Stephen J. Smith, President of the Mu Rho Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., speaks on several aspects of the chapter including it's past and what Mu Rho will be doing in the future.
8.28.2010
Welcome Week 2010
For all you who missed the Welcome Week 2010 events. NotInClass has you covered. Videos of both Caribbean Splash Jam and Karibu Tena are up under NotInClass Videos and NotInClass Mobile.
Here is a taste of Splash Jam
Here is a taste of Splash Jam
8.17.2010
New Year
So here we are at yet another year with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Internships have ended, summer is finally winding down, and classes start in the morning. For some of us, this is the beginning of a new life, while others are going 'round this carousal for the second and third time. Or fourth. Or fifth. Or....
So as we get ready for those atrocious 8 o'clock classes, late night study sessions, and those end of the week sets that make life more interesting, lets keep in mind that as this year progresses, we will create memories that will last lifetimes. We will laugh, we will cry, but we will always look back and marvel at it all five, ten, and fifteen years from now. And even beyond that.
And NotInClass will be right there with you, capturing those moments that matter most.
So as we get ready for those atrocious 8 o'clock classes, late night study sessions, and those end of the week sets that make life more interesting, lets keep in mind that as this year progresses, we will create memories that will last lifetimes. We will laugh, we will cry, but we will always look back and marvel at it all five, ten, and fifteen years from now. And even beyond that.
And NotInClass will be right there with you, capturing those moments that matter most.
8.13.2010
Top 20 Best-Paying College Degrees in 2010
Want to know what the best-paying college degrees are?
Here’s a hint: The college degrees that lead to the highest salaries all involve high-level mathematics.
Just like last year’s survey of salaries by college degrees, engineering majors dominate the list. For undergraduates, seven of the top 10 college degrees, according to PayScale, Inc., belong to engineering majors. The best paying college degree of all — by a long shot — is petroleum engineering.
The salary advantage that graduates, who earn these largely technical degrees, enjoy continues as they move into the middle of their careers.
Here are the top 20 best-paying college degrees in 2010:
College Degree Starting Median Pay Mid-career pay
| Petroleum engineering | $93,000 | $157,000 |
| Aerospace engineering | $59,400 | $108,000 |
| Chemical engineering | $64,800 | $108,000 |
| Electrical engineering | $60,800 | $104,000 |
| Nuclear engineering | $63,900 | $104,000 |
| Applied mathematics | $56,400 | $101,000 |
| Biomedical engineering | $54,800 | $101,000 |
| Physics | $50,700 | $99,600 |
| Computer engineering | $61,200 | $87,700 |
| Economics | $48,800 | $97,800 |
| Computer science | $56,200 | $97,700 |
| Civil engineering | $53,500 | $93,400 |
| Statistics | $50,000 | $93,400 |
| Finance | $47,500 | $91,500 |
| Software engineering | $56,700 | $91,300 |
| Management info. systems | $50,900 | $90,300 |
| Mathematics | $46,400 | $88,300 |
| Government | $41,500 | $88,300 |
| Information systems | $49,300 | $87,100 |
| Construction Management | $50,400 | $87,000 |
Lynn O’Shaughnessy is the author of The College Solution, an Amazon bestseller, and she also writes for TheCollegeSolutionBlog. Follow her on Twitter.
Best-paying college degree image by alist. CC 2.0.
4.27.2010
UT students speak out
On April 22, several student organizations worked together to host the awareness forum titled, "Whose Banana Is it Anyways." This host of panelists included JaNay' Bryant of Minority Enhancement for The University of Tennessee; Shawn Turner of the National Pan-Hellenic Council ; Tommy Jervis, president-elect of the Student Government Association; Emily Curtis Wrinn of Central Program Council; Andrew Garber of LGBT Community; and Raphael Onwuzuruigbo of Black Cultural Programming Committee.
