Welcome back Tigers!

            We are at the final stretch of the Fall 2016 semester, and it has been another wonderful year. Remember the course evaluations are due December 2^nd, finals begin next Monday, and fall commencement will be on next Saturday, December 10^th 2016. We hope that everyone had a great fall break, and we do hope that as we come to the end of the semester everyone is does outstanding on their finals.

            In the English Department, we have suffered a great loss of our interim department head Dr. Michael Cantanzaro, who passed away a few weeks ago. Personally, I only met him once but I did see him around the LLP office a few times and he was always very inviting and a pleasure to be around. Other English students had nothing but kind words and thoughts when asked about Dr. Cantanzaro as a professor and advisor.  For the students and staff that were not able to be present for his services, there will be a memorial  ceremony in the POAG Auditorium this Saturday, December 3^rd. 

            For more information please feel free to stop by the LLP office and ask questions and always be sure to check our Facebook and Twitter page of daily information.

Sincerely,

AB

Bon Voyage - LLP goes to Paris!

Hello Tigers,

            As we all know the Fall 2016 semester is coming to an end, and we are beginning to register for Spring 2017 classes, internships, and also study abroad opportunities.  Many of you have seen the flyer around campus about studying abroad next summer in Paris. Well, we have none other than our very own Dr. Hayes and Dr. Dixon to thank. Out of 200 proposals, including community colleges and minority serving colleges, TSU won the 2017 CIEE Generation Study Abroad Access Grant. Now, ten of our students are going to Paris, France – for Free! How exciting for LLP!

            The course will take place during Summer Session 1 and will focus on the idea that Paris “is a significant place of refuge, or rather the fact it was and still is looked upon as a place of refuge… we are going to use a Black Feminist lens to investigate the literature that reflects this idea” (Dr. Dixon and Dr. Hayes ). This is a significant opportunity for our students. We highly encourage promising students to apply. 

            The application process is pretty simple:

1.      A one page statement of interest (Word Document) explaining:

a. interest in the course

b. preparation for study abroad opportunity

c. how taking the course would enhance the student’s educational experience

2.      A letter of support from a tenured or tenure-track faculty emailed to Intersectinglives2017@gmail.com

3.      GPA of 3.0 or higher

If you’re interested in applying please do so before the deadline date, which is Friday November 18^th, 2016. Submit the items above to: intersectinglives2017@gmail.com , and if you have any questions email Dr. Hayes: jhayes17@tnstate.edu

Dr. Dixon: Rdixonk@tnstate.edu

As always for more campus, and department updates check out of Facebook and Twitter page, and enjoy the Fall Break/ Thanksgiving Holiday.

Sincerely,

AB

Portraits, Poetry and Politics!

Tiger Family!

            Thanks to everyone who came out to the “Portraits, Poetry and Politics” collaboration event last Monday, it was a success. Also, special thanks to the lovely Dr. Pinkard, for not only helping put the event together, but also in motivating her students to write and create heartfelt pieces. If you want to see more videos and pictures from the event please be sure to check out our Facebook and Twitter page.

            For those of you who did not know, this event was mainly structured around campaign issues, and our opinions on them, in both poetry and art. Dr. Pinkard’s Advance Poetry Class, has been writing on these campaign issues for the entire semester, which birthed our wonderful poems ranging from the topics of Women’s Rights, Deportation, Immigration, Global Warming, Mental Illness, and so much more.  We were encouraging everyone to get out and vote.

 

This event helped give voice to students like myself who felt that our opinions would not be heard.  It give insight on real issues rather than focusing on things the candidates would say.

            Again, we appreciate and thank every one that participated, all of the art students, poetry students, the staff and audience as well. If you haven’t made it over to the art studio to see the paintings and poetry you have until the end of the month to see them! Remember the art studio is in Elliot Hall in the Hiram Van Gordon Gallery. Be on the look out for more department and campus updates on our Facebook, and Twitter pages.

Sincerely,

AB

New Courses and New Events

      As the semester comes to an end, we as students have a lot going on. Between maintaining grades, having a social life, and homework, it can be really stressful. However we do have class registration  to look forward too.  As we know the spring semester is always shorter for us so we want to take full advantage in what classes we choose. I know everyone has been seeing the huge green poster all around campus and wandering what it could be. Have you stopped to check it out?

Well if not it, it’s a flyer about one of the new classes being offered by LLP.     

