decades.

The author, Joan Steinau Lester, a woman who spent many years with Norton, tells the story of Norton’s rise to leadership with poignancy and respect. This fascinating biography reveals the dimensions of a woman who remains a key element in the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. Conversations with Norton, as well as interviews with colleagues, family and friends, paint a fascinating portrait of the role one woman can play in changing the race and gender lines of a nation.

Lester is an award-winning commentator and columnist, as well as author of “The Future of White Men and Other Diversity Dilemmas” and “Taking Charge: Every Woman’s Action Guide.” She has appeared in publications such as Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, USA Today and the San Francisco Chronicle and has also been featured regularly on National Public Radio and Public Radio International.

AMHERST – On Friday, Feb. 14, Emily Romney, Chair of the Voice Department at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Mass., will be conduct a free lecture and class at the University of Massachusetts.

At the Longy School of Music, Romney approaches the voice as a living instrument, focusing on biological and anatomical studies, as well as theoretical ones. In this class, Romney will present an overview of vocal pedagogy in the 21st century, and students will learn about voice, interact with professionals and try their hand at teaching.

The event is open to auditors from off-campus and will take place in Room 44 in the Music Wing of the Fine Arts Center from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Those interested in more information, call M. Kushnick at (413) 546-0018.

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Majestic Theater will present “Judgment at Nuremburg,” a play adapted for Tony Randall’s National Actors Theatre by Abby Mann.

The play is set in 1948, during the second chapter in the Nuremburg trials. The story follows the trial of Ernst Janning, a renowned author and scholar who stood as a great figure in the German judicial system and the Minister of Justice under the Nazis.

Show dates will be Thursdays, March 6 through April 3. Matinees will be performed at 10:30 a.m. for a $10 general admission price.

AMHERST – Applications are now being accepted for the 22nd annual Jazz in July Summer Music Programs held at the University of Massachusetts from July 7-18. Jazz in July is an intensive two-week, performance-based, jazz education opportunity where musicians from around the world can come together with educators to improve and share their style and craft. It emphasizes the study of improvisation, history, theory and diversity through a combinational approach of lectures, clinics, conversations, video screenings, performances and jam sessions.

The Instrumental Combo Program, led by the Billy Taylor Trio of piano, bass and drums, is a two-week session geared toward individual improvisation within a small instrumental combination. The participants will be assigned to combos and coached by the faculty, while attending classes according to their instrument.

Vocal Jazz Soloists with Resident Trios is another two-week program providing vocalists with an opportunity to explore jazz phrasing and rhythm concepts, sheet preparation and vocal improvisation in a supportive environment. This session combines coaching sessions and classes with rehearsals and performance events.

For more information regarding this opportunity, as well as application information, call (413) 545-3530 or visit the website at http://www.jazzinjuly.com.

AMHERST – The University of Massachusetts Department of Comparative Literature is seeking submissions for its ninth annual publication of “mOthertongue.”

“mOthertongue” is multilingual periodical that provides Five College graduates and undergraduates with the opportunity to express themselves through poetry, prose, lyrics, one-acts and artwork. The project’s objective is to create a mutual awareness and respect for various cultures and the unifying similarities of creative expression.

The deadline for submission is Feb. 14. Submissions can be sent to “mOthertongue,” 303 South College, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass. 01002. The author’s contact information and a translation of the original work should be enclosed. Submissions will not be returned unless a self-addressed, stamped envelope is included.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

HARTFORD, Conn. – Deadlines are closing in on the auditions for Connecticut Opera’s Resident Artist Program, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22. The application is due Friday, Feb. 7.

The audition will require artists to sing an aria of their choice and be prepared to sing additional arias if asked. In the selection, a variation of style and language is key and at least one aria in English should be included. An accompanist will be provided unless participants opt to audition with their own.

A complete application consists of a r