Publication Date
2-12-2021
Abstract
JOHNSON CITY (Feb. 12, 2021) – A variety of educational and entertaining events are being held at East Tennessee State University throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month.
The following programs are free and open to the public to attend virtually:
· A Pop-n-Doc Film Discussion focused on “Civil Rights-Voting Rights” on Monday, Feb. 15, kicks off a three-part series of these film discussions designed to prompt dialogue regarding civic engagement, diversity, justice and the American experience. Each month, participants will watch, on their own, one popular film (pop) and one documentary (doc) dealing with a culturally relevant topic, then attend a Zoom-based discussion. The films for February are “Selma” (pop) and “ALL IN: The Fight for Democracy” (doc). For more information and to obtain the Zoom link, contact Joy Fulkerson at fulkersj@etsu.edu.
· The True Black History Museum (Virtual Black History Exhibit) will be on display virtually on Monday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. This museum was established to preserve the history of African American people and educate others on the contributions they have made to mankind. The collection is comprised of over 1,000 artifacts dating from the late 1700s to the 21st century. Go to bit.ly/3q2Buz1 to register and receive the link to attend.
· A “Black Lives Matter vs. Blue Lives Matter Discussion” will take place Monday, Feb. 22, at 5 p.m. via Zoom. A diverse discussion panel will present different perspectives on the topic, not only addressing the problem but also working toward providing solutions. Panelists include Trevor King, an activist; ETSU alumna Susan Swanay; ETSU student Amyre Cain; Karl Turner, chief of the Johnson City Police Department; and Cesar Gracia, chief of ETSU Public Safety. Go to bit.ly/2Z453Ey to access Zoom information.
· The Zuzu African Acrobats will perform Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m., both in person in the Martha Street Culp Auditorium on the first floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center and simulcast via Zoom. This group performs traditional Kenyan acrobatic skills set to high-energy beats. Seating for this free event in the Culp Auditorium is limited and socially distanced, and available on a first come, first served basis. Those in attendance must follow ETSU COVID-19 guidelines. Go to bit.ly/372iEAw to access Zoom information.
· A Black History Month Book Discussion focusing on the biography “His Truth is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope” by Jon Meacham will be held Thursday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Students, faculty and staff who wish to participate may pick up a copy of the book in advance in the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center on the second level of the D.P. Culp Student Center and read about the late congressman and civil rights leader. Click here to register for the discussion and receive the Zoom link.
· A series of Black History Interviews with local African American leaders continues each Friday at noon. Remaining interviews include Langston Center Supervisor and Jonesborough Alderman Adam Dickson on Feb. 12; John Russaw, ETSU’s first Black football player, on Feb. 19; longtime telecommunications executive and civic leader Lottie Ryans on Feb. 26; and Tybre Faw, a Liberty Bell Middle School student who read the poem “Invictus” at Congressman John Lewis’ funeral in July 2020, on March 5. These interviews will be shared on the ETSU Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center website and Facebook page. The first interview with Herb Greenlee, Johnson City Board of Education member and Carver Recreation Center supervisor, from Feb. 5 is now available on the website.
For more information on these events, contact the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center at 423-439-4844 or etsumc@etsu.edu.
Document Type
News Article
