BLACK ISSUES CONFERENCE - "ART IS POWER" Keynote Speaker: Bowling Green State University
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T HE 1 8 T H AN N UA L
BL AC K I SSUES CONF ER ENCE
“ART IS POWER”
Keynote Speaker:
PJ Jones
Saturday, February 17, 2018
9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Bowen-Thompson Student Union“Lift Every Voice and Sing”
James Weldon Johnson, 1871 - 1928
Lift every voice and sing,
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the list’ning skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has hrought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.
Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chast’ning rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered.
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past,
Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who hast by Thy might,
Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;
Shadowed beneath Thy hand,
May we forever stand,
True to our God,
True to our native land.
218th Annual Black Issues Conference
Preliminary Program
9:30 a.m. | Registration and Check-in
Check in for registered guests will remain open until 1:30 p.m.
10:00 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. | High School Student Workshops
“First Year Experiences” Panel | BTSU 308
Personal Workshops | BTSU 314
Students will go to a 40 minute session in each room and then switch
11:30 a.m. | Luncheon | BTSU 228
Welcome
Sheila Brown, M.S., M. Ed.
Interim Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs
and Conference Co-Chair
Remarks
Thomas Gibson, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost
Dr. Rodney Rogers
Interim President BGSU
“Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Led by Rachel Coleman
Introduction of Keynote
Breanna Burnette and Jenaí Patrick
Conference Undergraduate Co-Chairs
Keynote Address
PJ Jones
Assistant Director of Multicultural and Diversity Affairs,
University of Florida
Black Excellence Awards Presentations
Trinidad Linares
Conference Graduate Co-Chair
3Concurrent Research
Presentation Sessions
1:30 - 2:20 p.m.
Black Popular Music and Its Cultural Influences | BTSU 308
Mariia Spirina | Bowling Green State University
“Gangsta Rap Clothing in N.W.A.’s ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Music Video”
The question of musicians’ image in L.A. based hip hop band, and do the analysis
popular music has been widely debated of their “Straight Outta Compton” music
in the cultural and music studies fields, video released in May, 1989, to show
with scholars such as David Shumway and how different components of the video
Tim Riley arguing that musicians’ images performance are reflected in musicians’
should be discussed in a multi-faceted outfits and vice versa. I will discuss the
cultural context due to musicians’ status choice of outfits, and juxtapose it with lyrics
of cultural heroes, behavioral models, and and sound of the song as well as a message
popular stars. Among different components that the band was trying to make, to reveal
that shape musicians’ image, such as the previously misunderstood connections
dance style, public appearance, artistic between the visual presentation through
message, interviews content, etc., the the outfits and musical content. I argue that
authors discuss the importance of musicians’ the choice of outfits has a strong aesthetic
looks as an expression of sexuality, relation with lyrics and sound as well as with
stardom, and, sometimes, gender-bending the band’s political or social message. In
aspects. However, these arguments have conclusion, this project, by closely examining
not adequately addressed the issue of the “Straight Outta Compton” video, sheds
musicians’ outfits and its relation with lyrics new light on the rarely acknowledged
and sound in musicians’ performances or issue of the formation of musicians’
videos. My paper addresses the issue of images in hip hop and in popular music, and
image of black popular musicians with will show the high importance of outfits in the
special attention to the outfits. Specifically, aesthetic composition of a band or musician’s
in my project, I will be looking at N.W.A., artistic conception.
4Robin Hershkowitz | Bowling Green State University
“‘It’s Raining Men’: Black Popular Music and Women’s Desire”
The representation of black women has used to express sexual desire. Upon its initial
been widely debated in the field of black release, the song was largely dismissed as
popular music. Scholars, such Tricia Rose, a trivial remnant of the disco era. However,
have argued that black women have it has continued to pervade culture, as well
used music, as a way to “speak back” to as developed into a significant cultural text
male objectification of women. My paper for the queer community. I argue that “It’s
addresses the issue of how women express Raining Men” borrows from a disco and
their desires and sexuality through black spiritual style of music to situate women as
popular music. Specifically, this paper the subject, rather than object, of their sexual
focuses on the Weather Girls’ 1983 hit “It’s desires. By closely examining metaphors and
Raining Men”, and the accompanying music musical influences, this sheds new light on
video. This close reading will examine how how black popular music provides a voice for
influences from spirituality and religion are often ignored voices.