     I had a chance to speak with Dr. Wise her upcoming course: Evolution of the Female Superhero. She is equally as thrilled as I am. She said that the class would focus on lesser-known characters such as Gamora, and Black Canary, and discussions of representation. “This class will not only focus on female superhero’s, but also Amazonian women, and goddesses from around the world. We will look at TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Xena to see where the inspiration came from.” Dr. Wise is no stranger to this Comic Course; in the spring semester she taught the Graphic Novel and Comic class and it was a big hit with the students.

     There is also another new class on the block, which will be taught by Dr. Hayes.  It is called August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle. This class will touch on the “joy and complexity of African-American life throughout the 20^th century.”  Wilson wrote a ten play cycle, the only American playwright to achieve this feat, which focuses on African Americans in every decade of the 20^th century. This class will offer students an opportunity to see the history of African American people dramatized by a brilliant artist. Dr. Hayes is also partnering with Dr. Dixon to take ten students to France this summer. The deadline for applying to that program is Nov. 18th.  See Details.

     Interested or want more information about upcoming classes, be sure to check out our Twitter and LLP pages. 

      Also on Friday November 4^th, we will celebrate the 75^th birthday of Wonder Woman. There will be a film screening and also and awesome prize that you do not want to miss out on. Be sure to come out Friday in the Humanities Auditorium at 11a.m. to be apart of this wonderful celebration and the beginning of an awesome course!

      We hope to see everyone there, always check out our Facebook and Twitter page throughout the week for campus events, and updates.

Poetry, Politics and Power

Hello Fellow Tigers!

            We all know this presidential race has been completely absurd, from the outlandish comments made by Donald Trump, to the supposed deleted emails from Hilary Clinton. We all can say we’ve been terrified, confused, and most importantly angry. This election has evoked emotions and feelings like no other that I can remember, and it has been a real eye opener for me as a young adult.  Though we tend to take our frustrations to different social media outlets, there are many different ways to do so. Our awesome poetry group Soul Fire is hosting their second “Be a Light” Poetry Rally, which is just one week from Election Day!

            “Calling poverty our problem like it wasn’t instituted Now we got Hellary and Trump trying to re-unconstitute it,” just a small line from sophomore member of Soul Fire Leona Dunn

            I also got a chance to speak the outgoing president of Soul Fire, graduating senior Brandon Stepter. He told me that the “Be a Light Rally” came about last year when TSU was having issues with crime, and opened gates. The event was created for students to let off steam about negative media images and how we are perceived in the community.  This year’s event explores the political season. Not only will there be spoken word, but also a DJ and prints that preview an upcoming gallery show. As Brandon passes on his poetic torch, he only wants the best for Soul Fire, which is growth and reaching more students.

            Be sure to get out and exercise your right to vote! Early voting in Davidson County started Wednesday October 19^th - Thursday November 3^rd. Always check out Twitter and Facebook for campus events.

Upcoming Events

Nov. 1: Soul Fire’s “Be a Light” Poetry Rally. The theme: Stay Woke, Go Vote.  Wilson Hall Basement Lounge 6-8p.m.  DJ, Poetry, Politics and Power!

Nov. 4:  Wonder Woman Celebration Party from 11-2p in Poag Auditorium. Film, Food and Fun Prizes! Learn More.

Nov. 7: English and Art Collaborative Gallery Show opening featuring poetry and paintings! The event starts at 11a, but open mic poetry reading begins at 1p.  You do not want to miss this!

Nov. 18: The Deadline for the LLP Study Abroad Program.  Ten students will go to Paris, France – all expenses paid! They will learn about the International African American Literary Experience. Learn more.

Sincerely,

AB

Back to Reality!

Well Homecoming 2017 is finally over, and it is back to reality! Welcome back tiger family. We hope that you enjoyed the homecoming festivities, and responsibly indulged in everything there was to offer. Also, we survived midterm week and we are now pushing forward to fall break, and the end of this fall semester. But before we close out the year we have a few upcoming activities.

Next Wednesday, the Career Development Center is hosting their annual fall career fair! There will be over 120 employers there so be sure to be dressed for success, and resume in hand.  This event will be held in Kean Hall, on October 26, 2016 starting at 10:30a until 2:30p. Be sure to come out, network, and hopefully be awarded the opportunity to be connected with an internship, or job!

