Grants for Greatness

Dr. Emily Murray Creates a Platform for Students to Express their Literary Creativity
By Amauri Barnes

Dr. Emily Murray on right during Sigma Event

Wouldn’t it be nice for everyone who enjoys writing to have an outlet to share their creative vision?
Tennessee State University allows students to display works and express themselves, but Dr. Emily Murray wanted a more intimate platform for students to share their work.  She is working to build a new literary journal for the university.

Murray has been an English professor at TSU since the Fall of 2017. Murray was awarded an Internal Seed Grant of $5000 this fall to invest into the English Department. In addition to the journal, she will use the money to invest in websites, marketing, and student engagement.  Some of the funds will go to Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society as well.   “I am hoping to further build up this society so that students can continue to benefit and take away from this organization for example, their induction ceremonies, graduation, facilitating the meetings,” Murray said.  

Murray emphasized that her primary focus is the Journal. It was very important to her because outside of events or assignments, students of all majors will have a place to express themselves by sharing their writing. These developments will be beneficial by highlighting student voices and concerns.

Be on the lookout in the Spring for this journal. “I am excited to meet students, understand what they’d like. We will assign editorial roles and begin publishing right away,” Murray said. This will be exciting to see in the future, who knows? I may submit a poem for the Literary Arts Journal before I graduate this Spring.   

LLP On Philosophy and Critical Thinking

Engaging Students in how Philosophy is Related to our Everyday Lives
By Amauri Barnes

Dr. Shannon Hayes

Do you know the definition of Philosophy? According to Dr. Shannon Hayes, “Philosophy is many things,
but all above it is an activity that is taking place whenever people are calling into question pre-established traditions, norms, and values: engaging in pursuit of truth and wisdom for their own sake: and turning with openness and curiosity to the mystery of being”.

Philosophy comes from the Ancient Greek words for “love of wisdom.” It is the search for truth based on reason rather than religious teaching. Dr. Hayes has been at TSU since Fall of 2019. Philosophy is a required course for most pre-med students to graduate because Science and Philosophy share the tools of logic, conceptual analysis, and rigorous argumentation.

Philosophy is important on a college campus because it prepares students to be open minded and think logically in the workplace. The impact this course has on students varies, but all are of positive aspects. For some they are introduced to a field of study that speaks to their longstanding questions and concerns. Those students, especially, benefit from working on a minor in philosophy. For others, the experience is one of frustration and confusion, explained Hayes.

Across the board, students have found it engaging and interesting to participate in class discussions related to topics of philosophy. There have not yet been any events, however in the Spring “we look forward to opening the world of philosophy to more students on campus interested in the subject to engage with us,” said Dr. Hayes.

Overall, there are many takeaways in philosophy, but the ones most important to Hayes are quoted in the following: “In Philosophy we engage timeless questions about human existence. What is the meaning of life? What is the nature of reality? What does it mean to be a good person? I hope my students come away from the course knowing that they are and always have been philosophers, and that they have just as much right and responsibility to answer these questions as anyone else.”

That statement from Hayes was beautiful and very impactful. After reading this article. I leave you with one question to answer: whether it’s now or later in life, what is Philosophy to you?

Spring 2024 classes taught by Dr. Hayes:

LLP Helps Students Prepare for Careers through Equality and Diversity
By Amauri Barnes

How aware are you of equality and diversity efforts on your campus? Nationwide, HBCU faculty is comprised of 56% of individuals who identify as African American. This is reflected in Tennessee State University’s population, which has inspired this week’s blog.

Dr. Zeba Shahbaaz

 I was delighted by the opportunity to interview Dr. Zeba Shahbaaz, LLP’s Career Preparedness Committee Chair. It was fun to interview her because she is in fact one of my professors! On November 3rd, Shahbaaz will be cohosting a virtual event via Zoom with Indianapolis Colts’  Mr. Brian Richardson Jr!

This event will teach students about equality and diversity in the workplace. It will help students think about how they will function in the workplace after TSU.  Richardson will cover how his work involves cooperation skills with the ability to adapt to different environments while being comfortable and familiar with others who do not look like him.