Lindley McGuire | Bowling Green State University
“‘Just Look at Me Like I’m Your Closest Pal, The Posterchild for White America’:
Eminem’s Legitimacy as a White Artist Performing Black Music”
The question of Eminem’s legitimacy as an the album The Eminem Show in order to
artist recording black music as a white man show how Eminem uses his place of privilege
has been widely debated in the music and to provide a voice for important issues. I
ethnic studies fields, with scholars such as will discuss these two songs by examining
Edward Armstrong, James Keller, and Liam their lyrics and underlying meanings in order
Grealy arguing for Eminem’s authenticity to reveal the previously misunderstood
as a white rapper as well as the issue his connections between white bodies and black
race plays within his music. However, these music. I argue that Eminem’s understanding
articles have not adequately addressed the of his own race as well as his understanding
issue of how Eminem’s place of privilege of the black culture provides him with an
as a white man can help the message of opportunity to speak out against issues in
black music be heard by larger audiences. the black community that other black artists
My paper addresses the issue of Eminem’s may not have. In conclusion, this project,
legitimacy as a white artist recording black by closely examining the lyrics in Eminem’s
music with special attention to how his freestyle on President Trump and his song
place of privilege works in the favor of the “White America,” sheds new light on the
message of black music. Specifically, in my rarely acknowledged issue of black music
project, I will be looking at the freestyle rap through white bodies as an opportunity for
Eminem, performed for BET about President growth in the black community.
Trump and the song “White America” from
5The Importance of Social Justice for African Americans | BTSU 314
Ghynecee Temple | Bowling Green State University
“The Cost of Social Justice”
The Cost of Justice is a presentation among activists, aid in the recognition of
examining the mental health costs of mental fatigue, and discuss how we can
social justice advocacy. Given the current care for ourselves in this age of advocacy.
social-political climate and continued fight Participants will be challenged to utilize
for social justice, many African Americans their creative and collaborative capabilities
are engaging in intense and purposeful to address this integral topic through
activism around the nation. Despite the well illustrations, discussions, and personal
intentioned fight towards equity, many of narratives. Considering that mental health
our leaders are fighting another formidable has historically been viewed as taboo in
foe, the decline of their mental health. the Black community, The Cost of Justice
Notable members across various groups, hopes to reduce stigma surrounding mental
including Black Lives Matter, have lost social health and encourage community members
justice warriors to suicide and poor mental to engage thoughtfully and openly about this
health. This presentation hopes to heighten sensitive, yet essential topic.
awareness regarding mental health care
Richard Brown and Abhijeet Shirsat | Bowling Green State University
“Ethics and Policing in Black America”
Research Question: What role, if any, does Denton, 1993). To fulfill this gap in the
ethics play in policing Black America. The literature, this study will analyze the
criminal justice system has a race problem perspective of the police officers when they
(Obama, 2017; Kennedy, 2011; Alexander, interact with people of color.
2010). Data shows that racial disparities In addition, according to Starratt (1991),
exist within corrections (Robertson, 2014). there are three ethics that should be
The numbers of minorities that are entangled addressed: the ethic of critique, the ethic
within the courts, the number of arrests of justice, and the ethic of care. These
made by police and the numbers of unarmed ethics complements the others as it relates
blacks who have recently been killed by the to the various outlooks that bring about
police, support the notion that who have wholeness from a community perspective
been given a pass by county prosecutors (Callahan, 1998). Ethics gives the necessary
and states attorneys (Chaney & Robertson, information needed to make choices with
2015; Ayres, 2008). Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, the full understanding of the consequences
Michael Brown, and John Crawford are just so that the circumstances that one seeks to
a few of the names of unarmed blacks who achieve are more balanced.
have been killed by law enforcement (Hall, Hence, this study aims to understand
Hall, & Perry, 2016). Effective targeting the perspective of the police officers through
of blacks (hot spots policing) by the police the lens of ethics and provide pedagogical
officers is an important component which recommendations that will assist
needs further examination (Massey & future research.
