Category: What’s New @ UMW

The Multicultural Fair will be held on Saturday, April 9th from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. throughout the UMW campus community. The James Farmer Multicultural Center encourages everyone to attend or participate. Participation opportunities include, vending, performing, volunteering, or modeling in the Fashion Show.

If you are interested in any of the opportunities please visit the event’s website at http://www.umw.edu/multicultural/multicultural_fair/default.php or contact LaNita Weisenberger at lweisenb@umw.edu or (540) 654 – 1044.

BLACK HISTORY IS…

Celebrate and Educate

Black History Month celebrates the journey that African Americans have traveled over time. Their path has been filled with struggles and acts of perseverance. We come together this month to honor, celebrate, and educate everyone about the movements and achievements that have transformed society. The James Farmer Multicultural Center, the Black History Month committee, and the Black Student Association (BSA) invite you to reflect on this journey and join us in celebrating all the progress that has been made. We continue to hope that, as a people and a society, we will further strive to achieve a nation where social justice and equal opportunity become a reality for all Americans.

*Cuisines of Black Cultures,  Seacobeck Hall

Cost: one meal-plan meal or $7.75 for lunch, $9.90 for dinner (plus tax)
Feb. 7 – dinner; Feb. 21 – lunch, Select Mondays in February
Campus Dining Services will celebrate Black History Month by featuring
dishes from African, Caribbean, Creole, and Southern soul cuisines.

*My Journey: African-American Stories

Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011
6 p.m., Lee Hall, Room 411
An open-panel discussion of the journey of several African-American
UMW and Fredericksburg community members who will relate
personal experiences in their professions. Refreshments provided.

*Celebration Keynote Performance: Saul Williams

Friday, Feb. 4, 2011
7 p.m., Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall
Experience the lyrical force of Saul Williams’ spoken word art. Williams
is a former Grand Slam Champion and HBO Def Poetry Jam performer
who explores social consciousness through his poetry.

*Eric Etheridge – Breach of Peace: Portraits of
the 1961 Mississippi Freedom Riders

Monday, Feb. 7, 2011
7 p.m., Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center
Reception to follow.
Etheridge is the author, journalist, and photographer behind Breach
of Peace: Portraits of the 1961 Mississippi Freedom Riders, a “then-and-now”
memoir of individuals who took part in the Freedom Rides of 1961.
Part of the James Farmer Visiting Professor Lecturer Series,
in collaboration with Freedom Riders 50th Anniversary Commemoration.

*“The Negro Zone” Discussion

Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011
6 p.m., Lee Hall, Room 411
Panel members will discuss this short, satirical film that addresses
stereotypes African-American men face in the United States. Refreshments
provided. Co-sponsored by Brothers of a New Direction (BOND) and BSA.

*Comedy Performance featuring Jordan Carlos

Friday, Feb. 11, 2011
8 p.m., Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center
Jordan Carlos is a Brooklyn-based comic raised in suburban North
Dallas where he was the only black kid in class and at all the bar mitzvahs.
He has appeared as Stephen Colbert’s black friend, “Alan,” on the Colbert
Report and performed on Comedy Central’s Live at Goth. Sponsored by
GIANTProductions.

*Step Show

Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011
6:30 p.m. – doors open, 7 p.m. – show begins
Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall
Cost: $7; $5 with UMW ID
Join an array of the most talented area step teams performing in this high
energy, entertaining competition. Co-sponsored by Women of Color, BOND,
and the Fredericksburg Area Boys and Girls Club.

*Candido: Hands of Fire

Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011
6 p.m., Lee Hall, Room 411
Ivan Acosta directed Candido: Hands of Fire, a documentary about a well-known
Afro-Cuban percussionist, Candido Camero. The audience will be
treated to a viewing of this documentary followed by a discussion led by
Mr. Acosta. Co-sponsored by the departments of Modern Foreign Languages
and English.

*HIV/AIDS in the Black Community: A Panel Discussion

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011
6 p.m., Lee Hall, Room 411
Black Americans have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and
that disparity continues to grow. Sponsored jointly by BSA, People for the
Rights of Individuals of Sexual Minorities (PRISM), and Fredericksburg’s
Home of Miracles and Embraces (H.O.M.E).

*A Night of Jazz: Performance and Discussion

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011
8 p.m., The Underground, Lee Hall
Join Doug Gately for a discussion of jazz music in the African-American
community and enjoy a performance by the UMW Faculty Jazz Sextet. Co-sponsored by the UMW Department of Music.

*Gospelfest

Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011
6 p.m., Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center
Enjoy an evening of gospel music and spiritual uplift with choirs, singing
groups, and praise dance teams as they display their musical talents.

*Coming Out? African-American Culture and Sexuality

Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011
6 p.m., Lee Hall, Room 411
A candid discussion about stereotypes surrounding black homophobia and
non-heterosexual lifestyles. Co-sponsored by BSA and PRISM.

