Lipscomb University Celebrates Black History Month
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"We have carefully planned events that will increase understanding and tolerance and provide educational opportunities for the entire Lipscomb family, as well as the community," said Miller. "The more we learn about each other, the less intimidated we are."
The events for Black History Month include "African Americans in the Media," "Understanding Blues and Jazz: An Interactive Music History Lesson," "Generation NEXT: a Talent Showcase," "Movie and Discussion," "African American Vendor Fair" and "Beyond February."
The first event of Black History Month will begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 1 in the Lipscomb University Theater. "African Americans in the Media" will include a fifteen-minute performance by Jeff Obafemi Carr from his one-man play entitled "How Blak Can EYE BEE?"
"The play is a one-man exploration into what it means to be African-American in a changing world," said Miller. "It employs top-level acting, interactive music, multi-media imagery, and audience participation to create an unforgettable evening of performance."
Following the performance, panelists will discuss issues that arise in the play and that arise in the portrayal of African Americans in the media. This event is co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the English and Theater Departments at Lipscomb. Admission is free. Panelists include Greg Carpenter, Cassandra Easley and Ken Schott.
Carpenter received his doctorate from the University of Mississippi in 2000. He teaches in the English Department at Lipscomb and specializes in African-American drama. Easley, of CE Media One, has worked with Gannett, United Press International, NBC, and the PAX network, among others. Schott received his doctorate from Ohio State University in 1972. He is a professor of Communications at Lipscomb. Carr has a B.S. in Speech Communication and Theater from Tennessee State University. He is a freelance consultant and producer.
On Feb. 8, "Understanding Blues and Jazz: An Interactive Music History Lesson" will begin at 4 p.m. in the McQuiddy Band Room 164. Gerald Moore and Steve Rhodes, professors of music at Lipscomb, will team up to discuss the structure of blues music and its unique sound. They will also discuss the political ramifications of selected jazz musicians.
"This presentation will help people understand the difference between Blues and Jazz and will highlight some important political statements that jazz musicians have made," said Miller. Admission to this event is free.
On Feb. 19 at 7 p.m., local middle school and high school students will join efforts in "Generation NEXT: a Talent Showcase." The event will be in Shamblin Theatre and refreshments will be served. The cost of admission is $3.
"You don't want to miss out on some great door prizes, a great MC and an evening of fun," said Miller.
On Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. in Swang 108, Spike Lee's movie "Do the Right Thing" will be shown with discussion following. This event is co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Campus Life. Admission is free and free food will be served.
On Feb. 23 in the Student Center, the "African American Vendor Fair" will begin at 10:15 a.m. and end at 12 p.m.
"The vendor fair will include vendors from businesses in the area that specialize in making African clothing, salons that specialize in African hair care and several other businesses," said Miller. "Each business will have a booth set up in the Student Center and representatives from the business will be available to answer questions. Hopefully, they will also have some products to sell.
"This will provide an opportunity for people to ask questions about African American style who might otherwise feel uncomfortable asking those questions because they are afraid of offending someone."
The final event scheduled for Black History Month is on Feb. 25 in Shamblin Theatre at 7 p.m. "Beyond February" is a play that offers a different view of Black History Month, said Miller. The play will follow three high school students as they decide what to do on their day out of school.
"You will be richly entertained, educated, and brought to a greater appreciation of Black History," said Miller.
The play was written and will be directed by Dorcas Sheffield, a 1983 Lipscomb graduate. General admission is $5 for non-students and $4 for students.
Rhonda Collier, assistant professor of English at Lipscomb, believes it is important to keep learning about the history of all people in the world, especially of those who are normally overlooked.
"Black History Month, in spite of its name, is really about American History," said Collier. "It is about recognizing African Americans are an essential part of American History. While educating ourselves in the history of America and all of its inhabitants, we also need to educate ourselves in the history and literature of the people whom traditional writers of history have often silenced. Those groups include women and people of color around the world, not just African Americans in the United States. We need to be able to look outside our own individual histories and learn about the history of the world."
For more information about Multicultural Affairs at Lipscomb or for a complete schedule of Black History month activities, contact Miller at melodie.miller [at] lipscomb.edu or at 615.279.5777.