6Bliss Like | Bowling Green State University
“The Psychology Behind Inner City America”
This presentation will use a well-known American people. Using Maslow’s hierarchy,
psychology concept, Maslow’s Hierarchy of this presentation will suggest explanations
Needs, to analyze the crime and struggles as to what causes stress in the inner city
of inner city America specifically African community.
Dealing with Aggressions towards Black Females | BTSU 315
Triauna Carey | Bowling Green State University
“‘You Really Are Articulate and So Nice!’: The Rhetoric of Microaggressions and
Reconstructing Black Womanhood in the World of Academia and Popular Culture”
This paper explores how black women address a better understanding of how they continue
issues of race, gender, and politics in the to restrict, confine, and silence black women.
academic workplace and within their research, In addition, I argue that more must be done
the rhetorical strategies black woman use to not only in the world of academia, but in mass
overcome the “angry black woman” stereotype media and popular culture to represent and
in our society, and how music and popular rewrite the canons that define black women
culture can be used as a form of resistance in art, culture, and systems of power. I will
to overcome the issues black women face in also use Kristen J. Warner’s “ABC’s Scandal
Westernized culture. I will look at the works of and Black Women’s Fandom,” to show how
Audre Lorde, bell hooks, Nina Simone, Beyoncé, reconstructing black womanhood and taking
and speeches from Michelle Obama and others up space in fandoms helps reshape identity
to analyze the issues facing black women in popular culture. This re-imagining of black
while also exploring how these issues can be womanhood must take place in a variety of
resolved over time. spaces. By analyzing music, speeches, popular
I argue that the same rhetorical strategies culture, and scholarship, I will show how
of the past are still used against black black women reconstruct the rhetoric of the
women at institutions, but in the form of image of black womanhood and how these
microaggressions. This paper aims to reveal reconstructions push back against systems of
the rhetoric used in microaggressions and the oppression in our society on different levels.
myth of the angry black woman in order to gain
7Betty J. Maceo | Bowling Green State University
“‘My Name is Not B.....’: Relational Agression/Bullying and the Impact it has on
African American Females”
This workshop will address the effects bullying, as well as other sources. They
relational aggression/bullying has on may be subjected to relational aggression
African-American females young and old. from their families, friends, media and other
Although relational aggression affects all ethnicities that are based upon stereotypes
females, African American females of all which society has perpetuated pertaining
ages, particularly, experience bullying in to their race.
additional ways because there are more This session will explore those variables
variables which can be used to launch hurtful used to launch attacks, social media, need
attacks against them such as skin tone, hair for female bonding, as well as strategies
texture, speech patterns, etc. Many of the to help all females, but particularly African
hurtful attacks that these females experience American females, develop a positive self-
are delivered by persons within their own image and to form healthy relationships.
cultural background in the form of intra-racial
Fiscal Responsibility | BTSU 316
Sylvia D. Chandler | Community Member
“Negotiating Detours and Roadblocks to Wealth”
Complex math and financial jargon can make towards your investing goals. Join us as we
learning about investing feel go over basic investment concepts to help
very overwhelming. But gaining a basic you feel more comfortable as you plan and
understanding may help you make progress invest for your future.
8Concurrent Research
Presentation Sessions
2:30 - 3:20 p.m.