There is a lot to consider ahead of Richardson’s talk.  For instance, did you know that there are scholarships dedicated to diversity and equality alone? This event will also prepare students for gathering their professional portfolios while also putting them in position for jobs relative to diversity and equity.

The faculty members that serve on the LLP Career Preparedness Committee hope that students are able takeaway tips on how to sharpen their strategic communication and engage in diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives within various settings.  Here are the event details:

Rise of the Dead Poets

Sigma Tau Delta Takes a Spooky Approach to Poetry
By Amauri Barnes

Anarra Williams and Sarena Noel STD
Induction earlier this year

     Did you know that the Major and Minor of English is one of the most universal degrees? English skills can provide you with confidence while delivering presentation and speeches. Studying English Language Arts also allows you to practice effective communication which is a skill set you need in any work field.

      Dr. Heidi Williams promotes this message as faculty advisor of the TSU Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, an honor's English organization for students who major or minor in English. Sigma Tau Delta was founded in 1917.

        Among the benefits of this organization are: community service, collaboration with other organizations, and resume building. This organization boosts your resume because it encourages campus and community involvement and plans to expand literacy across metro Nashville. Williams is currently in the works of getting more alumni participation. It will be exciting to see this come to life because it gives students an idea of where having degree this under your belt can take you!

       This organization is open to those who are majoring or minoring in English and all freshman who are interested. As students become an upperclassmen, they can join the honors society if they have a 3.0 GPA. Sigma Tau Delta graduates also receive cords and a stole for graduation. This year the org introduced a new branch of community service called “Little Tigers Read” where members take time out of their day to visit schools and community centers and read to children!

        Upcoming is an event inspired by Halloween. On October 20th, students will gather and read spooky poems of dead poets. You won’t want to miss this event! A week later Sigma Delta Tau will also be hosting another monthly meeting for existing and interested students in Humanities to discuss some upcoming events and how to get involved!

Learn about the Language of Love

French Club Returns to LLP
By Amauri Barnes

Dr. Roxane Pajoul

     Did you know French is the fourth most widely language in the United States? About 45% of modern English words are of French origin. I decided it was time to highlight the French Club! Dr. Roxane Pajoul was originally born in East France. Her family moved to Paris officially when she turned two years old.

Pajoul was introduced to the United States as an exchange student and has been here for 15 years. “My approach to teaching French at an HBCU is doing things that are interesting to the students. I do not only teach about France or Paris but about the world.”

French Club 2023

Her teachings include not only the language of French, but also of the culture of different countries that speak French such as North, West, and Central Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, as well as the Caribbean where her father is from.

The French Club meets once a month in Humanities and the next meeting will be on October 26^th.  Along with the language they also discuss slavery, colonization, and all the post effects of colonization and slavery. The French club is unique because it is based on things that excite the students such as food and games.

Speaking of food, Pajoul brings cuisine from the only authentic French restaurant in Nashville
that is located on the east side of the city. Once Upon a Time in France is a very popular restaurant whose menu consists of different pastas, desserts, and fine wines. She brings French food either prepared by herself or from this restaurant to every French Club meeting so that the students get a taste of the culture.

Pajoul suggests students read French authors, especially if they are interested in learning more about the culture. She enthusiastically endorsed Maryse Conde’ a French novelist, critic, and playwright from the French Overseas department and region of Guadeloupe.

The French club is open to all students who speak or are interested in learning more about the language and culture! In coming days, look for flyers posted around the Humanities Building highlighting the next meeting dates.

Viajar es enamorarse a cada paso!