*Gay Rights versus Civil Rights

Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011
7 p.m., Lee Hall, Room 411
Involved in the struggle for both GLBT and civil rights equality,
Fredericksburg musician and activist Gaye Adegbalola presents a unique
and personal interpretation. Sponsored by PRISM.

“Stereotypical Islam: Dispelling the Myths, Labels, and Prejudices Surrounding Islamic Culture “

There is no poster child for Islam. It is a religion and culture that is constructed of a diverse community that cannot be defined by media images and the acts of extremists. In truth, Islam is a peaceful and open religion; one that is often typecast based on the false myths, labels, and prejudices created by various forms of media. The Islamic Student Association and James Farmer Multicultural Center aim to educate the members of the campus and greater community about the truths of Islamic culture and increase the acceptance levels of not only the members of the Islamic community, but all individuals who have suffered from intolerance.

Are you a Terrorist?

Film and Discussion • Monday, January 24
Lee Hall, Room 411; 5 p.m.
Please join the Islamic Student Association for the viewing of The Road to Guantanamo Bay. This film is a docudrama about “The Tipton Three,” three British men who were held in Guantanamo Bay by the United States government for two years. The film features interviews and archival footage to tell the story of possible abuse by the government in the name of fear. The film will be followed by a discussion about the actions that took place during the years these men were imprisoned and whether prejudices toward Islamic culture influenced these actions.

Muslims and Miniskirts: What you Don’t Know about Islamic Fashion

Fashion Show • Tuesday, January 25
Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center; 7 p.m.
Fashion in Islamic culture is certainly not confined to niqabs and kufis. It is just as diverse as the culture itself; filled with elements of self expression, wonderful colors, and a variety that ultimately dispels the stereotypical images media provide of the men and women of Islam. Members of the UMW community will model various fashions to highlight how different and actually modern the clothing and culture of Islam can be.

Henna Night

Wednesday, January 26
Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center; 5 p.m.
The art of Henna is often thought of as being a part of Islamic religion, but in fact it is part of its culture. The decorative body art has been in existence longer than Islam and is celebrated by individuals from around the world. Please join the Islamic Student Association as they address the history of Henna in combination with providing individuals the opportunity to express themselves utilizing this form of body art.

Islamic Cultural Banquet

Cultural Awareness Series Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Liyakat Takim
Thursday, January 27
Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center; 6 p.m.
The Islamic Cultural Banquet offers traditional foods, fellowship, and a keynote lecture from Dr. Liyakat Takim. Dr. Takim is the Sharjah Chair in Global Islam at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada. He has written over 70 scholarly works on Islam in America, both pre- and post-9/11.

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
For more information, contact James Farmer Multicultural Center, 540/654-1044,  Lee Hall, Room 211 | www.umw.edu/multicultural

“Letter From the Birmingham Jail”: Breakfast & Discussion

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Place: Faculty/Staff Dining, Seacobeck Hall

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These famous words written by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his open letter titled, “Letter From a Birmingham Jail,” still ring true today. The program will feature a panel discussion including UMW faculty members regarding the spirit and compelling message of Dr. King’s Letter. This event is co-sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs and the Fredericksburg chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc., an organization in which Dr. King was a member.

Kwanzaa

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011

Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center

Reservations are preferred but not required for this event; please contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at 540/654-1044.

Kwanzaa was established by Dr. Maulana Karenga and first celebrated on Dec. 26, 1966. It was created in order to enhance the value of unity throughout the African and African-American communities as a non-religious, week-long holiday celebrating and honoring African culture and heritage throughout the world. Traditionally celebrated Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration, featuring activities such as candle-lighting, pouring of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift giving. Please join us as we partake in the activities and rituals of Kwanzaa as well as enjoy a feast together.  This event is cosponsored by the James Farmer Multicultural Center and the Black Student Association.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON’S DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Nontombi Naomi Tutu

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011

Time: 7 p.m.; reception to follow in Trinkle Hall Rotunda

Place: Dodd Auditorium

Sponsored by the Office of the President
The challenges of growing up black and female in apartheid South Africa led Naomi Tutu to her present role as an activist for human rights. Her experiences have taught her how much we all lose when any of us is judged purely on physical attributes. The third child of Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu, Naomi Tutu was born in South Africa and has also lived in Lesotho, the United Kingdom, and the United States. She was educated in Swaziland, the U.S., and England, and she has divided her adult life between South Africa and the U.S. Growing up the “daughter of” has offered her many opportunities and challenges. Most important of these has been the challenge to find her own place in the world. She has taken up the challenge and channeled the opportunities that she has been given to raise her voice as a champion for the dignity of all.