Black Art | BTSU 308
Bailey Bridgeman | Samford University
“Filled with Lead: Redefining the Black Beast Stereotype in Erskine Caldwell’s
‘Saturday Afternoon’”
The third most common accusation against perceived African Americans. In order to
African American lynching victims in combat the negative stereotypes created
the late nineteenth and early twentieth through lynching narratives, anti-lynching
centuries was raping white women. White authors often described the white lynchers
communities frequently accused their in their stories with the same vocabulary
victims of this crime because it easily fit that was used to negatively stereotype
within the widely-accepted stereotype African Americans. In particular, I focus on
that African American males were sexual Erskine Caldwell’s short story, “Saturday
“black beasts,” who feverishly sought to Afternoon,” which reverses the narrative of
rape white southern women. Dehumanizing the “black beast” myth by sexualizing the
African Americans through the “black beast” white men who lynch their African American
stereotype justified lynching in the minds of victim. I argue that while the “black beast”
white communities. In my paper, I explore stereotype was used to terrorize African
the origins of the “black beast” stereotype American communities, authors like
and how authors and journalists from Caldwell contribute to the anti-lynching
dominant, white communities propagated campaign by redefining the use of sexual
this stereotype through literature and males in literature. The redefinition of this
lynching narratives. Further, I focus on stereotype reveals the abhorrent nature of
narrative strategies used by authors from white supremacist ideology and categorizes
the anti-lynching campaign. Authors during these ideals as unpalatable in the literary
this time realized that literature had the imagination.
power to shape the way an individual
9Britt Rhuart | Bowling Green State University
“‘Baadasssss Songs’: The Success of Sweet Sweetback’s Album to the
Marketing of the Film”
The question of music in the Blaxploitation much of its financial boom owing to the music
genre has been widely debated in the field composed by Van Peebles and performed by
of film studies, with scholars such as Richard Earth, Wind, and Fire, and juxtapose them
W. Dyer and Ronnie Reese arguing that the against box office and Billboard records, in
soundtracks of these films were often vital in order to reveal the previously misunderstood
creating their identity. However, these works connections between the success of the
have not adequately addressed the issue of album and of the film. I argue that without
how the movies were often marketed around the album, the film could have faded into
their soundtracks. My paper addresses the obscurity, and with it, the possibility for
issue of the achievement of marketing the the presence of a Blaxploitation genre as a
Blaxploitation genre around their soundtrack concept. In conclusion, this project, by closely
albums with special attention to Melvin examining the various financial records
Van Peebles’ 1971 film Sweet Sweetback’s relating to film and music surrounding Sweet
Baadasssss Song. Specifically, in my project, Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, it will shed
I will be looking at box office and Billboard new light on the neglected/little recognized/
records, in order to show a correlation rarely acknowledged issue of the success of
between the album’s profit and the film’s. I the film in relation to the album.
will discuss the creation of the album and
Heather M. Stephenson | Bowling Green State University
“Racially-Motivated Assignment of Societal Roles and its Impact on Personal Identity,
as Supported by Baldwin’s ‘Previous Condition’ and Ellison’s Invisible Man”
From theatrical type-casting to daily of the 1930s-1960s. Though many scholars
racial stereotyping, members of the have studied these works, juxtaposing the
contemporary African-American community narratives within through the lens of the
are faced with an array of ascribed roles contemporary provides a unique view of
and racially-motivated expectations at an increasing relevance. In addition to depicting
almost constant pace—a phenomenon the impact of these forced roles on the
that frequently results in the splintering of construction of personal identity, both texts
individual identity into two halves: what allow readers to translate the portrayed
is socially accepted/expected and what is emotional trauma to the contemporary
internal/innate. Throughout James Baldwin’s black U.S. American community, as well as
1948 short story, “Previous Condition,” individuals who occupy other minoritized
and Ralph Ellison’s 1952 novel, Invisible ethnic and social groups. By comparatively
Man, readers follow an African-American analyzing the two texts with a focus on the
primary character as he describes a life-long embedded notion of socially-ascribed roles
struggle to arrive at a notion of his own and racial identity in mind, we gain insight
individual identity, a task that is complicated into a still existing structure of oppression
by stereotype-based judgments prevalent present in today’s society.