The forum was organized to inform the student body of recent incidents that concerned their safety on campus. The forum was set up in a question-and-answer format. One of several questions asked was, how did you hear about the most recent bias-based incidents? While for the most part, most said they were informed via Facebook or student gossip, Chancellor Cheek's e-mail remained dominate. Panelist Tommy Jervis said, "I heard about it through gossip, I didn't know the real, true story until that morning. I actually got a phone call from WBIR, the Knoxville news station, and I hadn't even read the e-mail yet. So it kind of got me off guard."
Another question posed was, what was your initial reaction to the incidents? Panelist JaNay' Bryant said :"My initial reaction was, why? Anybody who knows me knows that's my favorite question. I'm a thinker. People cannot like somebody else over something they cannot control. I was sad I was angry I was confused. All those emotions mixed up in one."
Other questions were mentioned, such as, what are your thoughts on Chancellor Cheeks e-mail about civilities? Panelist Raphael Onwuzuruigbo said, "Me personally, I was proud of the university. They decided to send out a public statement. However, I feel that there have been several other incidents that were on a top scale that were not spoken about It kind of makes me wonder, why? Was it because somebody not in our group of students here saw something?"
Another question that was raised, was, what factors or conditions give rise to biased based events in your mind? Panelist Shawn Turner said, " ...If I had to label one ,I would think, it would be the upbringing, the morals and principles you developed or lack thereof in your upbringing as a child play a major role ... ."
Panelist Raquel Onwuzuruigbo responded to this question by stating, "...I feel like the university has given us a wrong definition of diversity. I feel like this country's definition of diversity is what's causing this problem of constant racial incidents on campus"
JaNay Bryant concluded this question by saying, "It's not up to the university, the school books, the teachers, it's not up to them to teach people about who you are; it's about to you to teach people about who you are. I think we're the factors."
Maxine Davis, Dean of Students, responded to the students concluding statement by stating, "I'm hearing you loud and clear." Dean Davis goes on to explain that the incidents have been responded to. The way the incidents are communicated seems to be the problem. Dean Davis also details a draft including student's suggestion. The university is creating protocol that will be clear to the campus.
The forum was organized to inform the student body of recent incidents that concerned their safety on campus. The forum was set up in a question-and-answer format. One of several questions asked was, how did you hear about the most recent bias-based incidents? While for the most part, most said they were informed via Facebook or student gossip, Chancellor Cheek's e-mail remained dominate. Panelist Tommy Jervis said, "I heard about it through gossip, I didn't know the real, true story until that morning. I actually got a phone call from WBIR, the Knoxville news station, and I hadn't even read the e-mail yet. So it kind of got me off guard."
Another question posed was, what was your initial reaction to the incidents? Panelist JaNay' Bryant said :"My initial reaction was, why? Anybody who knows me knows that's my favorite question. I'm a thinker. People cannot like somebody else over something they cannot control. I was sad I was angry I was confused. All those emotions mixed up in one."
Other questions were mentioned, such as, what are your thoughts on Chancellor Cheeks e-mail about civilities? Panelist Raphael Onwuzuruigbo said, "Me personally, I was proud of the university. They decided to send out a public statement. However, I feel that there have been several other incidents that were on a top scale that were not spoken about It kind of makes me wonder, why? Was it because somebody not in our group of students here saw something?"
Another question that was raised, was, what factors or conditions give rise to biased based events in your mind? Panelist Shawn Turner said, " ...If I had to label one ,I would think, it would be the upbringing, the morals and principles you developed or lack thereof in your upbringing as a child play a major role ... ."
Panelist Raquel Onwuzuruigbo responded to this question by stating, "...I feel like the university has given us a wrong definition of diversity. I feel like this country's definition of diversity is what's causing this problem of constant racial incidents on campus"
JaNay Bryant concluded this question by saying, "It's not up to the university, the school books, the teachers, it's not up to them to teach people about who you are; it's about to you to teach people about who you are. I think we're the factors."
Maxine Davis, Dean of Students, responded to the students concluding statement by stating, "I'm hearing you loud and clear." Dean Davis goes on to explain that the incidents have been responded to. The way the incidents are communicated seems to be the problem. Dean Davis also details a draft including student's suggestion. The university is creating protocol that will be clear to the campus.
