Black Studies Program
Reports Fall
Semester 2005
Spring Semester 2006
 Dr. Howard A. Mims |
The Howard A. Mims
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05
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Yolanda Burt of the CSU Career Services Center introduces the campus community to Dr. Vincent Terry and his Terry Learning Center (TLC) initiatives intended to utilize No Child Left Behind funding to stimulate an educational program for John F. Kennedy High School and the Lee/Harvard community. A number of teachers, community leaders, and CSU staff members also meet individuals affiliated with the Heritage House Foundation. |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Dr. Vincent Terry explaining how his operations will be like landing the Space Shuttle loaded with our children safely |
 Photo of Yolanda Burt of Career Services introducing the campus community to Dr. Terry, and his TLC Interests in the Cultural Center |
Saturday, August 13, 2005
  Actors discuss ways to research domestic violence, while Michelle Relerford reads for the lead role of Sophia in in this "Sister, I'm Sorry" Audition |
  Brenda Adrine reads for the role of Mama, while former cast of the Church N' the Mall's production of Fragmented Reunite at the audition for "Sister, I'm Sorry" |
 Neal Hodges and Anthony Harris join a "Sister, I'm Sorry" rehearsal to share their willingness to utilize their skills in Public Relations to assist with helping to get word out to the community about this world premeire production. Their strategy was to use a grass roots marketing strategy and an internet campaign. They discussed the general interest in this work that would stimulate a crowd because of its association with a project that engaged Blair Underwood and Greg Huskisson. Also, the community's attention to October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month was mentioned as another way to build an audience. |
Friday, September 2, 2005
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Dr. Murali Nair explaining to Dr. Michael Williams and other faculty from the Department of Social Work about Tsunami Relief strategies in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center |
Dr. Murali Nair of the Department of Social Work reminds the community of the procedures that he used to acquire campus support for the Tsunami victims, while the CSU community responds to a call to organize a campus-wide information sharing session about the Katrina Hurricane Disaster relief efforts. A number of CSU faculty and staff met in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center to coordinate a follow-up meeting called by Dr. Michael Williams and scheduled for Thursday, September 8, 2005 in the International Room.
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Monday, September 12, 2005
Students were recruited to complete applications to become Black
Studies Ambassadors, a team of students who accept speaking engagements
in the Greater Cleveland Community and support programs coordinated
through the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
 Photo by Prester Pickett of the Umoja Round Table with Michael Ryan and Angela Woodson |
 Angela Woods joins Magistrate Michael Ryan for an Umoja Round Table, "For A Just Cause," which discussed the interest that young people should have with the polical systems that govern the people |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Magistrate Michael Ryan |
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
 Photo by Prester Pickett of students line dancing in front of the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center |
The Black Studies Program hosted an Open House in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center, which featured the Jazz Heritage Orchestra Quartet, DJ MickBoogie, Daoud's Puppets, Ground Control B-Boys, SirNoc, Spoken Word Artist Kecia Foster, and Culinary Arts by Ms. Carmichael. |  Photo by Prester Pickett of students enjoying refreshments and conversation in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center |
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During the evening the Howard A. Mims African
American Cultural Center was the location for a reception for
NAACP ACT-SO visual artists, who displayed their visual works
of Art in the Wanda Coleman Gallery. In addition to providing
an excellent cultural exchange, this event was coordinated to
inspire greater numbers of high school students to participate
in the local ACT-SO competition in order to generate more contestants
for the national competition. The efforts with the NAACP ACT-SO
are coordinated by Jocelyn Travis, who is diligent in every way
to motivate the youth and develop their leadership skills.
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Jocelyn Travis explaining the guidelines for entering the NAACP ACT-SO competitions |
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 Photo by Prester Pickett of a high school spoken word artist showing her video footage from her trip to Milwaukee's national NAACP ACT-SO competition |
Thursday, September 14, 2005
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Melvin Hendrix introduced the topic of Perma Culture: Horticultural Enterprise Models for Economically Disadvantaged Communities through a Curtis Wilson Colloquium Series Lecture, which brings the community together to listen to local scholars and practioners who talk about their recent research or endeavors. His powerpoint presentation traced the history of the concept of Perma Culture and the need for current and future generations to learn how to rely on nature to sustain life. |  |
Friday, September 16, 2005
The African American Cultural Center continued its tradition of producing Bridges to Africa Celebrations. The program that was held on this evening emphasized Senegalese and French culture with particular regard to language. Dr. Tama Lea Engelking, Associate Professor of French for the Department of Modern Languages, moderated the dialogue between Thione Niang of TN International Services and Keba Sylla, who shared their unique perspectives from Senegal. The program opened with a presentation from the CSU Library of the film Ainsi Meurent Les Anges (And So Angels Die), which engaged in the Center a combination of French, Wolof and English. After the panel discussion the Nigerian Community of Greater Cleveland provided a Nigerian meal for all who attended.
