I Saw the TV Glow!

Nerds Rule Fridays in LLP

By Dajha Wardlow
LLP Social Media Intern

Nerd is the Word in the Department of Languages, Literature, and Philosophy.  We kicked off our Nerds Rule campaign earlier this month with a screening and discussion of I Saw the Glow, an A24 film.  The program was warm and welcoming; a space where students could step away from their routines and reconnect with the film and each other.

Event organizer Dr. Chris Field explained that Nerd Club events are designed to build community. He and fellow coordinator Dr. Michelle Wise wanted to create something fun, something powerful to rebuild connection. He said, After years of post-pandemic isolation, "we wanted to get students out of their rooms and out of their shells.” 

The atmosphere of the screening felt intentional from the very beginning. As the film unfolded, its themes of identity, self-discovery, and belonging resonated deeply with the audience. It wasn’t just entertainment it felt reflective, personal, and timely.

I Saw the TV Glow Viewing Party

Fields emphasized that LLP spaces like the Nerd Club, which will meet every Friday after March 13th,  allow students to relax, learn from one another, and exist authentically without pressure. It’s about rediscovering creativity and comfort in community.

Wise’s presence during the discussion further reinforced that sense of support from faculty. Seeing professors and students engaged in the conversation - listening, reflecting, and encouraging dialogue - reminded students that community extends beyond the classroom. It showed that connection, creativity, and care are shared values.

The discussion that followed was open and thoughtful. Students shared interpretations of the film, connected its themes to their own experiences, and engaged in honest conversation. There were moments of laughter, moments of reflection, and moments of vulnerability exactly the kind of balance that brings people together.

“Sometimes the smallest spark — a film, a conversation, a shared laugh — is all it takes to light up a whole community again,” Field said.

The I Saw the Glow screening was more than just an event on the calendar. It was a reminder that showing up matters. Stepping out of our comfort zones matters. Community matters. And sometimes, all it takes to glow again is gathering in a room together and choosing to connect.

Today's Nerd Culture Club Kick Off Meeting
Join Friday, March 13th for food, games, and all that Nerd

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….. to 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.