LEWISTON – An internationally known scholar on the subjects of women and Islam and on the influences of Islam in America, Amina Wadud will give a talk titled “The State(s) of Muslim Women’s Struggles for Gender Justice” at 7 p.m. today in the Edmund S. Muskie Archives, 70 Campus Ave., on the Bates College campus.

The public is invited to the free presentation, sponsored by the Multicultural Center and the Mushahada Association. For more information, people may call 207-786-8376.

Professor of Islamic studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, Wadud is fluent in Arabic. She frequently offers international television commentary about her areas of expertise. Wadud sparked controversy in New York City last spring when she became one of the first women to lead Muslim prayers in the United States.

Family skating offered at Colisee

LEWISTON – The city will host its annual Family Skate Night at the Colisee from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Children in kindergarten through grade 6 can skate free. All other skate rentals are $2. Music will be provided by Dave Dionne, and a food concessions will be available. For more information, people may contact the Lewiston Recreation Department at 782-5951; TTY/TDD: 784-5999.

Downtown event to mark holiday

LEWISTON – The city’s Downtown Holiday Celebration will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8.

The festivities will kick off with a candlelight caroling procession from The Public Theatre parking lot on Maple Street to Courthouse Plaza on Lisbon Street.

At Courthouse Plaza, Kim Ouellette of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council will sing the national anthem.

There will be entertainment facilitated by Nick Knowlton of the Music Connection, with special guests Bette Sanborn and Kristen Cady.

Members of the Lewiston High School jazz and concert choirs will perform, as well as the Edward Little a cappella group. Lewiston High School law enforcement cadets will also be on hand.

The plaza will also feature the lighting of the Christmas tree, donated this year by Leo and Lillian Ayotte, and the lighting of the menorah, compliments of Temple Shalom.

Rowe of Lewiston will provide a complimentary shuttle from The Public Theatre lot to Courthouse Plaza before and immediately after the event, ending its final run at 7 p.m.

The shuttle service will also be available to attendees using nearby parking garages.

This year’s celebration is primarily sponsored by Oxford Networks.