4.13.2010
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosts 6th annual Mr. Debonair pageant
The Mu Zeta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated put on their sixth Mr. Debonair pageant on April 8th at 7:13 pm in the UC auditorium. Six distinguished gentlemen competed for the title, but only one could walk away with the crown.
All of the contestants had similar backgrounds. Four out the six were from Memphis, TN while the other two were raised in Nashville. The same ratio was evident as most of the contestants revealed their sophomore classification, leaving the two juniors as the minority.
The pageant competition consisted of many segments, the first being personality. Each contestant had to put together an outfit that best represented their own style and most importantly their unique characteristics.
The next portion of the show was talent. Some of the acts included singing, dancing and poem reciting. Contestant number four, Eric Willingham drew a picture of the Michael Jackson right before the audience’s eyes. The detailed drawing was completed before the late artist’s hit song “Billy Jean” was finished playing in the background.
Akoma Onwuzuruigbo was the winner of the talent segment. Onwuzuruigbo started off with a poem that turned into a song before it ended. While singing the remaining lyrics he played the guitar and even had a trombone solo during his performance.
The sleepwear portion was the next segment to follow. Most contestants sported tanks or basketball shorts as their night clothes. Contestant number one, Dorian Hudson, went against the common trend by wearing a red one piece pajama set similar to a baby sleeper. Hudson’s attire amused the crowd and he received major applause as he revealed his oily chest underneath. Contestant number six, Jonathan Kinnard, got the same amount of attention in his black silk robe set, teasing the audience as if he was going to show some skin as well.
The business professional segment had the contestants suited in their Sunday’s best. Each one glided across the stage as if they were a millionaire or CEO of a company. Suits ranged from the original colors of black and grey to the bright colors of ivory and green.
The last segment of the night was the question-and-answer portion. Each contestant wore the same attire, an all black tuxedo with a red vest and bowtie. Contestant number two, Matthew Best, was asked, ‘Other than yourself, who do you think is most worthy of the title Mr. Debonair?’ “Other than myself, I think the most worthy would be Anderson Olds. He has a great spirit. He always showed up to practice on time, ready to work, and overall I think he’s just a really great person,” said Best.
Ironically the judges of the pageant thought the same because minutes later Olds was wearing the crown. Tears shed down his face as he looked up to the sky in remembrance of his late grandmother, dedicating his first royal walk to her.
When asked how was his first day on campus with the 2010-2011 Mr. Debonair title Olds said, “I feel like a star on campus. Faces I’ve never seen before have acknowledged me in person, on Facebook and Twitter and it feels great. This is definitely a new experience for me. I’ve had spotlights before but nothing like this because now I represent not only myself but the Delta’s as well, so I have more responsibilities.”
Kinnard, who won 1st runner-up, felt the pageant was well planned and very organized. “Best pageant of the year. It was a great experience. I got to step out of my comfort zone and meet new friends.”
Raphael Onwuzuruigbo said that his brother, contestant number three, did awesome. “He represented our family well, our mother would’ve been proud.” When asked about the other contestants performances he said, “It impressed me to see African American men portrayed in a positive image.”
The members of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated had nothing but wonderful words to say about the contestants and the pageant overall. “The pageant went really well. You could tell they put hard work and dedication into it. I’m proud of them all,” said Asia Waller. Nadya Landfair said, “The guys did a great job. They surprised everyone with their talents.”
3.30.2010
UT Best Dance Crew Auditions
Calling EVERYONE who thinks they can DANCE, this is your time to prove it. You do not have to be an already established dance crew; just get a group of 3 to 8 people and show us what you got. If you think you can dance you have NO reason not to be at this event. All types of dance crews are invited, hip hop, ballet, traditional stepping, so on and so forth. This is for bragging rights and yes!!! a very nice monetary price.
Auditions will be held April 5, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the UC Ballroom. A one minute perfomance is required for auditions along with a $2 per person fee. All money collected at this event will be donated to charity.