Tutu has served as a development consultant in West Africa and a program coordinator for programs on race, gender, and gender-based violence in education at the African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town. She has also taught at the universities of Hartford and Connecticut and at Brevard College. Tutu began her public speaking as a college student at Berea College in Kentucky in the 1970s when she was invited to speak at churches, community groups, colleges, and universities about her experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa. Since that time she has become a much sought after speaker for groups as varied as business associations, professional conferences, meetings of elected officials, and church and civic organizations. In her speeches she blends the passion for human dignity with humor and personal stories.

Tutu has also led truth and reconciliation workshops for groups dealing with different types of conflict. Together with Rose Bator she presents a workshop titled “Building Bridges: Dealing with Issues of Race and Racism.” The two also lead women’s retreats through their organization Sister Sojourner. They are also writing a book, I Don’t Think of You as Black: Honest Conversations on Race and Racism.

Tutu is a consultant for two organizations that reflect the breadth of her involvement in issues of human rights, including the Spiritual Alliance to Stop Intimate Violence, founded by renowned author Riane Eisler, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Betty Williams, and the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In this empowering keynote speech, Naomi Tutu combines Dr. King’s dream of the “Beloved Community” with the teachings of a South African proverb, speaking to the need to understand how our actions – or inactions – affect ourselves and all with whom we come into contact. Rather than focus on what separates us, Tutu encourages us to focus on our shared humanity in order to build a just world. Both the “Beloved Community” and the proverb share an underlying theme: the importance of not dehumanizing those with whom we are in conflict and instead concentrating on what we have the power to change.

The Celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will also include a week-long community service challenge at UMW. All students, faculty, and staff members will be charged with serving the greater Fredericksburg community.

The University of Mary Washington Galleries will host two new exhibitions to welcome the new year.

“Part of a Bigger Picture”, featuring the work of Michael Wsol, will run Friday, January 14 through Friday, January 28 in the duPont Gallery. On Thursday, January 13, there will be a gallery talk by the exhibition artist from 4 to 5 p.m. followed by an opening reception with refreshments from 5 to 7 p.m.

Michael Wsol creates artworks inspired by the methods in which people live and function in developed societies.  More specifically, he studies the structural, social, and economic systems that have been developed to create and support contemporary culture.  Wsol looks for systems in the areas in which he lives and works to provide the subject matter of his investigations.  These artworks simplify infrastructural and cultural systems into studies of their specific functions and potential adaptations.

Mr. Wsol teaches Three-dimensional Studies at Georgia State University.  He exhibited in New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami, among other cities, including the recent “Exit Art Biennial” at the Exit Art Gallery in New York City and “Landscaping” at Fusebox in Washington D.C.  He is represented by the Solomon Projects gallery in Atlanta, Georgia and has work in numerous private collections.  Michael Wsol earned a MArch degree from The University of Virginia, a MFA in sculpture from The University of Georgia, and a MA in sculpture and a BA in sculpture from Eastern Illinois University.

“Shades of Gray: Drawings in Graphite” will run Friday, January 21 through Friday, February 25 in the Ridderhof Martin Gallery.  On Thursday, January 20, there will be an opening reception with refreshments from 5 to 7 p.m.  On Sunday, February 26, at 2 p.m., there will be a gallery talk presented by Joann Moser entitled “Why Draw?” at the Ridderhof Martin Gallery.  Joann Moser is the Senior Curator of Graphic Arts at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.  This is the first lecture of the “2011 Spring Lecture Series.”  Advance registration is required.  Admission is free.

“Shades of Gray” presents the work of six artists from Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. while exploring a variety of ways that graphite is used by contemporary artists. The artists featured are Lea Anderson, Matthew Ballou, Gianluca Bianchino, Elaine Kaufmann, Darice Polo, Lana Stephens, and Christine Weir.

In the past, graphite was relegated to use as a medium for preparatory studies that would later be reworked into more finished work in other media.  However, due to a renewed interested in drawing among contemporary artists, it is no longer only a means to an end.  As seen in this exhibition, the use of graphite provides a surprisingly common ground for the realization of each artist’s vision despite such diverse inspiration sources as architecture, contradiction, filtered memories, irony, isolation, obsession, phobias, scale, scientific inquiry, and social consciousness.

The University of Mary Washington Galleries (UMWG), composed of the Ridderhof Martin Gallery and the duPont Gallery, is dedicated to advancing the educational goals of the University through the collection, preservation, exhibition, and interpretation of works of art in accordance with the highest professional museum standards. While the primary mission is to promote and enhance student awareness and understanding of the visual arts, UMWG also serves as a significant academic resource contributing to the intellectual and cultural enrichment of the entire University community, the local community, and, in a broader sense, the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Admission to the University of Mary Washington Galleries is free.  The UMW Galleries is located on the University of Mary Washington campus at 1301 College Avenue and is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

For directions and more information, call (540) 654-1013 or visit the gallery website at www.galleries.umw.edu.