in the racist, predominantly white society
10LGBTQ+ Identity and Representation | BTSU 314
Robert D. Jiles | University of Maryland
“Black Men with Same-Sex Desire and the Political Potential in Their Affective Access
and Accessibility to Online Visual Self-Representations”
Access to visual self-representations Donja R. Love’s web series Modern Day
of black queer experience has grown Black Gay and Darius Clark Monroe’s short
exponentially in the twenty-first century film Slow, online access and accessibility
due to online digital technologies. Black to visual self- representations about the
men with same-sex desire can access quotidian experiences of black men with
visual representations of their everyday life same-sex desire can be understood as
experiences online and they have access to modalities of affect. I will argue that,
digital technologies to produce their own not only do these visual texts and others
visual representations. As a result, they are in like them say something in general about
the process of forming new epistemologies the proliferation of black queer self-
and ontologies steeped in their everyday representation in twenty-first century popular
lived experiences. Bringing together the culture and online culture, but the access
work of Raymond Williams, Richard Iton, and accessibility of online encounters with
Nicholas Mirzoeff, and Lawrence Grossberg, visual self-representations of black men
this paper considers how the men’s online with same-sex desire have political potential
access and accessibility to these visual that is activated through affective qualities
self-representations can be understood located in a social formation that consists
as a structure of feeling that transcends of performances of illegible and capacious
representation and signification of black articulations of blackness, queer identity,
queer experience. Through an analysis of two and belonging.
black queer visual texts accessible online,
Alexander Isaiah Darby Lester | Bowling Green State University
“And May All Your Christmases Be White”
Is it the season of giving or giving hate? these movies are rooted in a heterosexual-
The question if Hallmark Christmas Movies white washed holiday that is compulsory
encourage a hegemonic narrative that under modern capitalism and addresses
says to find love you have to be white and how such messages effects gay, biracial
heterosexual has been widely discussed by men and ultimately teaches them how to
cultural critics such as Melanie McFarland love, to hate themselves. Drawing on the
of Salon, who have concluded that The thoughts of scholars such as bell hooks, Eve
Hallmark Channels Holiday Films have a Kosofsky Sedwick, and Stuart Hall I show
lack of minority representation. Although that watching these holiday films leads to a
these perspectives are astute little cognitive dissonance for biracial gay male
attention has been given to the how such viewers and thus are problematic for their
a hegemonic message effects gay biracial overall wellbeing.
male viewers. My paper looks at how
11African American College Experience | BTSU 315
Sarah Chavada Davis | University of Alabama
“Examining Hope, Racial Identity, and Engagement in African American College
Students Attending Predominantly White Institutions”
The purpose of this study is to examine the students. Qualitative data will be attained
relationship between hope, racial identity through individual participant interviews
and engagement for African American and analyzed through constant comparative
college students. Specifically, this study analysis. The proposed study will provide
will explore the psychological mechanisms sustenance for the motivational psychology
and the cognitive motivational factors that empirical research on African American
support academic success and achievement. students. Moreover, this study will (1)
The proposed mixed methods study will examine individual beliefs about internal
empirically examine racial identity, hope and and external loci of hope, (2) describe the
engagement. Quantitative research data will impact of racial centrality and ideology on
be attained through participant self-report internalized perceptions of self and attitudes
measures using the Adult Hope Scale about educational utility, (3) explain how
(AHS), the Locus of Hope (LOH) Scale, the hope and racial identity influence cognitive
Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity and affective engagement. Specifically,
(MIBI), and an adapted version of the Student the proposed study will aid in developing
Engagement Instrument (SEI). Survey data a contextually specific theory of hope that
will be obtained from a sample of college reflects student engagement at the micro-
students attending a public university in cultural level. Colleges and universities
the South East United States and assessed seeking to implement intervention programs
using factor analysis. Multilevel modeling to support African American student’s
analysis will be used to explore racial motivation and engagement would benefit
identity and hope as predictors of academic from this line of research.