LLP Spanish Program Brings Back Study Abroad.
By Amauri Barnes

Dr. Francesco Masala with his study abroad
students in Madrid

     This week I was delighted to interview TSU tiger Azia Banks and Spanish Professor Dr. Francesco Masala. Over the summer Masala, of TSU since Spring 2021, pioneered a new study abroad program in Madrid, Spain.
      Masala partnered with a school in Madrid that allowed tigers to go to school internationally for two weeks during Maymester and live a normal everyday life like their classmates. Banks is still excited by her study abroad experience. “Surprisingly, when we finally arrived in Spain at 4am we were not tired! We had sort of an adrenaline rush, so we stayed up until about noon excited to see the city” said Banks.
     While in Madrid students were able to go out to explore and learn. Banks' favorite part of the trip was being fully immersed in the culture and freedom to learn outside of the school and house. While in Madrid they stayed with a host family.
     According to Masala, this was a significant learning experience because students were required to do everything using Spanish from ordering food, shopping, and holding conversations. Each student who went on the trip were minors in Spanish and Masala describes this experience as a great way to get students out of their comfort zone. By the end of the second week they were more confident not only in speaking the language but also as a person.
     Banks said some advice she would give any student interested in this experience is “Just do it! However, you must have some experience with speaking and understanding Spanish. It doesn’t have to be perfect but simply make sure you are able to say things in a way that natives of the country are able to understand.  "It’s a new experience and will prepare you for the next one!”
     Masala hopes to make this an ongoing, annual program. He hopes to take bigger groups to different countries to have a hands-on learning experience! 

   

Soul Fire Returns Next Week

"Don't call it a comeback, they've been here for years..."

By Amauri Barnes

First Meeting of Year: Sept 13

      Soul Fire Poetry group will have its first meeting of the semester next week and my interview with the groups found, Dr. Michelle J. Pinkard revealed a lot about the group's history and plans for the future. 

    Soul Fire has been at Tennessee State for nearly 10 years now! Pinkard explained. “Soul Fire is a poetry workshop and community where attendees get tips on how to write, read, and perform poetry while trying to learn what it means to live a poetry inspired life!” 

    The workshop was inspired by Pinkard's own interest and scholarship. In 2014, she partnered with Southern Word, a nonprofit that supports literacy through the vehicle of poetry. “With every Soul Fire Workshop,  we get to meet with a professional spoken word poet from Southern Word while I offer tips for poetry on the page” explained Pinkard.

    Personally, I love to be involved in things that are not only fun and a hobby, but also where I can take away something.  Pinkard agrees,  “Essentially learning about poetry, learning how to write poetry, and learning how to perform poetry helps attendees become better writers, thinkers, and contributors to this thing called humanity." 

     Lastly and most importantly, I asked Pinkard how does this prepare attendees for life after college. She said, “Mastering language helps students master their reality.  Becoming better communicators will only solidify their chance of becoming productive members of society."

     I always love to hear when workshops are successful and active after multiple years! In the Spring it will be a WHOLE DECADE! Should we be on the lookout for a special celebration? Stay up to date with this blog to find out.

Throwback video from Soul Fire's Inaugural year 2014

LLP Social Media Intern
Amauri Barnes

Introducing the New Social Media Intern
- Fall 2023
By Amauri Barnes

     My name is Amauri Barnes. I am a senior here at Tennessee State University. My major is biology with a minor in English. I am from Detroit, Michigan where I graduated from Cass Technical High School.

     With my degree I will become a Cardiovascular Perfusionist. A perfusionist (for short) operates the heart and lung machine that artificially replaces a patient’s heart and lung functions during surgery. This summer I worked three jobs. I worked in Corewell Health Hospital formerly known as Beaumont in Child Labor and Delivery, Arden Courts Memory Care as an Activities Coordinator, and as a Legal Assistant at Flood Law. Each week I maxed out at, at least 120 hours between all three jobs. What interested me in the medical field was being able to help others and be apart making a difference in surgery!

     Writing papers and reading comprehension has always come easy to me. I chose to minor in English because it supports me in every work field I could dream of pursuing. Someday I would love to teach either children or young adults in college.

     My favorite aspect of English is history and poetry. Working at Flood Law this summer was the best experience ever! I was required to do a lot of reading and critical thinking. I was surrounded by some amazing, hardworking, and most of all genuine people. This began my interest in possibly working in a courthouse as a clerk or even an investigator. The biggest take away from working for and observing attorney Todd Flood was “What you work for can be achieved, ifyou do the work required to achieve it!”

      In my free time I love reading, playing with my dog, cook, do hair, research real estate and other ventures of income, and most recently, reading court cases!  I am looking forward to bringing all of that experience to this new position and sharing everything the department has to offer to students both in and out of the classroom.