  For all English and majors education majors, Metro Nashville Public Schools, will be holding a job fair for support staff on Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 10:00a until 2:00p at West End Middle Prep. Also, for the fall graduating seniors, there will be another job for certified teachers from 4:00p-5:00p at the Martin Center, and interviews will be held 5:30p-6:30p. All this will be happening Tuesday December 6, 2016. Please be sure to come out, for more information feel free to go on www.mnps.org/district-calendar for any questions.

Be on the lookout for our interview with our awesome poetry group Soul-Fire as we highlight some of their upcoming events. Always check out our Twitter, and Facebook page for inspiration, and campus events.

Sincerely

AB

Midterm Blues

It is that time of year again, and we have to stay strong if we are going to make it to the finish line. The middle of the semester is a great time to reflect, and begin to plan ahead. 

If you didn’t know, there is a limit to funding at some schools.  Consequently, the FAFSA application has opened ninety days early. Yes, October 1, 2016, FAFSA applications were opened for the 2017-2018 school year. If you have not already started on it, please do that as soon as possible. If you have any questions go to the website  http://fafsa.ed.gov .

 You must also keep your eye on the ball regarding your current classes:MIDTERMS. To me it seems that school just started, but we are officially at the half way mark. So don’t give up hope now! Push on! Be motivated to complete assignments, and most importantly show up to class.! The weather is indeed changing, however that does not mean not to come to class because its too cold. Remember someone is paying for you to be here.! Let's finish the week strong because next week we will “GET GEEKED”, It is homecoming week!

One way to stay encouraged is to think about about the future.  You might want to check out the Alumni page on the LLP website.  It features English majors who have graduated, and went off into the world to do big things.  This month's feature is State Representative LaDawn Jones!

Be on the lookout for our interview with one of our awesome professors in the LLP department. Be sure to check our Twitter, and Facebook throughout the week for motivating words, event updates, and other things.

Keep moving!

AB

What A Time To Be A Tiger!

            It has been a great time for the Big Blue Family! As you all know the National Museum of African American History and Culture opened last weekend, and our very own Aristocrat of Bands, had the honor to partake in the 3-day event. They played several songs on the White House Lawn and even had the chance to meet both the president and first lady. Our band became the first HBCU band to perform on the south lawn of the White House. Now there should be no more debates on who has the best band!   There are several pictures floating around social media, as well as videos of their actual performance so if you have time go check them out. 

           Moving onto our “for colored girls”

review last month. People have said nothing but great things about it.  It was a success thanks to all staff, and students that either performed, organized, or spoke at this event. I also had the chance to speak with our peer Kamri Jordan, an English major who spoke from the student point of view on the panel.  She said that she was nervous at first, but felt more comfortable as she began to speak.  “Dr. Dixon went over the impact  that “for colored girls” had on women studies and how it serves as a black feminist text. I talked about how the book had an affect on me as a aspiring poet,” she said. Other professor such as Dr. Hayes, and Dr. Pinkard also gave background information on Shange and discussed the elements of the choreopoem. Student artists created paintings in response to the film; and student poets from Soulfire (pictured right) read performed poems from the play, as well as their own response poems. Overall the event was a success, thanks to everyone that came out. Please check out the Facebook and Twitter page for upcoming events.
         Lastly, we would like to send our condolences to the family of Coach Ed Temple.  The memorial service was remarkable, and we are honored that Coach Temple is a part of TSU's legacy.

Sincerely,
AB

For Colored Girls Review

Hello and welcome back fellow tigers!

            I hope that you all enjoyed Professor Williams’ interview and her song snippet that she gave us last week! Although brief, I enjoyed meeting Prof. Williams and I am looking forward to attending “Green Kabaret”. Also, we would like to congratulate the athletic department on their many victories last week.

            As you may have heard in some of your classes, we are hosting a screening and panel discussion on Ntozake Shange’s “for colored girls, who considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf.”  We hope to have a lot of people to come out for both events.  If your professor is offering any extra credit please take notes, and be respectful of your peers.  The version of “for colored girls”, that will be shown Friday at 10:30 a.m., is far from the Tyler Perry adaptation that we all became acquainted with a few years back. Yes, Tyler Perry did give a modern view on some poems however, for someone like me who had never heard of the original choreopoem until two weeks ago it is very misleading.  After reading and listening to the entire play, I have come to love it; it makes me want to try to incorporate some of Shange’s writing styles into my own poetry, or creating a genre of my own.