engagement for African American college
12African American Artist Focus | BTSU 316
Dr. Matthew Donahue | Bowling Green State University
“Skip ‘Little Axe’ McDonald: Pioneer of 21st Century Blues”
This Powerpoint presentation titled “Skip blending elements of blues, reggae, rap,
“Little Axe” McDonald: Pioneer of 21st jazz, gospel and rhythm and blues creating a
Century Blues” will highlight the life and musical sound McDonald refers to as “21st
creative work of Skip “Little Axe” McDonald, Century Blues”. The critically acclaimed
one of the godfathers of rap music and Little Axe album, “The Wolf that House
pioneer of other musical genres, often Built”, was one of the first of its kind to
bringing a social and political message. incorporate elements of blues and rap
Born in Dayton, Ohio, McDonald honed music together. Recently Skip “Little Axe”
his craft playing blues, rhythm and blues, McDonald has been collaborating with Dr.
jazz and gospel in that city. In the 1970s Donahue from the Department of Popular
he moved to the east coast of the United Culture at BGSU creating a live album titled
States, where he was the session guitar “One Man-One Night” and music videos for
player, arranger and composer for Sugarhill songs “Grinning in Your Face” and “Seeing
Records performing on such groundbreaking Red” bringing a social and political message.
rap songs such as “Rappers Delight” by This presentation will highlight McDonald’s
the Sugarhill Gang and “The Message” by history above, as well as some of his music
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. throughout his career as a testament to
By the 1980s, McDonald seized on an African Americans who have used music to
opportunity to work with legendary producer bring a message to humanity. Additionally,
and owner of On-U Sound Records, Adrian McDonald’s work will be analyzed through
Sherwood from London, England. With his the prism “Project M.I.R.S.H.” which is to
work with Adrian Sherwood, McDonald analyze a topic to Myths, Icons, Rituals,
perfected his solo career as Little Axe, Stereotypes and Heroes.
13Concurrent Research
Presentation Sessions
3:30 - p.m. - 4:20 p.m.
Black Elementary Education | BTSU 308
SeMone L. Epps | Community Member
“Closing the Gap: Preschool and Beyond”
The presentation will focus on the impact communities targeting sub groups, with
of pre-school and the movement of minority resources and tools that work versus what
students in education. This will be achieved sounds good.
through discussions and experiences that This presentation will further explore what
highlight the success and challenges faced we know works in early intervention and
in early education, keeping in mind the high- education, helping families to meet their
priority pre-school programs hold toward the needs, knowing how to access resources in
advancement of students of color, as well as the community, early kindergarten readiness
those who are economically disadvantaged testing, summer programs, access to books
and identified as at-risk. and local library, and the challenges students
Power point presentation and handouts face as a result of early failures and lack of
target the educational gap students of color educational supports.
face and the importance of schools and
14Jasmin Easterling | Bowling Green State University,
“Developing a Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy”
The American classroom like the rest of More specifically, this reality is cause for a
the country is rapidly growing to reflect the close examination and discussion of how the
multiplicity of people that exist all over the differences between our students and their
world. In fact, it is projected that by 2043, an teachers affect the learning environment.
ethnic majority will not exist in the United Thus, a disproportionate number of students
States (Morell, 2014, p. 456) [as cited in of color, particularly those who identify as
Maxwell, 2014]. This reality will indeed African-American or Hispanic, experience
re-shape our school systems as students academic failure as noted by Siwatu (2011)
bring with them varied literacies, histories, who echoes the cries of his predecessor.
and perspectives. Simultaneously, the pre- This truth has sparked a revolution in
service teachers who will one day shape the research that has sought to understand how
minds of these students are represented by students of color are perceived and taught
a growing homogenous population of white, with the intention of creating a pedagogy
middle-class Americans (Hill-Jackson, 2007, that responds to and reflects the needs of
p. 29). Furthermore, this is also a reflection all students. This requires us to expand on
of the present-day classroom; and while the works of these experts by asking the
this continued increase of diverse bodies question: how are pre-service teachers being
has become more widely accepted, there is prepared to enact a culturally sustaining
still room to unpack the complexities that pedagogy, and are they upholding it?
come with learning in a racialized society.