Email nsbeutkprograms@gmail.com to participate. Crews need to reserve audition slots.
Information about the actual event will be supplied at or after Auditions.
Hope to see you there.
Stefan Oma Nwandu-Vincent
Secretary, National Society of Black Engineers
Auditions will be held April 5, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the UC Ballroom. A one minute perfomance is required for auditions along with a $2 per person fee. All money collected at this event will be donated to charity.
Email nsbeutkprograms@gmail.com to participate. Crews need to reserve audition slots.
Information about the actual event will be supplied at or after Auditions.
Hope to see you there.
Stefan Oma Nwandu-Vincent
Secretary, National Society of Black Engineers
3.29.2010
Ebone Lipsey - Diva Opals
Ebone Lipsey speaks about Diva Opals. She outlines the origins of the organization as well as expanding upon its programs which include the upcoming Miss Beauty Beyond Measure Pageant.
Interview by Jessica Gossett
Directed by Lee Edwards
Edited by Brodrick Stigall
notinclass.com
3.15.2010
Tierney Bates
Tierney Bates talks about his experiences as a professional Black man in a collegiate atmosphere.
This Video Has Two Parts
Interview by Jessica Gossett
Directed by Lee Edwards
Edited by Brodrick Stigall
3.04.2010
UT Alumni on the State of UT for Blacks: Then and Now
University of Tennessee alumni William Arnold and Reggie Jenkins talk about their experience as black students at UT and how things have changed since then. The alumni elaborate on how issues can be address and how they can play a major role in ensuring that current students get what they need.
This Video Has Three Parts
Interview by Lee Edwards with contributions by Brodrick Stigall
Edited by Brodrick Stigall
2.10.2010
The Fifth Annual Black Issues Conference
The Fifth Annual Black Issues Conference was held this past Saturday, February 6th at the Carolyn P. Brown University Center from 9am to 4:30pm. Started in the spring of 2006 by Tierney Bates, former Assistant Director of Minority Student Affairs and current Assistant Development Director, the Black Issues Conference seeks to bring current issues and topics that affect the African American community to the forefront for discussion. The theme for this year was "Black in America: How Far We Have Come..Yet, So Far to Go."
Those that made up the 2010 BIC planning committee were: Tanisha Jenkins (Minority Student Affairs), Robyn Davidson (NAACP), Tierney Bates (Development), Ace Brooks (Strange Fruit On Stage Productions), Tracia Cloud (Graduate Student), Rita Geier (Office of the Chancellor), Tradarion Hampton (SAAB), Jonathan Kinnard (MAP), Brandon Jones (SGA), Phyllis Moore (Alumni Affairs), Quineka Moten (Minority Student Affairs), Ashleigh Moyer (Student Activities), Anderson Olds (NAACP), Karlescia Perkins (NAACP), Anton Reece (Student Success Center), Chloe Shepherd (BCPC), Jamia Stokes (College of Education, Health & Human Sciences), Marshawn Tennial (NAACP), Shawn Turner (NPHC), Erica Watson (Law Student), Chutney Walton (Graduate Student).
The Opening Ceremony for the BIC included an introduction by Tanisha Jenkins and Robyn Davidson, the Chair and Co-Chair for the Planning committee this year, a tribute to Haiti by Anderson Olds, and Lauren Fitzgerald and Quineka Moten with two spoke word poetry pieces entitled "I'm in Dixie," and "What's Next." The I.C.E Cold Experience jazz band played during the reception at the end of the conference.
The Charlie Lemmons Keynote Speaker for the BIC was Marshawn Evans, J.D., an entrepreneur, attorney and author of "SKIRTS in the Boardroom: A Woman's Survival Guide to Success in Business & Life." Also member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Evans was featured as a cast member for Donald Trump's NBC show "The Apprentice." She has worked on televised prmotional projects and marketing campaigns for companies such as Sony Pictures, Lucus Films, Lamborghini, Bally Total Fitness, The Learning Annex, and Dairy Queen. Evans serves on numerous boards for service organizations such as Jamie Foxx's Learn Through Laughter Foundation and the TMB Foundation for Women.
