The Soul of Black Folk: Unveiling Identity
Artist in Residence
“What's Black and White and Red All Over? An African American Russian Jewish Red Diaper Baby.” By Robin Holder
The exhibit draws upon the experiences of Robin Holder, 2005 David L. Sr. and Helen J. Temple Artist-in-Resident, and address her cultural heritage. As the child of a middle class inter-ethnic leftist family, growing up in the fifties and sixties she was continuously exposed to an extraordinary world of conflicting realities. The social, cultural, religious world she moved in was a constant source of reflection and consideration. The prints express her daily internal dialogue as a youngster.
Performance
“James Baldwin: Down From the Mountaintop”
Tony Award nominee Calvin Levels depicts the rich and impassioned life of the esteemed novelist, playwright, essayist and civil rights activist James Baldwin. The critically acclaimed solo play traces the fervent life of this American writer recognized for his novels on racial, sexual, and personal identity, along with his works of non-fiction, plays, and essays on human rights. Mr. Level's play insightfully captures the spirit and essence of James Baldwin, powerfully communicating Baldwin's main messages of love, equality and social justice. A discussion with Mr. Levels will follow the play.
Juxtapower
The New York based JUXTAPOWER is a seven-man production about the history, tradition, stories and struggles of South Africa. The production mainly presents South African traditional songs and dances such as Zulu (Warrior dance), Gumboots (Gold miners rhythmic movement) and Pansula (township expressions) juxtaposed with Modern/Ballet, Hip-hop, and Tap dances used to bring about cultural exchange and understanding of the rest of the world’s traditions and developments.
Brown Bag Student Panel
"What is Black Soul?"
A panel of Lafayette students will explore the significance and meaning behind Black soul. Part of Black History Month 2007- The Soul of Black Folk: A journey of Identity.
Interfaith Chapel.
“Perspectives from Black Scholar Athletes.”
Often, Black athletes in higher education are labeled as social and popular campus figures, who aren't serious scholars. A panel of Lafayette student athletes will talk about their experience and delve into stereotypes attached black scholar athletes.
A Discussion on the Well-Being of African- Americans:
Considering Income and Quality of Life
Brown-Bag Lecture by Professor Fluney Hutchinson from the Department of Economics. Dr. Hutchinson will discuss economic issues in the African- American community.
BHM 2007 Film Series
“When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.”
This intimate, heart-rending portrait of New Orleans in the wake of the destruction tells the heartbreaking personal stories of those who endured this harrowing ordeal and survived to tell the tale of misery, despair and triumph. The film also looks at a community that has been through hell and back, surviving death, devastation and disease at every turn. Yet, somehow, amidst the ruins, the people of New Orleans are finding new hope and strength as the city rises from the ashes, buoyed by their own resilience and a rich cultural legacy.
Soul of Justice: Thelton Hendersons’ American Journey
Few judges provoke the ire of conservatives more than Thelton Henderson, Senior Judge of the Federal District Court of Northern California. His career in many ways parallels the larger historic arc of the Civil Rights movement and the changing vision of government — from Jim Crow laws to Civil Rights victories and back again with recent attacks on affirmative action. Similarly reflected are the changes and conflicts in judicial philosophy during those 40 years. Henderson’s decisions on affirmative action, environmental protection and prison reform — and the furors that surrounded them — serve as a prism on these changes and what they mean for American society.
“When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.”
This intimate, heart-rending portrait of New Orleans in the wake of the destruction tells the heartbreaking personal stories of those who endured this harrowing ordeal and survived to tell the tale of misery, despair and triumph. The film also looks at a community that has been through hell and back, surviving death, devastation and disease at every turn. Yet, somehow, amidst the ruins, the people of New Orleans are finding new hope and strength as the city rises from the ashes, buoyed by their own resilience and a rich cultural legacy.
BHM Keynote Lecture
BHM Keynote Lecture by Dr. Cheryl Wall
From "THE SOULS OF BLACK FOLK:" An Ethic for the Twenty-First Century
The Presidential Lecture on Diversity Series presents Dr. Cheryl Wall, professor of English at Rutgers University. Her specializations include Black Women Writers, Black Narrative, Topics in Black Literature and Culture, and the African American Essay. Dr. Wall uses Du Bois as a springboard for discussion on the moral values and intellectual principles that are required for a collective survival in the 21st century. Among the points emphasized are the central role of a liberal arts education, a commitment to democratic citizenship, and the cultivation of the arts. By art, Du Bois meant not only the fine arts of the elite but the music of the enslaved. Indeed, he considered the poor rural black Americans who struggled for citizenship rights at the turn of the last century to be exemplars of the democratic spirit. At the turn of our new century, all Americans would do well to aspire to their example.
Video Art Discussion
Video Art is a type of art that relies on moving pictures and is comprised of video and/or audio data. ABC will screen and lead discussion on video art focusing on socio-historical and contemporary events in American culture. Through discussion, students will explore issues impacting the black community in the United States. Some of the video art that will be shown includes "Y'all Should All Get Lynched," by NYOIL and "Rebirth of A Nation" by DJ Spooky
History Talent/ Mime Show
The purpose of this performance is to outline the progression of Africans, African- Americans, and Caribbeans throughout our exuberant and often controversial history. This program will highlight how the people of the Diaspora exuded strength, faith, and courage pre- and post- slavery. Through music and silent artistic expression, a group of 10- 15 performers will mime out key events in history that have helped shape our peoples into who we are today. Events will follow a chronological timeline from the early 1800's through the millenium.
African Market
Come join us as we transform the atrium of the Farinon College Center into a marketplace with food, music, and vendors, all celebratory of African culture.
Comedian-
Troy Thirdgill
Troy Thirdgill is one of the most sought-after comedians working today! He has toured extensively overseas performing for our troops everywhere from Cuba to Kuwait and most places in between. He has also made television appearances on shows like Beverly Hills 90210, Martin, In Living Color and many others.
In the past two years Troy has been touring extensively and audiences absolutely adore him! His facial gestures, quick wit and smart humor have made him one of the most popular and well-received performers on college campuses today!