            The panel discussion will include students and faculty that will share their own point of view of the poem.  Our peer, Ms. Kamri Jordan, will be featured on the panel. She will discuss if she had any difficulties reading the poem, and if it is relatable to her and her work.  She will also discuss what she can take from Shange’s writing style and incorporate into her own work.

We look forward to seeing everyone bright and early Friday morning at 10:30 in the LRC (student success) auditorium, and at 1:00pm for the panel and performances. If your professors aren’t offering extra credit, still come and support your peers.

Sincerely,

AB

LLP Award Winning Faculty!

Hello and welcome back Fellow Tigers!

            My name is Alexis Brooks, and I am back again as the social media intern for the LLP department. I hope that everyone enjoyed their summer and is having a good start to the Fall 2016 semester. We would like to congratulate the football with their two victories against Jackson State University, and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff! Of course there have been a few events on campus already, but there are much more to come. Be sure to come out to the screening of Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls whohave considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf on Friday September 23 in the LRC (student success center) auditorium.

            This week we would like to highlight our Full-Time Temporary Teacher of the Year Prof. Marsha Williams. I had a chance to sit down and talk to her about her initial reaction to finding out that she won, where she attended school, and what she enjoys doing in her spare time. Professor Williams was not alone in winning in our department. Dr. Michelle J. Pinkard won the award for Tenure Track Teacher of the Year.

Prof. Marsha Williams Leads Poetry Workshop

A few things that I found out about Prof. Williams is that she received her undergraduate degree at Berkley College of Music and finished her graduate studies in English here at TSU. She has written and published songs for major recording artists; she also enjoys singing, playing the guitar and writing songs. The songs that are written by Prof. Williams are “green songs”, which talk about environmental advocacy, and she also incorporates her desire for environmental activism into the classroom. She has students that were affected by the Flint Water Crisis, Saudi Arabia water shortage and other issues in her class, and they are encouraged to write about what’s going on around them. 

When I asked Prof. Williams “What is one issue that’s going on environmentally that you would change and why?” Her response was: “Pipeline industry. It is preying on the communities across the United States. The pipeline industry transports fracked gas to the Gulf of Mexico for export. There is no benefit for Americans, and it put citizens in danger, the government needs to bring the companies in and get a handle on it. “

I enjoyed my time with Professor Williams and I look forward to her event that she has called the “Green Cabaret,” which centered on environmental advocacy through spoken word, songs, presentations and much more. Please check our Facebook page to see the talented Professor Williams sing one of her green songs and also to see some great artwork from her students.

Sincerely

AB

Countdown to the End of the Semester

Here is what we have all been waiting for; the end is here students and professors. 

How exciting is it? I mean, we started the semester in the gloomy, and cold weather of winter in January when spring seemed so far away. We even had a few snow days that we thought would cancel class for at least a week, but we were sadly mistaken. Then, February comes and it's still cold, and we are preparing for midterms. After study guides and midterms, it is March and spring break is here. Some of us took that time to earn a credit during “X-Treme Spring Break” course while others vacationed on the beaches in Miami, Panama City, and Cancun.  

After that week is over we are back to reality and it is finally starting to warm up, but with springtime comes unpredictable allergies. Still March, some of us began taking graduation pictures while others crossed fraternities and sororities, beginning a new chapter in their lives.  

Here it is April, and finally SEC week, but to me it screams FREE FOOD. SEC week is where we the students meet and elect our new SGA officers, and also a week full of the same flyers being posted all around campus and even on Instagram. SEC week is over and we are finally at the last stretch of the semester getting ready for finals and graduation.

It has been a pretty easy stress free semester for me. I really enjoyed all of my classes this semester, and I liked all of my professors this semester. I hope you all have enjoyed my blogs as much as I enjoyed writing them. I really hope that everyone has a great summer, congratulations to all of the graduates and stay safe.

Be sure to do the teacher evaluations, register for fall classes, and apply for housing if needed. To the upcoming seniors enjoy this summer and next semester because after this we will enter the “REAL WORLD”, to the under classmen enjoy college make as many memories as possible and be respectful to yourself and everyone you encounter on or off campus.

Remember even though the semester is over we are all still a representation of The Illustrious Tennessee State University, so please don’t go out this summer acting crazy. In June, our university will be celebrating its 104^th birthday, so if you are in town I’m sure there will be some type of celebration if not shout out us out on social media.

It has been my pleasure to serve as your LLP social intern!

Sincerely,

Alexis Brooks

Social Media Intern

I Want to Write 2016 A Success!