The sponsors for the Black Issues Conference this year were:
The UT Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Minority Student Affairs
The Black Cultural and Programming Committee
The Charlie Lemmons Endowment
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Student Affairs
Central Programming Council
UT Black Alumni Association
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville: Office of the Dean of Students; College of Business Administration; Office of Disability Services; Book and Supply Store; Commission for Blacks; Office of Equity and Diversity
The workshops were as follows:
-Money Management in the Black Community
Knoxville alumni and Mu Rho Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
-A Room Full of Men (For Men Only)
Marico Rivers, Community Activist
-Blacks Leading the Future: Mapping Strategies in Your Organization and Your Life
Dr. Daryl D. Green, Community Member
-What Does the Media Have to do with it?
Colber Prosper and Earl Coleman, UT Graduate Students
-The Ongoing Struggle: African American Faculty and Staff Life at U.T.
Ferlin McGaskey and Jamia Stokes, UT Doctoral Students
-Close Your Legs & Open Your Mind (For LAdies Only)
Reggie Jenkins, UUNIK Academy, Inc.
-Greeks: The False Sense of entitlement
David Jones, UT Law Student
-Student Organizations: It Doesn't Matter if it's Black or White, or Does it?
Sarah Rodriquez and Tyler Glauser, UT Graduate Students
-Hip-Hop Hooray? Or Hip-Hop Hell No?!
Marico Rivers, Community Activist
-Recovering Voices from the Past, Visions for the Future
Lorena "Lori" Whipple, UT Graduate Student
-Making a Good Virtual First Impression: Using Goosle Sites to Get a Job
Thura Mack, Allison Bolorizadeh, Allison Roberts and Laurie Roberson, UT Library Diversity Committee
-The Hustle: A Guide to Going to College Without Paying for it!
Tahirah Akbar-Williams, UT Faculty Member
-Real Talk Open Forum: Our Children Are Our future
Mu Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Aplha Fraternity, Inc
-The Making of a Black Environmentalist
Audry and Frank Peterman, Earthwise Productions, Inc
-It You're Light, You're Alright: The Politics of Race and Colorism Among African-American Women
Jasmine Herbert, UT Graduate Student
-I'm M.A.D. (For Males Only)
Raphael Onwuzuruigbo Jr., Jonathan Kinnard and Anderson Olds, UT Undergraduate Students
-Who Controls the Black Phallus? Acquiescent fantasy Sports Culture
Stephanie Hill, UT Doctoral Candidate
-Publishing for Black Professionals: How You Can Gain More Influence in a Diverse Universe
Dr. Daryl Green, Community Member
-Warning Explicit Content: Technology and Online Etiquette
Tahirah Akbar-Williams and Michelle Brannen, UT Faculty Members
-HIV/AIDS..Beyond the Hype!!
Reggie Jenkins, UNNIK Academy, Inc.
1.28.2010
Young, Beautiful and (HIV) Positive
Marvelyn Brown
The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful and HIV Positive
One Wednesday, January 27th at 7:00pm, the Women's Coordinating Council presented Marvelyn Brown, a twenty five year old woman who was diagnosed as HIV positive when she was nineteen years old. Originally from Nashville, TN, since her diagnosis Brown not only engages with audiences from Rwanda to Canada, but also was awarded a 2007 Emmy Award for Outstanding National Public Service Announcement. Brown has also written an autobiography “The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful and (HIV) Positive, and is the CEO and Independent HIV Consultant for Marvelous Connections. The program began with some fast facts on HIV: “Every 5 seconds someone is infected with HIV/AIDs;” and a video featuring Brown during an interview relating some of her experiences as a HIV woman who travels around the world to speak about the virus: “I have had people say that I was disgusting...you should go kill yourself...you're making the United States look bad.”