Kelley Bagayoko | Community Member
“Preschool is Preparation for Life“
My presentation would educate attendees the things students are asked to do in the
on the goals and objectives of high quality classroom: be quiet when told, sit still,
preschool, how to identify quality preschool, walk in a straight line, nap on schedule,
Ohio early learning standards, how preschool etc. are particularly challenging if preschool
is currently funded, and opportunities for is the student’s first introduction to these
local investment in preschool. I believe expectations. The experience of developing
that preschool is a critical opportunity for these skills develops self-efficacy. That
educators and families to begin the process belief in self and knowledge of one’s ability
of collaboration. Particularly for students to succeed enables students to thrive in all
who are experiencing poverty, the transition settings and in life. Preschool is
to school can be challenging. Many of preparation for life.
15Food Struggles in American and African-American Culture | BTSU 314
Shanna Mariah Riley and Joy Mairura | Bowling Green State University
“Food Deserts and Soul Food: An Unhealthy Grip on the Black Community”
Throughout history, food has been used as distance. According to foodispower.org,
a form of resistance. Resistance has been economic forces have driven grocery stores
demonstrated in soul food since slavery. out of many urban cities over the years.
During slavery, black people consumed Therefore, it requires people in urban areas
the food they were given in order to stay to find transportation to the nearest grocery
alive. They found a way to deal with the store. Due to the lack of transportation and
circumstances they were in by learning how options within poor, predominantly black
to prepare and cook their rations, thus neighborhoods, poor eating habits continue.
creating soul food. Adrian E. Miller stated Additionally, according to the Washington
that slaves’ food portions were rationed, Post, food chains in predominantly
forcing them to eat vegetables and fish, and black neighborhoods are 60% more
small portions of meat (Worley). Now, likely to advertise to black children than
unhealthy food options are still prevalent predominantly white neighborhoods. But,
within the black community. An article by black people are resisting these systematic
Naa Oyo A. Kwate found that there are practices. Healthier diets are a recent trend
more fast food options than healthy options in black communities. Vegan, vegetarian,
in black communities, promoting racial and pescetarian diets have become more
segregation (Kwate, 2008). Food deserts are commonplace. This has become a new way
very common within the black community. to resist to the unhealthy food that continue
Food deserts are geographic areas where to hold a tight grip on black communities.
residents’ access to affordable, healthy This demonstrates the progress and strive
food is restricted or nonexistent due to the towards healthier lifestyles.
absence of grocery stores within traveling
16Washieka Torres | Bowling Green State University
“Discussion of Her Film, ‘Access Denied: Food Deserts and Disability in Mississippi’”
In Washieka Torres’ film “Access Denied: often times in flagrant violation of the
Food Deserts and Disability in Mississippi,” Americans with Disabilities Act. Mississippi
she addresses issues related to disability, was chosen out of many southern states
food insecurity, and food sovereignty. She she initially looked at because it has many
went to Mississippi to speak to people with contrasting and contradictory statistics.
disabilities about issues that they are have It has one of the highest rates of people
regarding access to fresh foods and what with disabilities, possibly attributed to a
possible solutions are being worked on. lower cost of living, but it also has one of
While her initial focus was food deserts, the highest rates of people with disabilities
she found that access to food is mediated who are unemployed as well, exacerbating
by race, privilege, and ableism in ways that financial constraints because of the scarcity
differ from northern states. The work quickly of resources outside of the church, and the
turned into a cultural look at the ways in state’s capital of Jackson. Mississippi has a
which southern activism is rooted in religious high number of food desserts but also brings
grassroots activism as well as interpersonal in billions of dollars in agribusiness a year. In
struggles between communities and even her presentation, she will look at ways that
families. Some intersections that are the community is coming up with equitable
explored are disability, food sovereignty, solutions.