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Photos by Prester Pickett of the Francophone Bridges to Africa Celebration which featured dialogue between Keba Sylla and Thione Niang, which was moderated by Dr. Engelking and enhanced by the Nigerian Community of Greater Cleveland |
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Monday, September 26, 2005
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Actors from the "Sister, I'm Sorry" Stage Play and members of the Antioch Baptist Church Book Club gather at Antioch Baptist Church to read the script intended for production at CSU on October 21-23, 2005. |  |
Friday, October 7, 2005
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Black Studies Ambassador Alicia Evans-Hayes introduces Maria Nordenback and the S:ta Clara Gospel Choir from Stockhom, Sweden to an audience gathered in front of the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center. The significance of the Negro Spiritual and African Americans' contribution to gospel music, which has spread around the world, was emphasized during this event. |  |
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The CSU Messengers of Joy Gospel Choir open for the S:ta Clara Gospel Choir. The Legendary Jerry Thomas, who coordinated their visit to Cleveland, Ohio, announced other presentations in the area where the S:ta Clara Gospel Choir planned to sing prior to their return to Stockholm, Sweden. |  |
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The S:ta Clara Gospel Choir experienced the diversity of the CSU campus by visiting the Viking Hall Residence Hall, where they dined in the Aramark Cafeteria and received a great variety of options for lunch, which included Swedish Meatballs. The choir then visited a rehearsal in the CSU Music Department with the CSU Chorale. |  |
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The joy that came from attending the CSU Chorale's rehearsal was witnessing one of the members of the S:ta Clara Gospel Choir being familiar with the piece that they were rehearsing and welcomed to join them singing. Although they only expected to observe the rehearsal, they were permitted to sing a gospel song and a traditional song from Sweden in their native tongue. The directors, Maria Nordenback and Dr. Betsy Burleigh, of both groups united for a historical photo that documented the power of music to bring people together from around the world. |  |
Saturday,
October 8, 2005
The Black Studies Ambassadors supported the African American Women's
Agenda Education Foundation's Post-Primary Mayoral Debate in Main
Classroom Auditorium. All eight candidates agreed to participate
in the debate if they were identified as one of the top two candidates
from the Primary Mayoral Election. In Frank Jackson's absence
at this event, Mayor Jane Campbell addressed questions from a
panel composed of AAWA and the directly from the audience.
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Black Studies Ambassadors Alicia R. Evans-Hayes (left) and Taimika King (right) with Senator C.J. Prentiss at Post-Primary Mayoral Debate |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Members of the African American Women's Agenda Education Foundation called to the forefront after the Post-Primary Mayoral Debate |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Debate Moderator Charissa Prunty and Mayor Jane Campbell |
Sunday, October 9, 2005
The African American Museum of Cleveland held a Grant Writing Workshop in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center with Dr. LaTrese Evette Adkins, a Post-Doctoral Fellow with athe Africana Studies Department at Wellesley College. This component of the workshop introduced general terminology used in grant writing and procedures for starting general investigations about grants via the internet. Both the Coleman Gallery and the Adams Technology Room were significant resources for this presentation.
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Grant Writing Wrokshop attendees in the Wanda Coleman Gallery receiving instructions from Dr. Adkins |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Nancy Nolan-Jones, Director of the African American Museum, introducing Dr. LaTrese Evette Adkins to workshop attendees |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Dr. Adkins observing workshop attendees searching for grant information on the computers in the Adams Technology Room in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center. |
Monday,
October 10, 2005
 Photo by David C. Bonner of Prester Pickett and Carl Williams on the set of Culture Time TV |
Prester Pickett is recorded on Culture Time TV, produced by Barbara Cooper and hosted by Carl Williams, discussing the history of the "Sister, I"m Sorry" Stage Play. The intended date of broadcast for this interview was announced for Saturday, October 15, 2005, 6:00 PM on Adelphia Cable Channel 21. |
Thursday, October 13, 2005
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 Dr. Paula Mickens-English of the CSU Counceling Center presented an Umoja Round Table, "When the Goings Get Rough: Addressing Domestic Violence. She distributed information on ways to recognize a perpetrator and discussed the statistics associated with the general public and African Americans. |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Fred Ward greeting Diane Scott, who portrayed a policewoman in the "Sister, I'm Sorry" Stage Play, while Steve Acy reflects on Ward's presentation. |
Fred Ward presented an Umoja Round Table, which attracted twenty guests to the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center. His topic was "Ward of the State," which traced his steps from being recognized as one of Cleveland's most notorious criminals to becoming a successful businessman engaged in legal million dollar activities. |
Thursday, October 20, 2005
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Friday,
October 21, 2005
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Danita Harris and Alicia Booth of News Channel 5 WEWS with Eric Davis, vocalist, and Bennie Tucker, Jr. |
Danita Harris of News Channel 5 and Alicia Booth are joined with Eric Davis, vocalist, and Bennie Tucker Jr., song writer and musician, to present an excerpt from "Sister, I'm Sorry," during the Noon broadcast. Additionally, Dinata Harris interviewed the Director and Playwright to discover how this world premiere in Cleveland was connected to Blair Underwood and producer Greg Huskisson and how this piece joined national efforts to address Domestic Violence.
