Workshop Session 1: 10:30am-11:20am

Mashups: Supporting Music Communities @ Your Library

Michelle H. Brannen et al.

The library isn’t just a study space. It’s a clearinghouse for resources to support professional, academic, and personal goals. Using music as a topic, this presentation highlights the broad range of tools available to students with an interest in music including recording equipment, multimedia support, databases, and circulating materials. Participants will learn how to create their own music with tools provided by the university, and how to use various technologies to access music and information about music while on the go.

Can Racism Create Reproductive Disadvantage?

Rosa J. Thomas et al.

The stress of racism impacts the lives of African-American in many ways. It is experienced across all life domains, is internal and institutional and forces African-Americans to be on constant alert. Research suggest this state of stress is in part responsible for the high infant mortality among African Americans in the United States. In this session we will view a segment of the documentary Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick? focusing on how reproductive disadvantaged is shaped by racism. Following the viewing, session attendees will have the opportunity to share reactions and discuss how forstering parterships and public engagement may address health equity issues in our community.

Black Leadership in Historical Perspective

Cynthia Griggs Fleming

My presentation will focus on the changing nature of black leadership over the last 100 years - from the era of Booker T. Washington to the age of Barack Obama.

LeaderShape: Creating a Vision, Living in Possibility

Courtney Michelle Holder et al.

Leadership involves living in possibility, committing to a vision, forming relationships that will help visions take action, and upholding a high level of integrity. Leadership takes place in a community and allows positive changes to occur. The LeaderShape Institute is a six day experience which explores and develops such leadership skills. In the program, students address questions such as, “Who am I?” and “What kind of leader am I?” LeaderShape is a program with the mission of transforming the world with individuals who lead with integrity and have a healthy disregard for the impossible. Participants in this session will learn more about how they can be a part of the LeaderShape Institute and explore the leadership concepts of integrity and vision.

Unity in the Black Community

Cecilia Uhlezipi Shamis Dzingira

Dzingira, Cecilia

Black Issues Conference 2012

Unity in the Black Community

Abstract

Background: As an African American student who attends a pre-dominantly White Institution, I’ve found that the importance of unity is much more greater than we allow it to appear; by “We” I am referring to the African-American population that rests within the University’s community. When a new student is admitted into the University, it is not difficult that not only is there segregation between all races of students, but also within the different races lays a much deeper separation. Because of these issues that rise within communities daily, I’ve chosen to present on the topic “Unity in the Black Community”. I believe that in order for us to be united with other races that surround us, we much find unity within ourselves as a people, while working towards accepting each other’s diversity. Methods: To present the importance of this information to my fellow peers, I’ve constructed a Demonstration through PowerPoint that entails more in depth details about what Unity is, how we can work towards implementing it within our society, and the benefits that are brought by it should we succeed in it. Along with the PowerPoint presentation, I’ve also added visual aid (videos) than can aid my audience in better understanding why unity is important and the benefits it has on us as individuals and as people together. Conclusion: Educating the Black Community about Unity is important for strength, prosperity, and communication within ourselves. It not only is beneficial for today’s generation, but it helps us mold better lives for generations to come. Lets be united and make bigger differences in our communities than those that take place now.

Summary

“A House divided is a House that cannot Stand”

I believe that my presentation will effectively educate the African-American people about the importance of our uniting. When people are being asked to change their ways for the goodness of humanity, 90% of the time, they ask why? And How? I have put together a presentation that includes definitions, quotes, pictures, and videos about how the Black culture can effectively work towards uniting with one another. As schools, the workplace, and communities continue to segregate, it is helpful for people to come together and be as “one” to improve our culture.

Outline

Introduction:

A). Raised Fist: the background information about the “raised fist” and what it represents.

B). Definition of Unity.

Unity in Schools:

A) Do you think that there is unity on campus.

B) Class socialization between Greeks, Religious Groups, Organizations, etc.

C) You Tube Video about “Visions of Black Schools Uniting”

Unity in the Workplace:

A). Do African Americans segregate themselves in the workplace?

B). Do we uplift one another enough at work?

Unity in the Communities:

A). School zoning, Transportation, Food, and Housing.

B). Make a Difference Chart: Explains the little effort that the African American youth from ages 15-25 give to make a difference in their communities.

C). “How Can we Foster Unity in the Black Community” video: correlates all the information taught by giving more in depth examples of improvements in the Black Community.

Discussion:

A) Everyone will be given a notecard handout with the “Black Child’s Pledge” typed on it and I will lead a discussion about each line or stanza and its importance.

B) The Poem:

Black Child's Pledge

I pledge allegiance to my Black People. I pledge to develop my mind and body to the greatest extent possible. I will learn all that I can in order to give my best to my People in their struggle for liberation. I will keep myself physically fit, building a strong body free from drugs and other substances which weaken me and make me less capable of protecting myself, my family and my Black brothers and sisters. I will unselfishly share my knowledge and understanding with them in order to bring about change more quickly. I will discipline myself to direct my energies thoughtfully and constructively rather than wasting them in idle hatred. I will train myself never to hurt or allow others to harm my Black brothers and sisters for I recognize that we need every Black Man, Woman, and Child to be physically, mentally and psychologically strong. These principles I pledge to practice daily and to teach them to others in order to unite my People.

The Black Panther, October 26, 1968 by Shirley Williams