ORONO – The hotel manager portrayed in the film “Hotel Rwanda” will give the keynote speech during this month’s black history and human rights awareness events at the University of Maine.

Paul Rusesabagina, who opened his hotel to Tutsi refugees during the genocide of 1994, will speak at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, at the Maine Center for the Arts.

James Varner, president emeritus of the Greater Bangor NAACP, said during a news conference Thursday that Black History Month is a time “to help us to realize regardless of race, color, creed, I put my pants on the same way as anyone else.”

The co-chair of the UMaine Human Rights Coalition, Emily Albee, also emphasized during the news conference Human Rights Awareness Week, which begins Tuesday.

Following are events scheduled at UMaine during February:

. “Interracial dating at a predominately white campus,” panel discussion, 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in Little Hall. Admission free.

. African artifacts display and Black History Month, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, in the Bangor Room, Memorial Union. The discussion will be hosted by Varner and professor Forrest Pritchett of Seton Hall University in New Jersey.

. Screening of “Hotel Rwanda,” time to be announced, Sunday, Feb. 18, Donald P. Corbett Hall. Admission free.

. “Why is Black History Month Important and Who Benefits?” discussion, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, in 101 Neville Hall. Hosted by Bernice M. Brown and Varner.

. Black Theatre Company presentation of “OM! A Street Corner Griot’s Comedy,” 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 101 Neville Hall. Admission free.

. “Princely Players On the Road to Glory,” 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Maine Center for the Arts. For tickets call 581-1755. Students admitted free with MaineCard.

. African-theme dinner, 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, in the Bodwell Lounge at Maine Center for the Arts. Tickets are $50. For reservations call 581-1755.

. A solidarity jazz and rhythm-and-blues concert featuring Jimmy “Fingers” Varner, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, in Hauck Auditorium. The event is free but donations will be accepted for Hurricane Katrina relief.