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The Wolstein Center Box Office managed a record number of community guests, more than one thousand, who attended a Black Studies theatrical production. Two of the three performances almost reached audience capacity and standing ovations for all performances of "Sister, I'm Sorry" revealed the success of this "Edutainment" endeavor. |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of the "Sister, I'm Sorry" audience lined up to enter UC Auditorium at Cleveland State University |
Tuesday, October
25, 2005
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Early College Seniors learning about Test Taking Techniques in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center |
Prester Pickett presented a portion of his Cultural Competency Workshop to 61 high school seniors from Early College. These students were guests at CSU through the CSU Career Services Center, which also took them to other departments and offices on campus. |
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Derrick Williams, Memorial Advisor for the Lakeview Cemetery, was
recommended by the Black Studies Ambassadors to join the Career Services
Center's Annual Fall Caeer Week, which featured him with professionals
from the Coroners Office, Cleveland Crime Lab, and DNA Agency on a
CSI panel--Career Scene Investigation: Careers in Forensics. He connected
his career in Mortuary Science to Forensic Science and explained to
students, who packed into the standing-room-only CSU Welcome Center,
how a well-rounded academic background can broaden the range of employment
opportunities for CSU students to consider upon graduation. This Career
Services panel was coordinated by Philomena Johnson from the Career
Services Center.
A second Career Services presentation was held later in the afternoon in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center, That's Entertainment: The Buisiness of Show Business. This discussion was led by Prester Pickett, M.F.A., playwright, producer, and performer. Sonja Salaam was in attendance and shared her experience as an actress, playwright, and future director, who is beginning to advance with endeavors on a national scale. This Careers Under Construction--Your Blueprint to Career Success workshop was coordinated by Yolanda Burt of the Career Services Center.
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Derrick Williams greeting students after a Forensics Panel discussion |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Derrick Williams with Philomena Johnson |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Sonja Salaam explaining her interests in entertainment to Yolanda Burt |
Friday, November
4, 2005
| Carl Williams opens his Art Exhibition in the Howard A. Mims African American Culture Center with a reception featuring authentic Jamaican cuisine. Close to fifty guests greet him and view his collection of paintings, greeting cards, and holiday items. The reception was a historic moment with the largest gathering of area visual artists in the Center. |  Photo by Prester Pickett of area visual artists with Carl Williams |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Carl Williams with visual artist Alice Hill-Siefulluh during his reception  Photo by Prester Pickett of Monica, Caterer of Jamaican Cuisine |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Carl Williams explaining aspects of his works to Zaire of the Call & Post |
Thursday, November 10,
2005
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Dr. Maggie Jackson, Chair of the Department of Social Work, introduced Dr. Murali Nair, who opened his program on the Tsunami Aftermath. This program was featured selected readings from Tsunami Victims: An Anthology of Writings of Children In Kerala, India by Kisha Foster, Student Senator/Former Managing Editor of the Cauldron, and Prester Pickett, Coordinator of the African American Cultural Center. This program included a presentation of photos by Dr. Nair and Cassandra Guile, Student in the School of Social Work's Honors Program, which reflected aspects of their study abroad experience. Additionally, video excerpts were shown of footage of the waves and rising waters. The program concluded with Dr. Gregory Sadlek, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, giving closing remarks. The Black Studies Program was a co-sponsor of this event. |
November 10-13, 2005
| Both Prester Pickett and Ms. Ruth Reese represented the CSU Black Studies Program at the 15th Annual National Conference for the Association for Black Culture Centers. While in attendance they were able to network with colleagues at other institutions across the nation, who operate Black and Multicultural Centers . They also witnessed the interests and talents of students who were at the conference and excited about studying the diversity within the Black experience. Best practices were highlighted in Purdue University's Black Culture Center and other institutions across the country, which kept the CSU Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center representatives in good company. Programming ideas were generated, which immediately sparked an interest in bringing to Cleveland State University both Dr. Abdul Alkalimat, Director of Africana Studies at the University of Toledo, to discuss information technology from a Black Studies perspective and Poet Nikky Finney, University of Kentucky Student, to celebrate the life and legacy of Rosa Parks. Additionally, the book, Black Culture Centers: Politics of Survival and Identity, edited by Dr. Fred Hord revealed tremendous progress in an effort to reveal how Black Cultural Centers can contribute to the development of Black Studies curriculla through the missions of universities around the world. The conference concluded with an outstanding presentation by Dr. Howard Dodson, Director of the Schomburg Center, who revealed a willingness to partner with the ABCC and scholars around the world in sharing the rich legacy of African peoples. The Ebony Magestic Choir of Indiana State University kept the audience on their feet rocking and clapping with a festive jubillee for future prospects, while the Affrilachian Poets of Kentucky University motivated intellectual thought and the Purdue University Jahari Dancers celebrated what the "move" "meant." These accomplishments obviously applauded the hard work of Ricardo Nazario-Colon and UK staff as well as the leadership of Nathaniel C. Banks from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, who is leading the ABCC towards a very bright future as its president. |
