Welcome Back!

Below are the Events Scheduled for the 2009 School Year

January

Thursday, January 15
Prophets, Politics, and Patriotism.
The 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series:
Melvin Oliver, Professor of Sociology, University of California, Santa Barbara.Dean Oliver will discuss African Americans and the mortgage and housing industries. 12 Noon, Flynn Auditorium, Vanderbilt University Law School (MLK Series Event)

“Was Reverend King [Un]Patriotic?: Examining American Patriotism in Light of Religious Difference, Prophetic Preaching, and Party Alliance” Community members and members of Vanderbilt’s faculty discuss King’s patriotism 7 pm, Flynn Auditorium, Vanderbilt University Law School (MLK Series Event)

Monday, January 19
“Votes, Voices, and Victory: How far have we come?”
Charles McDew, Chairman, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) 1961 --1964 MLK Jr. Day Candlelight Vigil, Performances by Vanderbilt’s Jeremiah Generation Praise Team, VU Spoken Word, and Nashville a cappella group Nu Image
5 pm Reception
6 pm Lecture, Benton Chapel (MLK Series Event)

Tuesday, January 20
American History:
The Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States
Inauguration Viewing – Come join the BCC family as we watch this historic presidential inauguration. After the ceremony stay and share your thoughts in an informal discussion of the event.
Light refreshments served. Co-sponsored with the Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni
9 am – 2 pm, BCC Auditorium

The Richard Wright Centennial Reading Series:
The Outsider – Discussion led by Derrick Spires.
The Richard Wright Centennial Reading Series celebrates the life and work of the famed writer, Richard Wright (1808-1960). Please join us as we discuss the career and significance of Wright, whose bestselling and groundbreaking novel, Native Son (1940), and other works, make him one of the most important black authors, whose writings still possess power and importance. 6 pm, BCC Seminar Room

(Reading the featured book is not required for attending the sessions)

Thursday, January 22
“Social Responsibility in an Age of Scarcity:
Realizing Economic Justice at Vanderbilt Today”
Rev. James Lawson and invited guests. Panel moderated by Eli Feghali, co-founder of Vanderbilt Students of Nonviolence.

6 pm, Room 114, Furman Hall (MLK Series Event)

Saturday, January 24
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Oratorical and Essay Contest Winners’ Reading & Luncheon
Please come join us as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. King – as we hear young people from Nashville read their poems and essays on the great leader’s life.

12 Noon, BCC Auditorium (MLK Series Event)

Friday, January 30 - February 27
Art Exhibit & Reception “Cultural Relevance in African Art” - Featured Artist: R. Sidney
The colored pencil-etchings of R. Sidney have garnered accolades and praise for this distinctive artist. R. Sidney’s artwork tells stories of color, depth and culture. Please come out and appreciate first-hand the artistry of R. Sidney.

Reception: 12 Noon, BCC Auditorium
Exhibit will be displayed weekdays from 8 am – 5 pm , January 30 – February 27

Saturday, January 31
Blair Global Music Series
This special recital by Blair School Alumna Candace Kerr Johnson, soprano, features songs, arias and spirituals by African-American composers. Johnson will be collaborating with pianist Margaret Kapasi, who has performed as a concert pianist and collaborator throughout the United States and Canada.

8 pm, Steve and Judy Turner Recital Hall (MLK Series Event) Parking for Blair events is located in the South Garage

February

Monday, February 2
Vincent Brown, of American History at Harvard University will discuss his book “The Reaper’s Garden: Social Death and Political Life in Slavery.”
What did people make of death in the world of Atlantic slavery? In The Reaper’s Garden, Vincent Brown asks this question about Jamaica, the staggeringly profitable hub of the British Empire in America--and a human catastrophe. Co-sponsored with the Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities, African-American & Diaspora Studies, the History Department and American Studies
4:10 pm, BCC Auditorium

Thursday, February 5
African Student Union –
Harambee!: A Celebration of African Cultures
Come join the celebration!! The African Student Union will host its 4th annual cultural show to celebrate the multiplicity of rich, vibrant African cultures. Don’t miss a fun-filled night with delicious African food, a fashion show, traditional African dance and drummers, spoken word and much more. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased from ASU members, at the Sarratt Student Center Box Office or at the door on the day of the event. Proceeds benefit the Kasiisi Project’s scholarship fund for children of Uganda.
7 pm, Student Life Center Ballroom

Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8
Rhythm & Roots Performance Company will present their annual production Through the Walls.
Through the Walls covers a broad spectrum of history and emotions. The show revisits the events of our history and retells them from the perspectives of the buildings who witnessed them.
Saturday, February 7th at 7 pm and Sunday, February 8th at
4 pm, in Langford Auditorium

(Tickets are $6 and may be purchased at the Sarratt Student Center Box Office or at the door on the day of the event. Information available at www.vanderbilt.edu/rhythm_roots.)