The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful and HIV Positive
One Wednesday, January 27th at 7:00pm, the Women's Coordinating Council presented Marvelyn Brown, a twenty five year old woman who was diagnosed as HIV positive when she was nineteen years old. Originally from Nashville, TN, since her diagnosis Brown not only engages with audiences from Rwanda to Canada, but also was awarded a 2007 Emmy Award for Outstanding National Public Service Announcement. Brown has also written an autobiography “The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful and (HIV) Positive, and is the CEO and Independent HIV Consultant for Marvelous Connections. The program began with some fast facts on HIV: “Every 5 seconds someone is infected with HIV/AIDs;” and a video featuring Brown during an interview relating some of her experiences as a HIV woman who travels around the world to speak about the virus: “I have had people say that I was disgusting...you should go kill yourself...you're making the United States look bad.”
After the introduction, Brown immediately takes the audience back to July 17th, 2003, the day she learned that she had contracted HIV: “I had been in the hospital for two, two in a half weeks and was running a fever of 106 degrees. The doctor told my mother that I had twenty four hours to live.” Fortunately, Brown was stabilized that night and told that she had contracted pneumonia. It was not until a little bit later that her doctor revealed to her that she was also HIV positive. Upon learning her diagnosis, Brown turned to her family and friends not only for support, but to also find out information on HIV. Instead of answers, however, Brown was shunned by her friends and held at a distance by her family. “Don't tell anyone,”was her mother's initial response, followed by “if anyone asks tell them you have cancer.” Going to church, was no better, as Brown was told that HIV was God's punishment for “fornicating.” From this rocky start Brown has since moved from waiting to die from HIV to traveling around the world and becoming renowned for her advocacy on HIV/AIDS education. “The three most important messages I want people to take from me are: get tested, educated, and be responsible.”
Some of the questions included:
“How do you deal with the dating scene, and do you plan on have kids on day?”
“Difficult...I always tell that I'm positive. I get different reactions...one guy said if I didnt want to talk to him thats all I had to say...but now I'm more approached than before, and usually disclosure is not a problem because of the settings I meet people in. I do plan on having kids one day, and there are many ways for me to have children and insure that they are HIV negative.”
“What are the physical effects that you have to deal with now that you did not have before (your diagnosis)?”
“None, besides the medicine.”
“How is the relationship with your family now that you're an (HIV) advocate?”
“They are supportive of me, but there are still trust issues.”
“Have you noticed if certain regions/countries differ in their approach to sex education?”
“Mostly in the Bible Belt, but understand that (HIV) stigma is universal.”
“Can a blood transfusion get rid of the virus?”
“That may be possible, but because the virus can live in the organs, it would not be a possible option for everyone. Believe me, I would have done it by now.”
1.25.2010
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Celebration
This past Monday, on January 18th, 2010, the Black Cultural Programming Committee held the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Celebration. This program commemorates the life of the Civil Rights Movement leader while also meditating on the responsibilities of those who benefit from this legacy to renew and fulfil “The Dream.”
An upbeat piece performed by Love United Gospel Choir Band followed by a jazzier piece by the Ice Cold Experience set the mood for the beginning of the program. After the introduction of the program by Deonfreya Johnson, Dereldia Clendering introduces the short play “The Meeting,” written by Jeff Stetson. With Mario Fortney and Ace Brooks portraying Dr. King and Malcolm X, the skit brings to life the possible conversation the two men could have had during their lives. LUGC follows the play with the songs “ I Will Bless Thee O Lord/Praise Him,” “Christ Has No Hands But Yours,” and “All in His Hands.” LUGC's Praise Team performed a stunning interpretive piece to Kirk Franklin's “Chains.”
Dawn Woods then guides the program to Reflections, where four speakers: each representing the four generations that have arrived to adulthood since the time of the Civil Rights Movement.