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Wednesday, November 16, 2005
 Photo by a Communications Major of Professor Sy Murray, Dean Mark Rosentraub, and Prester Pickett on the set of Urban Issues |
Prester Pickett joined Professor Sy Murray, Professor of Urban Affairs, on the Urban Issues Television Show discussing "Race & Environmental Justice in New Orleans" with Dean Mark Rosentraub, who hosted the show. |
 Photo by Prester Pickett of some of the members of the African Student Association enjoying fellowship in the African American Cultural Center |
The African Student Association, which holds its meetings in the African American Cultural Center, gathered this day in the Center to celebrate their participation in the International Day celebration in University Center atrium. Their table displayed some of the Center's artifacts with items collected by its members and was presented in harmony with other cultures from around the world. |  Photo by Prester Pickett of former Black Studies Ambassador Etta Abang with David Madir, President of the African Student Association |
Tuesday, November 23, 2005
Kay Teel of Memphis, Tennessee invited Prester Pickett to the school where she works to present a lecture on the African Grove Theater and their engagements with Shakespear scripts as well as a lecture on Harriet Jacobs' Life as a Slave Girl. These lectures were presented to two classes in the Middle College High School, which is housed at a community college. He was joined by his wife Bertha Lee Pickett, who presented a medley of Negro Spirituals, to show how Africans strategically used music to help secure their freedom.
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Thursday, December 8, 2005
Professor Neal Chandler, Director of the CSU Creative Writing Workshop, met regularly throughout the semester with his students in his ENG 305/602 Creative Non-Fiction Workshop in the Coleman Gallery on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In addition to students enjoying the
aesthetics of the revolving exhibitions, they were able to become
acquainted with faculty members in a space dedicated to preserving
the legacy of the African experience in America and abroad.
This arrangement also exposed a number of students who utilize
the African American Culture Center to Professor Chandler and
the variety of courses offerred through the English Department. |
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| The National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice--Ohio hold their meeting in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center. They were welcomed by both the Coordinator of the Center and the Director of the Black Studies Program. |  Photo by Prester Pickett of the union between the incoming and outgoing exective officers of the NABCJ-Ohio (Top Row: Leslie Blackmore, Cassandra Hill-Gunn, Mandel Hooks, Jevonda Hill, and Garey Burt. Front Row: Tisha Hannell, Latoya Jones, and Staci Freeman) |
| The National Association for Black Social Workers (Cleveland Chapter) meet in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center to discuss their plans for developing an city-wide Kwanzaa Celebration. |  Photo by Prester Pickett of the NABSW meeting |
| The Crusade for Christ Leadership Committee meeting revealed how various student organizations make use of the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center. The display of African fabric on tables outside of the Center is a welcoming appeal to students, community members and guests to our campus, who also find their way into the Center to meet other students and discover flyers and brochures that announce activities in the Greater Cleveland community. |  Photo by Prester Pickett of the Crusade for Christ Leadership Committee Meeting |
| Thursdays are also busy with the Center being regularly used by the Messengers of Joy for their Bible Study, the Men of Alpha Phi Apha Fraternity, Incorporated for their Study Table, and the African Hebrew Israelites for their Study Sessions. |
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Wednesday, December 7, 2005
Dr. Dwayne Wright, a professor in Curriculum & Foundations, sat in his African mud cloth attire to the right of his guests, Dr. Edward Young, former Cleveland Public School District Board Member, and Ms. Geraldine Dockery, a retired Strategic Facilitator currently employed in the Office of the School of Management, in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center. He invited them to the Center to present a lecture, "Racial Politics in Urban Education: A Historical Perspective of the Cleveland Municipal School District," which integrated their first hand experiences with candid remarks about the efforts to desegregate the District. According to Dr. Wright, who coordinated this event in conjunction with his course (EDB608--School and Society and the American Past), "desegregation greatly altered the educational system in Cleveland and marked profound changes in the composition and the operation of the city's schools." This program was significant because of the limited understanding by the general public about issues regarding desegregation policies. In addition to giving a greater exposure to the students about the topic, Dr. Wright helped them see how the African American Cultural Center supports of the mission of the Black Studies Program. This experience highlighted how the Center offers brings together academicians, community members and students in a setting that fosters open and honest dialogue.