Hello fellow Tigers and welcome back to the LLP blog! 

Before we get started thanks to everyone that came out last weekend to the I Want to Write Festival! I had a really good time in the different workshops and slam sessions, and I wish I could have been present for more; but there is always next time!  

Also, thanks to all of the staff and special guest that came out and hosted classes, we appreciate you! Lastly, to Dr. Pinkard, I know you had a lot on your plate when it came to this event, but it definitely turned out great. This was my first time going to the #IW2WC and I really enjoyed myself, so thanks for taking your time to put together this event!

My favorite part of the whole #IW2WC was the poetry slam! There were high school students participating in a contest and they were awesome! I honestly was not expecting them to come with the fire like that but they were great. Even though some had a few slip-ups, the crowd encouraged them to continue and I really liked that. There also were a few dance breaks that I think really lightened the mood a lot!

I did sit in on a few classes and I really liked them, but I couldn’t stay long because I was trying to go around and take different pictures and videos. I did sit in on a freestyle class and painting and poetry class that I really liked.

Overall the event was a success, and I can’t wait for the next one! I really hope that all who came out enjoyed themselves as much as I did! I hope that everyone was exposed to different things within poetry and maybe even learned how to open up on the page and new techniques for the stage.

Be sure to check our Facebook and Twitter for videos and pictures from the event.

Poetically Possible!

Alexis Brooks

Social Media Intern

LLP Represents at the Major Decision Fair

Hello Fellow Tigers,

We are at the one-week marker for the end of the semester, so students print off those teacher evaluations and turn in all your work: the end is near. In case you missed it, last Friday there was a Major Decision Fair and another Pupil to Professional meet up featuring Dr. Morgan-Curtis.

            The Major Decision Fair is an event to help students know the different fields that TSU has to offer. I would like to see the event done in the fall semester or even during the summer for incoming freshman, first time students, or transfer students. The event was held last Friday, April 15^th in Gentry, and Dr. Jennifer Hayes and I were there with a few other people from the different colleges around campus. Some of the colleges in attendance were the College of Business, College of Teaching and Learning, the College of Engineering and even the Career Development Center.

A group of local high school students also came by and got some information from our table. Dr. Hayes and I told the students what the LLP department has to offer and even invited them to come to the I Want to Write Festival this weekend. We do hope that a few of the high school students come out to that.

Overall it was a nice event. The turnout could have been better, but hopefully the next one will be bigger and better. 

Don’t forget that the #IW2W Poetry Festival is this FRIDAY AND SATURDAY please register for events and come out to this FREE event! We hope to see you there

Sincerely,
Alexis Brooks
Social Media Intern

Poetry Month and So Much More!

          It is almost the end of April, which means the spring semester is coming to an end! However, we do have a few more events to cover before we can saw goodbye to Spring 2016. Class registration is now open for the upcoming summer and fall semester so be sure to get advised (CORRECTLY) and get registered for classes! Also, if you are applying for on campus housing that has also opened up from April 1^st- May 1^st, with a 100.00 registration fee; be sure to get that taken care of if you are planning to stay on campus next fall.

            It was hard to miss all of the Instagram post, flyers being handed out and posted on every hall in every building. Yes, it is SEC Week once again! I don’t know about you, but I love SEC week. Not only do I get FREE stuff, I also get to see the people that are running for positions to be the face our school. I hope you all went out and supported all of the candidates and hopefully everyone voted!

            The next thing on our agenda was the "Movie and a Metaphor" with Soul Fire and the Film Club. There was a viewing of SLAM, and also open mic session.  Students who felt inspired after the film spit poetry, while others recited the dopest lines.  Everyone should feel free to express themselves. Yes, it is okay to be nervous because your sharing your personal thoughts with total strangers, but you will never know how good you are until you share with others. Also, there was an online trivia activity that began Monday and ended on Friday. I hope some of you participated in that and won some good prizes.

            Next week the LLP department is hosting their 6^th annual International Food Festival, so come out and try new dishes. There is also another Pupil to Professional Workshop next Friday, featuring Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis! Don’t forget the I Want To Write Festival towards the end of the month!  Award winning poet, activist and co-founder of HBO's Def Poetry Jam Bruce George is the featured speaker.  Register soon to secure your seat at www.tnstate.edu/llp.           

            Always be sure to check our Facebook and Twitter of updates and events through the week! Remember the semester is slowly but surely coming to an end so lets all finish strong!

           

AB