Wednesday, February 11
Black History at Lunchtime Series: “The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas” “You Name It, We Can’t Do It.”
Dr. Dwonna N. Goldstone, Associate Professor of English at Austin Peay State University will discuss her important and controversial book, Integrating the 40 Acres: The Fifty-year Struggle for Racial Equality at the University of Texas. Co-sponsored with Leadership Development and Intercultural Affairs.
12 Noon, BCC Auditorium

Saturday, February 14
The Vanderbilt Spoken Word 2009 Showcase
Valentine’s Day will never be the same. Vandy Spoken Word presents THE LOVE SHOW, a two hour showcase of original spoken word, hip-hop, and more. Bring a date!
7 – 9 pm, Student Life Center

(Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the Sarratt Student Center Box Office or at the door on the day of the event.)

Sunday, February 15
5th Annual Nothing But Love Affair Valentine’s Benefit Concert
“My Funny Soulful Valentine” Hosted by Lav Luv, Starring After 7 & Maysa, and featering Joe Johnson.
Doors open @ 6 pm, Showtime 7 pm, Langford Auditorium

(Advance general admission tickets $30, general admission tickets on the day of the show $40. Tickets available at nbl4u.com or jazzandjokes.com, or may be purchased at the Sarratt Student Center Box Office. Free parking at the VUMC East Garage on Medical Center Drive)

Monday, February 16
God Bless The Child: An Evening With Hannah Elias & Madam C J Walker
The African American Playwrights Exchange (AAPEX) presents an evening showcasing two new plays by AAPEX artists dealing with two significant African American women from the beginning of the 20th century - HANNAH ELIAS and MADAM CJ WALKER. Featuring Helen Shute Pettaway as Hannah Elias and Jewel Lucien as CJ Walker. Hosted by Jaz Dorsey, Dramarug and founder of AAPEX. Co-sponsored with Leadership Development and Intercultural Affairs
7 pm, BCC Auditorium

Tuesday, February 17
The Richard Wright Centennial Reading Series #2: Black Power
Discussion led by Professor Hortense Spillers.
6 pm, BCC Seminar Room

(Reading the featured book is not required for attending the sessions)

Wednesday, February 25
Black History at Lunchtime Series:
“The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas.”
Dr. Talitha M. Washington, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the University of Evansville, will discuss the life and legacy of Dr. Elbert Cox, the first person to receive the Ph.D. in Mathematics and the coincidence of racism and the Ku Klux Klan in Evansville, IN, in the 1920s. Co-sponsored with Leadership Development and Intercultural Affairs
12 Noon, BCC Auditorium

March

Monday, March 2-Friday, March 27th
Art Exhibit: “Inspiration in Wood and Clay” - Featured Artists: Khamisi Leonard and Shannen Hill
The art of Khamisi Leonard and Shannen Hill will be returning to the BCC by popular demand! The artwork of these talented women will be on display during the month of March.
Exhibit will be displayed weekdays from 8 am – 5 pm

Tuesday, March 10
The Richard Wright Centennial Reading Series: #3: The Color Curtain
Discussion led by Professor Tiffany Patterson.
6 pm, BCC Seminar Room

(Reading the featured book is not required for attending the sessions)

April

Monday, April 1 – Friday May 8
Art Exhibit: “Lost In The Ivy” Series - Featured Artist: Dr. Rosevelt Noble
This series of photographs by Dr. Noble and his student crew continues to document and showcase Black life at Vanderbilt.
Artwork will be on display from March 2 –
May 8 from 8 am – 5 pm, Weekdays

Tuesday, April 14
The Richard Wright Centennial Reading Series #4: The Long Dream
Discussion led by Derrick Spires.
6 pm, BCC Seminar Room

(Reading the featured book is not required for attending the sessions)

May

Thursday, May 7
2009 Black Graduate Recognition Ceremony
7:30 pm, Location TBD

Friday, May 8
Black Cultural Center Post Commencement Luncheon
12 Noon – 2 pm, Black Cultural Center Auditorium

 

We are located on the Vanderbilt University campus unless otherwise noted.  If you need disability-related accommodations, additional event information or campus directions/parking details, please contact the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center at 615-322-2524.