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Saturday, December 10, 2005
| Members of the 5th US Colored Infantry meet in the African American Cultural Center to discuss their interest in helping the Black Studies Program celebrate Rosa Parks during its 2006 MLK Day Celebration by posting The Colors as well as creating a scene from history to be depicted in a Living Museum exhibit, which is tentatively scheduled as part of the 2006 Black History Month Celebration. They confirmed their interest in holding their regular meetings in the Center and contributing to the excitement about Black history through their historical reinactments. |  Photo by Prester Pickett of 5th US Colored Infantry Meeting in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center |
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
The Tuskegee Airmen held their regular second Tuesday of the month meeting in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center. They conducted their business and elected new officers for the next year. They also received a presentation by William Holdipp Jr., Manager of Research and Member Services for the Consortium of African American Organizations (CAAO). CAAO is an umbrella organization of 24 black professional organizations in Northeast Ohio. CAAO assists the individual members of these organizations with entrepreneurial development and career development. Additionally, they reviewed a report by Roger Cram of Hiram College about his success with a celebration for the Tuskegee Airmen, which attracted over fifty guests to the African American Cultural Center. Highlights emphasized the success of his course, which he teaches about the Tuskegee Airmen at Hiram College (http://www.hiram.edu/tuskegeeairmen) Their meeting concluded with their excitement
about the discussion of another film on the Tuskegee Airmen
and the acquisition of autographs on posters by two of the original
Airmen. |
Tuesday, February 1, 2006
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The opening event for Black
History Month 2006 was the lecture The Revolution Just May
Be Computerized: Black Studies and Information Technology by Dr. Abdul Alkalimat. This lecture was originally scheduled
to be held in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center,
but due to the outstanding response to this event, it had to be
moved to the International Room. Entreprenuer Terrence Travis
introduced his work with the development of Cleveland365.com,
which exited the audience about the work that was being done in
Cleveland to promote and preserve Black culture electronically. Dr. Abdul Alkalimat explained how the title of the lecture reflected the line in a Gill Scott Heron poem, which states "The revolution will not be televised." Dr. Alkalimat explained how the computer could be used as an equalizer in regard to getting information to many of those who were once deprived of information. His description of his work in building web sites as well as educating the community about the methodologies used to navigate in the technological field enlightened an audience of approximately forty guests. Students in Dr. Michael Williams' Social Work course were in attendance and encouraged to apply this lesson to his course on Social Policy. Additional guests in the audience included Dr. Maggie Jackson, Chair of the Department of Social Work, Dr. Edward McKinney and community advisory committee members for the Black Studies Program Abdul Qahhar and Ms. Freeman. The intrigued audience stayed well after the lecture to meet and talk to both Dr. Alkalimat and recommendations were received to schedule his next appearance some time in the very near future. |
Photo
by Prester Pickett of Dr. Abdul Alkalimat lecturing as part
of 2006 Black History Month Calendar in the International
Room
Thursday, February 2, 2006
 Photo by Prester Pickett of Bennie Tucker, Jr. rehearses Alicia Alexander for a tribute to Robert Townsend and the work he did with Five Heartbeats.  Photo by Prester Pickett of CSU Student Jeremy Scott rehearses his song for a tribute to Spike Lee and the work he did with Malcolm X. |
Rehearsals commensed for "Keeping it Reel: A Celebration of African Americans
in the Film Industry." Bennie Tucker, Jr. was confirmed
as the music director for this project and began teaching the
songs that are part of the tribute, which is scheduled for Saturday,
February 25, 2006. He will be joined by fellow musicians and
vocalists Rob C, Focus, and Jeremy Scott. Also Michelle Relerford
(Channel 5 News), Dee Perry (WCPN/WVIZ Idea Stream), and Kevin
"Chill" Heard (Call & Post) agreed to host the
event as narrators. |
Sunday, February 5, 2006
 Frederick Taylor with Dr. A. Grace Lee Mims, who instructed him in Voice at the Music Settlement |
 Obadiah Baker |
 Twins for Christ danced and announced their acceptance into Ohio State University |
 Chris Webb presented his original poetry  Voices of Open Door sang gospel music |
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Prester Pickett served as MC for the Of Thee I Sing Community and Culture Celebration in Drinko Recital Hall which featured Obadiah Baker from the New England Conservatory in Boston, Maryland and Frederick Taylor from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. This event was sponsored by the CSU-Music Department and Rainey Institute.
