Finding Power in Pages

My Experience at the African American Read-In

By Dajha Wardlow
LLP Social Media Intern

Me reading poeam
at AA Read In! 

Walking into the African American Read-In last Thursday felt like stepping into a space where stories truly mattered not just on the page, but in the purpose behind them. The room carried a sense of pride and intention, reminding everyone present that literacy is a powerful tool within the African American community.

The Read-In was more than just a reading session; it was a community effort.  The LLP department at TSU particapated in this Global event, which started in 1990 by the National Council of Teachers of English "to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month." according to the NTCE website. 

LLP's contribution, as explained by Dr. Olufemi Oyebade, honors the legacy of Prof. Jewell Parham, who taught in the department for over 40 years.  She passed last year, "she was a very loved faculty member," said Oyebade.

This year's event invited poets,  students, educators, and organizers to the stage to read their favorite African American authors,  making literacy accessible and engaging. Their dedication highlighted how reading can be an act of service and leadership, especially when it is rooted in cultural pride and collective growth.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the event was witnessing volunteers come together to read children’s books aloud. Each volunteer brought their own energy and voice to the stories, creating an atmosphere of care and commitment. The books chosen centered Black characters, culture, imagination, and empowerment. Through these stories, volunteers helped uplift narratives that are often overlooked, reinforcing the importance of representation in literature.

Watkins reads with Dr. Zeba Shahbaaz

The event also served as a moment of reflection and inspiration. 

 “Why do we play the game of life….. too win,” said Jasmine Watkins. That message aligned perfectly with the purpose of the Read-In. Reading, education, and storytelling are all tools that help us move forward and succeed in life.

Tyler Miller added,  “Keep your sorries for mistakes.” He reminds listeners to move with confidence and intention especially when doing meaningful work. The participants embodied this message by stepping up, using their voices, and contributing to something larger than themselves.

Leaving the African American Read-In, I felt inspired by the power of community and storytelling. The experience reinforced that literacy is not just about books,  it’s about presence, purpose, and pouring into future generations. Events like this remind us that when we show up and read with intention, we are helping to build confidence, knowledge, and opportunity one story at a time.

Learn about the origins and goals of LLP's Jewell Parham African Read In tradition during my interview with Dr. Olufemi Oyebade below.

Why I Enjoy English So Much...

Meet the Spring 2026 LLP Social Media Intern

By DaJha’ Wardlow
LLP Social Media Intern

Wardlow

From a young age, English has always been a subject I felt deeply connected to. Growing up, I enjoyed listening to stories, reading books, and finding ways to express my thoughts through writing.

I was naturally curious about the world around me and often asked questions about how and why things happened. English gave me the tools to explore that curiosity by helping me analyze ideas, understand different perspectives, and communicate clearly. Over time, my love for reading and writing continued to grow, and English became more than just a school subject—it became a way for me to make sense of the world.

As I progressed through my education, English helped me strengthen important skills such as critical thinking, research, and effective communication. These skills directly connect to my goal of becoming an investigative journalist, a career that requires deep analysis, strong writing, and the ability to uncover and tell meaningful stories. They led me to recent opportunity at the Tennessean, the largest newspaper in Nashville.

Spring 2026 Tennessean Journalism Academy

Earlier this month, I was accepted into a Journalism Academy being hosted by the paper.  The workshop expanded my journalism skills.  I talked to professional journalists about their roles and work, how they manage their time, and how they use a specific set up before publishing. The program was one of many steps that helped me prepare for this new role as Social Media Intern for the Language, Literature, and Philosophy Department at Tennessee State University.

I am a senior majoring in English with a minor in Communications. This opportunity excites me because it allows me to further explore the versatility of an English degree while gaining real-world experience. Through this role, I hope to highlight the value of the LLP Department, encourage more students to engage with what it offers, and share the many opportunities that studying English can provide.

LLP Sigma Tau Delta Takeover

New Nominees Share Excitement about Joining Sigma Tau Delta

By Lillian Rose
LLP Social Media Intern

The LLP department hosts many clubs and organizations that cater to student interests. One being, the LLP chapter of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society.

In this organization, students serve the community with book give aways, school and library visits, and holiday events as outreach to students on campus. The advisor, Dr. Heidi Williams, leads her members to express their love of English in creative ways.

As the fall semester draws to a close and the spring semester approaches, Sigma Tau Delta is embracing new members thanks to a host of nominees who are particularly interested in everything that the study of English offers.

 “Some things that I’m looking forward to with Sigma Tau Delta is Little Tigers Read, as well as going to convention in New Orleans this March,” said Jasmine Watkins, new Sigma Tau Delta member.Other new members include Dajha Wardlow, also featured in video, Shermya Raines, and Alexandria Robinson.

 As a member of Sigma Tau Delta myself, I can guarantee that the new members will be a great addition to our organization. 

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.” 

LLP Does Community in October

VIP Advisement Socials, Alumni Conversation, and so much more...

By Lillian Rose 
LLP Social Media Intern 

With the semester coming to a close, it is time to start planning for the Spring 2026 semester. This means check-ins with advisors to discuss classes, academic goals, and career planning.

But what if students do not know their advisors? What if students do not know which classes to sign up for? The Language, Literature, and Philosophy department has answers for them.

Murray

Last week, LLP held an Advisement Meet & Greet for English majors and minors as hosted by Dr. Rebecca Dixon. During this event students were able to engage with other professors and advisors such as Dr. Michelle Pinkard, Dr. Emily Murray, Dr. Lucas Powers, Dr. Michelle Wise, and Dr. Chris Fields to discuss the advising process.

“The LLP advising event on Friday was a wonderful success!” Murray said. “Because LLP strives to support and advise students not only in their academic pursuits but also career and life pursuits, this event allowed us to meet majors and minors, learn about student goals and aspirations and have fun!”

Students received tips on navigating EAB, the university website, and the advisement process.  We chatted over lunch and played a Black Trivia History game in which I served as the devastatingly talented host! Students went against faculty in the categories of entertainment, inventions, history, and civil rights figures. In the end, the students overwhelmingly beat the professors proving that our generation knows their history!

Murray summarized the event as another way to solidify the partnership between LLP faculty and students.  “The meeting was informative for practical advising purposes, but I enjoyed most the less formal atmosphere for advising and getting to meet advisees in person, playing trivia and building a sense of community in the department. I look forward to losing more trivia games to these students in the future!”

Me and Heard after our Trivia Win!

There are faculty murmurs of a rematch.  Jasmine Heard, English minor, will be ready. She said, “this
event gave me the insight I needed to talk to advisors about my future career plans in English and beating the faculty in the trivia game was the cherry on top!”

In other LLP News this month, the department hosted an alumni conversation with key speaker, Ms. Chandler Wilson, a 2018 graduate student of Tennessee State University and English major. She is now a ninth grade English educator who ranks #5 as a master teacher in the state for English I teachers.

Dr. Zeba Shahbazz moderated, but other professors in attendance explored how learning from their students is just as important as teaching students. Students are encouraged to archive their work and to use it as source material to track progress through matriculation and transition into the professional world.

Near the end of the conversation, Ms. Chandler Wilson provided special advice for those who are pursuing a career in the field of teaching English:

1.  Use your voice as much as possible.
2.  Get the most information that you possibly can.
3.  Be as knowledgeable as you possibly can on the content.

Watch the entire video below.  Students should use this advice to be the best English educator that you can be. 

  Looking forward to seeing you at the next LLP event!