LLP Chats!

 Tell All Experience of Creating Blue Ink Jounal

By Lillian Rose 
LLP Social Media Intern

The Language, Literature, and Philosophy department has many clubs and classes that foster skill development and bring talent to light. One of these being the phenomenal Blue Ink Journal, the final product of the Writing for Publication taught by Dr. Emily Murray. The journal releases virtually today!

This year’s effort was produced by an enthusiastic student board who took on the responsibilities of creating a literary journal that serves the interests of Tennessee State University’s students. Compiling works of fiction, poetry, and essays, students can share their best stories with the world.

 "This is an opportunity for them to get their work out in the world and have other peers and teachers outside the classroom see their work,” said Dr. Murray. The Editorial Board also hosted a poetry contest this semester that gave students the opportunity to write any kind of poetry and submit it for a $50.00 prize.

Danny Dantzler Jr.

This year’s winner, Danny Dantzler Jr., is a computer science major and newly discovered poet.  The first-year student was surprised by how well his poem, “Ah Sh*t” was received, but was honored that the editors could relate to how the poem explored themes of struggle, poverty, and paternal conflict.

 “Your story is never over,” said Dantzler. “No matter the hardships, just keep going. Don’t just decide you can, decide you will.” Dantzler wants students to know that the past is not definitive of how one finishes, but an experience to let go and not live in fear.

 I encourage all of you to read the Blue Ink Literary Journal and celebrate the dedication it takes to make a body of work like this to come to life. Through countless readings of student work, interviews, designing, and editing, the collaboration of this team allows students to be motivated to create something that is bigger than themselves. 

LLP Chats!

Fall Graduate Chandler Smith Reflects on Summer Internship and Future Plans

By Lillian Rose
LLP Social Media Intern

In the LLP department, we come across many students who want to pursue careers as educators who serve their students. Yet, many may not know the opportunities that come with pursuing this profession. 

English major, Chandler Smith, was awarded two opportunities to strengthen his skills as both a future educator and a researcher. Over the summer of 2025, Smith interned under the South Memphis Stories Project with Rhodes College. 

Under the leadership of Dr. Charity Clay, he collaborated with students from Morehouse College, Hampton University, and Xavier University to research industrialization. With this new information, he learned how it affects people in the South Memphis area. 

After finishing his summer internship, Smith is now looking forward to starting his Master’s program next Fall. Under this program he hopes to advance the knowledge he learned in LLP.

For now, Smith advises students with a few tips to guarantee success in their paths to be the next generation’s future educators: 

1. Apply, reach out, and make sure to put yourself out there

2. Build your resume with intention

3. Take steps to build connections with other people

4. Practice being a good student

Applying these steps little by little encourages LLP students to be the best in everything they do and become the best to achieve all their aspirations.

Tales from a Successful Spooky Season

LLP hosts Sinners screening & Day of the Dead event

By Lillian Rose
LLP Social Media Intern

October is unabashedly the spooky season filled with Halloween movies, candy, and costumes. In the Languages, Literature and Philosophy department, we did our part by sharing good reads, movies and cultural events in the TSU community. 

Robinson on Sinners Panel

Last month, the LLP department hosted a special screening and academic discussion of Sinners. Students were able to learn about the cultural significance that applies to the movie such as Hoodoo studies and cultural resilience.

“The Sinners screening was a great opportunity for students to not only see one of the best films of the
year for free on campus, but also a chance to engage with it critically," said student panelist Alexandria Robinson. "I saw some students at the screening excited about being able to get their thoughts out about the film with others, and I think that’s who this is for at the end of the day. I hope this opens the door for more screenings to happen so students can be exposed to a diverse range of media and have the outlet to express their thoughts and gain new perspectives.

Being able to engage critically with media provides students with a new space for discussion that exposes minds to new ideas about how African American culture plays an integral role in the production of cinema.

In other LLP news this month, Langauge professors hosted a Day of the Dead event to teach students about the holiday’s significance in Latin American culture.

Masala-Martinez

Day of the Dead, also known as Dia de los Muertos is a Latin American holiday that is celebrated on November 1st and November 2nd. Celebrated as a day of remembrance, the first day is to remember the lives of the children. The second day is to remember the lives of the adults that have transitioned.

“My favorite part of the event was seeing students come together to learn about a tradition that beautifully celebrates life, memory, and community," said Dr. Francesco Masala-Martinez, Spanish Professor and event organizer.  

Throughout the event, students learned about this holiday in unique ways with a Kahoot game, a slideshow, and a video that went in-depth about the importance of celebrating the lives of family members, rather than mourning them.

Masala expressed his connection to the holiday by showing students an ofrenda with pictures of his father and cat, their favorite treats, and marigolds to attract and guide their spirits. Learning about these components provided students a new way to connect to family members as a source of celebration, rather than grief.

"I hoped that students would understand that Dia de los Muertos is not only about remembrance but also connection between generations, cultures, and shared human experiences of love and loss.”