Thursday, February 9, 2006
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Robert Roche presented his Curtis Wilson Colloquium Series Lecture, "Harmony with Many Nations: Ohio's History of the in the Underground Railroad with Native Americans," in the International Room instead of the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center because the audience grew beyond the capacity of the Center. Students from Early College joined in the lecture which was introduced by Dr. Beverly Lloyd, Chairperson of the English Department at Early College. |
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Friday, February 10, 2006
BRIDGES TO AFRICA
Dr. F. Komla Aggor provided materials that assisted an intimate gathering of almost fifteen with seeing Ghana as one of the many countries in Africa. The first part of a lesson that he presented before he joined a general open dialogue was related to the names that males and females are given at birth through a particular tradition based on the Ghanaian names of the days of the week. Since he was born on a Tuesday he recieved the name "Komla" just like other males who were born on this day of the week. Additional conversations with Alex Kyerematen, a student from Ghana studying at the College of Wooster, allowed guests to overcome the challenge of pronouncing his last name with the lesson that "Ky" is pronounced like "ch" before he discussed the challenges that he faced with his interests in establishing stronger relations with African Americans. Another guest speaker was Robert Amoah, who is a CSU Alumnus, who helped establish the first Bridges to Africa Celebrations. Offering a perspective from a woman's point of view was Vivian Atsu.
 CSU Alumnus Robert Amoah talks about his experiences relocating to Cleveland, Ohio from Ghana. He also recalled his excitement in helping to establish the first Bridges to Africa Celebrations through the African American Cultural Center |
 Dr. Aggor explains the challenges that Africans face when they relocate to America and the struggles that they address when they return to their home lands |
Overall, there was brief review of the general challenges that native Africans face when they migrate to the United States of America to acquire an education. The first hurdle that is jumped is in regard to the stereotypes that emerge due to the lack of information that African Americans have about Africa in general and specific countries like Ghana. The media has developed an image about African Americans that also creates distance between the desired positive relationships. Additionally, many families that host Africans are in large numbers European Americans. Finally, there is the age difference in many of the natives from Africa, who come to study after acquiring formal training in their countries that often teach them to speak sometimes two or three other languages. An older student is less likely to want to attend the same type of parties that students who have just completed their high school diplomas would want to attend.
Vivian Atsu from Ghana unites with Ms. Dionne Carmichael, one of the members of the Black Studies Community Advisory Committee, and shares how her husband is a current student at Cleveland State University after her presentation on the Bridges to Africa panel |
 Alex Kyerematen, a College of Wooster student, sits on the panel and reviews some of the material that Dr. Aggor presented to describe some of his work at John Carroll University as a Professor of Spanish and Chair of the Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Cultures |
Conversations about the impact of colonialization and capitolism were related to why many Africans wear western attire, moreso, even in Africa. The expense of traditional garments was announced to have priced Africans out of their ability to wear African clothing. Other impacts included the development of Hip Hop culture. The main discussion centered on the common experience of what W.E.B. DuBois explained as a double consciousness. Many of those from Ghana who were in attendance agreed that it is sometimes difficult to relate with many of their peers and relatives upon their return to Africa. While some of their friends and relatives hold them in high esteem for coming to America, others feel as if they have distanced themselves from their people in more ways than one. Many African Americans announced their experience in being estranged from their family and community after acquiring an education. The idea of "living in two worlds, but coming home to one," seems to be a common thread in the fabric that unites African descendants.
The collective group expressed its interest in visiting the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio to experience a portion of their African Week Celebration.
