Blackface and racism will be the focus of a panel discussion at Virginia Commonwealth University from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, it has been announced.

Richmond area journalists and VCU faculty are to participate in the program, “Blackface, the Scandal and the Media: A Discussion About Racism in Virginia.”

Location: VCU’s University Student Commons Theater, 907 Floyd Ave.

Dr. Clarence Thomas, VCU associate professor of broadcast journalism, will moderate the panel, which is to include Michael Paul Williams, a Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist; Samantha Willis, a freelance editor and writer who has contributed to the Richmond Free Press; Mechelle Hankerson, a reporter for the Virginia Mercury; and Jeff South, VCU associate professor of journalism.

The event is open to the public without charge.

The program is sponsored by the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture.

Details: Brian McNeill, (804) 827-0889 or bwmcneil@vcu.edu.