LLP Celebrates Black Writers and Democracy

Dr. Olufemi Oyebade listens 
as student reads Poetry

Annual African American Read In a Success
by Eleana Stone

LLP hosted the 35th annual African American Read In last month, the theme paid homage to African American literary works that emphasized the theme of  “Democracy.” Participants read their favorite literary works by African American authors; students, TSU faculty, and staff were welcomed to participate as well.

This was my first time experiencing a teacher and student event on campus. I felt as if this was the first time I had purpose of being at an event on campus. There was great energy at this event from everyone, it was a strong feeling of community.  This wonderful experience was hosted by Dr. Olufemi Oyebade, an Assistant Professor of African American Literature.

It was intriguing to see professors and students come together to discuss literature and history on campus, and to discuss how these literary works can apply to our individual lives. This made me realize my connection to this department, and brought me closer to others who share the same feelings toward literature. I find it very important to have events that create safe spaces, and freedom of expression.

The Read-in offered great opportunities to connect and share with others. Students are able to connect with other students as well and share their interest in literature. This is something else I was very fond of about this event, seeing students talk and connect over important writings. Faculty and Students also had the opportunity to share their own pieces of literary works as well. Hearing individuals own pieces of literary work was fascinating. To be able to hear how we connect ourselves with literature and to show how significant it can be.

Having the African American Read in, during Black History Month shows the dedication to keep Black excellence alive. Knowing that we as students can form a connection to our professors outside of a classroom, lets us know that they care for us and want to reach out to us.  We look forward to having more events for students and faculty from our department! 

TSU Junior Briely Jenkins Shares the Valuable Aspects of LLP Classes

Eleana Stone

 A Student Perspective Interview
By Eleana Stone

 

    It is always significant to receive insight from students in the Literature, Language and Philosophy department. This week I was able to interview an outstanding student, to give her perspective on the influence that the English department has had on her college experience and success. Briely Jenkins is a TSU Junior and Multidisciplinary Studies major from Knoxville, TN.

    And like me, she aspires to be an elementary school teacher.  We are both young African American women, who are have a passion for literature and aspire to be educators. It is important to gain the perspective of others who have similar interest with yourself.  Her responses to my questions are below:  

1. What is one of your current ENGL classes, and what do you enjoy the most so far pertaining to the class? 

“One of my current ENGLclasses are “Lit of the Romantic Movement,” with Dr. Powers. I like that the class isn’t as traditional as what you would learn in a regular English class. It’s a class where you can think outside the box and not go by the book.” 

2. What have you found to be the most valuable to your college experience from taking these classes or the LLP department itself? 

“When it comes to the English department, I’ve found that the most valuable aspect of taking these classes is the opportunity to explore different perspectives and dive deep into literature. It’s been amazing to analyze texts, discuss ideas with classmates, and gain a deeper understanding of the power of storytelling. In addition to the exploration of literature and the sense of community, I’ve also found value in the critical thinking skills that English classes develop. Analyzing texts, identifying themes, and crafting persuasive arguments have been incredibly useful not only in my college experience but also in everyday life. Plus, the department often hosts events like author talks and poetry readings, which provide opportunities to engage with the literary world beyond the classroom. It’s been a well-rounded and enriching experience overall!”

3. Would you like to see any events from this department? If so, could you share any ideas? 

“Literary Costume Party: Host a fun and interactive event where students dress up as their favorite literary characters. It could be a mix of classic and contemporary characters, allowing everyone to get creative with their costumes. There can be games, trivia, and prizes for the best costumes. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring literature to life. Plus, there can be activities like character trivia, a best costume contest, and even book-themed decorations. It’s a party that combines imagination, creativity, and a whole lot of literary fun!”

Briely Jenkins

4. Who is currently your favorite writer or author?           “Shel Silverstien is my favorite author because his work has a unique and captivating style. He has a way of using simple language and playful illustrations to convey deep emotions and thought- provoking messages. His poetry and stories are often filled with humor, wit, and a touch of whimsy that appeals to readers of all ages. Shel Silverstien’s writing has a timeless quality that continues to resonate with people and make them think, laugh and feel. He is definitely a talented writer.” 

5.  Do you have any suggestions to get more students involved and aware about the department and what it has to offer? 

“Collaborate with other departments: partner with other departments or student organizations to host interdisciplinary events. This can expose students to the diverse range of opportunities and connections that the department offers.”

    It was a great experience and opportunity to talk with Jenkins, and to hear her point of view. It is important to make connections with students and to learn from their involvement with the English department. This builds a sense of community, which is needed throughout the college experience and especially in the English department.

    Being able to share and create ideas makes us stronger, and helps us to bring more opportunities. Jenkins is our first interviewed student of the Spring 2024 semester. I am looking forward to talking and connecting with more students throughout the semester!

 

Meet the New LLP Social Media Intern

English Major Eleana Stone wants to Build Community

By Eleana Stone

I am an English major from Nashville.  My passion for reading and writing led me to this major. Being able to write is a form of expression for myself, and it helps expand my imagination and goals in life.

Eleana Stone

I am grateful to be in the department of Languages, Literature and Philosophy department, which helped me grow in my academic performance and helped me have a better focus of my career choices. I am interested in teaching and working with children. I believe that teaching our youth is an investment in our future.

It is great to have wonderful professors and staff in our department who feed into a positive impact in students in our department. There are various learning experiences I have developed during my time at TSU. My goal is to graduate and pour into my community what I have learned and here.

I hope to bring more awareness of the opportunities our department brings on campus, and to gather other students who have interest in what the department has to offer. Serving the role of Social Media intern has already given me confidence and made me more excited about my future. 

It is significant to me to be able to participate in this experience. I hope to make connections with other great professors and students in this department, and to build a strong sense of community. I believe having a community is important wherever you are, but especially while being in college.

Overall, I hope to make a great impact in this department, and I hope to learn and experience things that will help me grow.

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!