Saturday,
February 11, 2006
GET ON THE BUS
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A trip to the African American Museum in Detroit, Michigan was planned as a second annual "Get On the Bus" Black History Month excursion. This group preceded a bus of CSU students, which visited the museum the following week. The trip was successful and engaged community members with support from Black Studies Ambassador Taimika King, who quized those on the van for the duration of the trip with Black history trivia questions. The youth that attended this trip were members of the Community Re-Entry program with the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry. They were excited about encouraging their classmates to improve their knowledge of Black History/American History/World History. |
Sunday, February 12, 2006
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The delegation from Flint, Michigan were welcomed to the campus of Cleveland State University by the Coordinator of the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center/Assistant to the Director of Black Studies. They were first able to view the International Room on the ground floor of University Center Building, where the opening Black History Month event was held with Dr. Abdul Alkalimat. Afterwards they viewed the University Center Atrium and its main floor with Campus 411, Mobile Campus, and the Computer Lab. Most importantly they saw the Master Plan which revealed the New Look of CSU with drawings of the New Student Recreation Center and the Fenn Tower Dormitories. Their visit exposed them to the success that the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center has had with achieving certain components of the University's mission. Its programs, but most importantly its partnerships with other community institutions, organizations and agencies were highlighted as a key in how so many goals are accomplished. The group was welcomed into the Center
with the music of the Jazz Heritage Orchestra playing in the
background. The modest space was explained to the be headquarters
for planning events in other venues on the university's campus
as well as in the community. The Wanda Coleman and Frank Adams
Rooms were described as multi-purpose spaces where both student
organizations and community organizations like the Tuskegee
Airmen, 5th Colored Infantry Company G, the Nigerian Community
of Greater Cleveland, Women of Racial and Economic Equality
and NAACP ACT-SO Planning Commitees meet to provide greater
knowledge and appreciation of the history, life, arts and culture
of peoples of African descent. |
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Students came together at 12:00 Noon to enjoy scenes from Karamu House Theater's production of The Colored Museum, by George Wolfe. Afterwards several male and female students from Cleveland State University competed by answering questions about Black History. A final four students (2 males and 2 females) responded to the greatest number of questions to receive the winning prize of being paired to receive an all-expense-paid evening in Tower City. They left the campus to receive an elegant dinner at the Ritz-Carlton, where their waitress Mary made the meal very delightful. Afterwards, they received a tour of the facilties by Front of the House Manager Bruce Benson. His hospitality encouraged the students to appreciate their investment in their education, which would lead to a career that could afford several stays at the Ritz-Carlton. They were most impressed with their visit to the President's Suite, which was announced to be available that evening for a modest $10,000 for the night. Seeing the Club and Fitness Center was also inspirational. Great appreciation was expressed to Julie Southwick, who arranged this exposure and the accomodating hotel staff who maintain a high class environment for all of its guests.
 The Dating Game: Show Some Love for Black History contestants write their response to a question |
 Winners of the Dating Game |
 Winners began their date at the Ritz |
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Scenes from Karamu House Theater's production of The Colored Museum were then presented to encourage the students to purchase tickets at special rates for CSU |  |
 Bernetta Fisher, Theater major, enjoys the thought of relaxing in the spa after a workout in the gym and a massage as part of the tour of the Ritz Carlton facilities |
 Frank Brown, Electrical Engineer major, and Tamera Jones, Accounting major, select a course for their meal at the Ritz Carlton |
 Winner of the Dating Game Go Select the film of their choice at Tower City Cinemas |
The evening progressed after the dinner and tour with tickets to Tower City Cinemas, which were provided by Barry Roberts, General Manager, who was willing to invest in this CSU Black History Month Celebration. Finally, the students received tickets to attend a full performance of The Colored Museum at Karamu House Theater through the kind support of the CSU Department of Student Life by Anitah Bryant, Campus Programming Specialist who manages the City Is Our Campus Ticket Program. If they attend the play as a couple, they will receive another token gift.
The recipients of this life-inspiring opportunity were Frank Brown, Bernetta Fisher, Charles Tucker, and Tamera Jones.
| A lecture on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speeches was presented at 1:00 PM by Prester Pickett for the Relious Studies/Black Studies course on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X on behalf of Instructor Gloria Channey-Robinson. This lecture included an oration of excerpts from the "Drum Major", "Mountaintop", and "I Have a Dream" speeches as well as a reading from his "Letter from the Birmingham City Jail." |
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
| The LINK Program coordinated through the Career Services Center with Mr. Ronald Jones, CEO of The Copious Group, a Professional Development Workshop in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center |  |
Thursday,
February 16, 2006
 Ms. Alberta Crayton is announced to be the oldest guest on record ever to visit to the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center. She is 101 years young and also holds the honor of being born on Christmas day, December 25, 1904 in Birmingham, Alabama. |
The Eliza Bryant Village brought a bus load of elders to participate in a celebration of Langston Hughes' poetry, which was presented by Prester Pickett. The presentation also was quite enlightening as the elders talked about their migration stories and social activities, which corresponded with some of Langston Hughes' poems. They remembered when they were the age of college students and recalled landmarks and facilities that used to attract large numbers of African Americans. Names of active churches, popular performers and professional athletes were also part this creative way to bring Black History to the forefront through individuals ready and willing to teach, yet, another generation and engage in community building activities.