The first speaker up was Cory Hipps, the Vice President of the Student Government Association and an undergraduate at the university. Hipps's reflection, “Carrying on the Dream,” illustrated Hipps's quest to not only understand the struggles of his parents and their families, but also his role in renewing and fulfilling the dream of Dr. King. Hipps recalled an experience that his mother-an elementary school teacher-had with one of her students about his fear of being disowned from his parents: “Your color will rub off on me and I wont be able to go home.” Hipps involvement with community service and mentoring is directly related to the struggles and achievements of his forbears.
The next speaker, Stephanie Hill, is a doctoral candidate at the university and also the Project Coordinator for Project GRAD. Hill's reflections, “Renewal of the Dream,” provoke thoughtful questions on the nature of humankind and challenged students to not only look underneath the surface of the world that they live in but to engage it more fully by “renewing” King's Dream with our everyday actions. Students should continue to struggle with their dual natures of “altruism and narcissism,” and carefully exam the influence of Man's dual nature in the world around them.
Following Hill was Tearsa Smith, a graduate of Florida A&M University and news anchor of WATE News. Smith's “Whats Your Legacy?” provoked the students to think about the type of legacy they wanted to leave to their children. She asked students to not “get so drunk with your power, money and success and forget what your role is...someone before you did the work so that you can enjoy your time here at Rocky Top.”
The last speaker, Dr. Shaedrick Tillman, was the former Vice Chancellor of Research at U.T. His reflections “Dreams and Service,” touched on the transcendence of Dr. King's Dream has over time, and that service was for the individual the “rent you pay for the space you occupy in this world.”
Overall, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration was a beautiful program that not only commemorated the past, but also called on those in the present to build their legacies for future generations.
An upbeat piece performed by Love United Gospel Choir Band followed by a jazzier piece by the Ice Cold Experience set the mood for the beginning of the program. After the introduction of the program by Deonfreya Johnson, Dereldia Clendering introduces the short play “The Meeting,” written by Jeff Stetson. With Mario Fortney and Ace Brooks portraying Dr. King and Malcolm X, the skit brings to life the possible conversation the two men could have had during their lives. LUGC follows the play with the songs “ I Will Bless Thee O Lord/Praise Him,” “Christ Has No Hands But Yours,” and “All in His Hands.” LUGC's Praise Team performed a stunning interpretive piece to Kirk Franklin's “Chains.”
Dawn Woods then guides the program to Reflections, where four speakers: each representing the four generations that have arrived to adulthood since the time of the Civil Rights Movement.
The first speaker up was Cory Hipps, the Vice President of the Student Government Association and an undergraduate at the university. Hipps's reflection, “Carrying on the Dream,” illustrated Hipps's quest to not only understand the struggles of his parents and their families, but also his role in renewing and fulfilling the dream of Dr. King. Hipps recalled an experience that his mother-an elementary school teacher-had with one of her students about his fear of being disowned from his parents: “Your color will rub off on me and I wont be able to go home.” Hipps involvement with community service and mentoring is directly related to the struggles and achievements of his forbears.
The next speaker, Stephanie Hill, is a doctoral candidate at the university and also the Project Coordinator for Project GRAD. Hill's reflections, “Renewal of the Dream,” provoke thoughtful questions on the nature of humankind and challenged students to not only look underneath the surface of the world that they live in but to engage it more fully by “renewing” King's Dream with our everyday actions. Students should continue to struggle with their dual natures of “altruism and narcissism,” and carefully exam the influence of Man's dual nature in the world around them.
Following Hill was Tearsa Smith, a graduate of Florida A&M University and news anchor of WATE News. Smith's “Whats Your Legacy?” provoked the students to think about the type of legacy they wanted to leave to their children. She asked students to not “get so drunk with your power, money and success and forget what your role is...someone before you did the work so that you can enjoy your time here at Rocky Top.”
The last speaker, Dr. Shaedrick Tillman, was the former Vice Chancellor of Research at U.T. His reflections “Dreams and Service,” touched on the transcendence of Dr. King's Dream has over time, and that service was for the individual the “rent you pay for the space you occupy in this world.”
Overall, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration was a beautiful program that not only commemorated the past, but also called on those in the present to build their legacies for future generations.
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