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Black History Month-SDSU Africana Studies Department Arts Summit Review

A heartfelt Thank you!!! to Dr. Shirley Weber and the San Diego State University Africana Studies Department for sponsoring the Arts Summit on Tuesday February 22nd. I enjoyed the opportunity to host the event as moderator. Students, staff, and faculty also enjoyed the very honest and insightful comments by panelist in attendance: playwright/musician Clarence Cutherbertson and choreographer/dancer Teran Brown.


Both artists, who have noteworthy experience in their fields, shared anecdotal stories as well as their performance philosophies. After the initial session, the floor was opened to questions from the audience. Each answered inspiring and thought provoking queries. One question in particular about defining/explaining the motivating factor that keeps artists working--despite  industry constraints--sparked reflective response (even from me).

It was an added pleasure to have International scholar Dr. Adisa Alkebulan in the audience. He brought  additional depth to the evening with historical insight and comments. The panel discussion is the first in a series that I am planning to conduct throughout 2011. It was the kick-off event, joining with others in the San Diego arts community who are opening a discursive space in which to explore not only local African American artistic culture but also national happenings as well.

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