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Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Abdul Qahhar presented a lecture on how Malcolm X was influenced by the teachings of Marcus Garvey and his parent's involvement with the Back to Africa movement. The lecture was stimulated with an opening of a Malcolm X speech delivered by Steve Acey. This presentation allowed the actor to talk about his interests and the intent in presenting a dramatic presentation to bring attention to the day that is remembered in history for the assasination of a great Black leader. A raffel was conducted by Dr. Sanza Clark to identify a winner of two tickets to the Ohio Player's Concert at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum from the Black Studies Community Advisory Committee. The standing room only audience in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center included special guests from the Elyza Bryant Village and members of the CSU community. The center was also engaged that day with a meeting with the Black Faculty and Staff Organization as well as the Black Student Union. |
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 Gerald Ford of YO Cleveland with award recipient and his career coach |
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 A former Black Studies Ambassador who graduated from CSU provided inspiration to YO Cleveland students |
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Photo by Prester Pickett of CSU Black Studies Ambassador Roy-Allen Bumpers |
Roy-Allen Bumpers sits at a table representing Cleveland State University as a Black Studies Ambassador willing to distribute information about Black History Month activities and the Black Studies Program to more than two hundred who attended the Fatherhood Fair, which was sponsored by the Including Fathers Committee and the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services. He was also able to hear a speech about fatherhood, which was presented by Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones and visit the other tables that highlighted agencies and services that could benefit his development as a new father. |
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Anthony Kellon, Esq., and Andrew Jarvi address the topic of Blacks and the Civil War from their engagements with the 5th US Colored Infantry (Company G) in the evening in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center |  |
Thursday, February 23, 2006
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Future employees in the Greater Cleveland communiity receive a lesson in Cultural Competency by the Coordinator of the African American Cultural Center at Antioch Baptist Church as part of their Project Genesis. |
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Rudy Ray Moore, better known as "Dolemite," had his acceptance speech video recorded by Prester Pickett in Terrence Reynolds' studio because he had to fly out of Cleveland prior to the "Keeping It Reel" Black History Month Celebration, which was acknowledging him as "The King of Comedy." He was recording the music to a CD for a soundtrack featuring the lyrics "I Wish It Would Rain." He spoke about his ventures in entertainment and how he left Cleveland and returned after serving in the Army to be groomed by his mentor. He was joined in the studio by his son, who resides in Akron and a number of local area musicians who were putting the finishing touches on CD. He announced his prospects of returning to California to start efforts with a movie that would chronicle his life's accomplishments and remind younger comedians that there is a legacy that precedes them. |
Friday, February 24, 2006
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Instructor Linda Price provides a Curtis Wilson Colloquium Series Lecture in the Wanda Colman Gallery on August Wilson for approximately twenty-five guests. Included in the audience was Dr. Louis Barbeto, Chair of the English Department, who co-teaches the course on August Wilson's works. A piano was borrowed from the Music Department to add to the room's aesthetic value, since she was concentrating on Wilson's The Piano Lesson. |
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Alice Lasoi, a Maasai woman from Kenya, who was a guest of Dr. Barbara Hoffman, CSU Professor of Anthropology, displays cultural artifacts in the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center. She welcomed questions from a group of high school students who were visiting the campus and CSU students and community members who attended that day's Black History month celebrations. |
Saturday, February 25, 2006
THE BLACK STUDIES AMBASSADOR ORATORICAL CONTEST
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 Demetris General, a 10th grade student from Martin Luther King Law and Public Service, wins 3rd place ($75) for his presentation of Margaret Fishback Powers' "Footprints" |
Additionally, the judges were able to give positive feedback to the students after their presentations and encourage them to begin to prepare for the local NAACP ACT-SO Competitions and maintain the asperations of being able to represent Cleveland, Ohio in the national competitions in Washington, D.C. this summer. |
THE LIVING MUSEUM
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Andrew Jarvi introduced guests to the Living Museum exhibition on the 5th US Colored Infantry, C |