and the ways in which the state has and
continues to fail people with disabilities,
Student Government | BTSU 315
Kyle Smith | Bowling Green State University
“Be a Better You at BGSU”
Undergraduate Student Government (USG) advice from panel participants on leadership
members will discuss how students of color and how they can make their impact as
can play an active role in creating initiatives a person of color on BGSU’s campus. The
with departments, how to network ideas organization wants to help students of color
to help the issues faced in communities of who have expressed to the USG that they
color with the help of departments or student don’t understand or know how they can bring
government on campus. They will then open issues they have experienced on campus
the space to participants who want to seek to a space.
17Ohio School Board Association’s Black Caucus | BTSU 316
“A Reflection on Diversity and Equity for Ohio Public School Students:
Perspectives of Urban School Board Members”
Renda Cline | Mansfield City Schools’ Board Vice-President and Past President.
Brigitte Green-Churchwell | Sandusky City Schools’ Board President and Past Vice President.
Rosalind Moore | Maple Heights City Schools’ Board Vice President.
Al Long | North College Hill Board of Education Member (Cincinnati area) Past Board
President: Mr. Long currently serves as the Legislation Officer of the OSBA Black Caucus
THE ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY why a higher rate of students of color realizing
INVOLVEMENT NEEDED FOR SUCCESS IN academic achievement is a win-win scenario.
URBAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS This section will offer a lively mix of
An overview of the Ohio Department of interaction focusing on how collaboration
Education’s (ODE) School Report Cards and can change the landscape of education for
the challenges facing urban school districts. students of color and will conclude with an
With advocacy from education lobbyists and interactive role-play session where audience
community involvement, the likelihood of members will divide into groups and be given
improved student success increases. scenarios in which to effectively use the
The presentation will discuss how districts skills learned earlier in the session.
represented by the Ohio School Boards
WHY OHIO AFRICAN-AMERICAN SCHOOL
Association Black Caucus face continuing
BOARD MEMBERS SERVE AND WHY WE
obstacles despite the outstanding work of
NEED MORE DIVERSE LEADERSHIP
boards and staff. It will conclude with the
audience breaking into groups and creating This segment will focus on the motivation of
models to assist urban schools under the African-American school board members to
state’s accountability system. improve their schools and communities for
ALL the children in their districts, especially
HOW LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL in consideration of their own life challenges.
ENTITIES, BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS The presentation will also identify the
CAN HELP CHILDREN OF COLOR REACH barriers of “personal agendas” and
HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT “insufficient training,” which can impede the
This section will focus on what Caucus key work of school boards. This final segment
members have accomplished and what has will conclude with the audience breaking into
worked well in their communities to positively groups and developing innovative individual
affect change. Caucus members will highlight approaches to maximize service to local schools.
Conference Closing
4:30 - 5 p.m.
Poetry Performance by Joshua Moore | BTSU 308
Collection of evaluations & screening information and distributing movie tickets
18Black Excellence Award Winners
THE BLACK EXCELLENCE STAFF AWARD
Jeff Jackson & Cynthia Snodgrass
THE BLACK EXCELLENCE FACULTY AWARD
Jessica Birch & Nicole Jackson
THE BLACK EXCELLENCE GRADUATE AWARD
Ramonda Kindle & Washieka Torres
THE BLACK EXCELLENCE UNDERGRADUATE AWARD
Jauntez Bates & Michael Foster
THE BLACK EXCELLENCE PROFESSIONAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION AWARD
Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS)
THE BLACK EXCELLENCE SOCIAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION AWARD
Voices at BGSU
NPHC FRATERNITY AWARD | Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
NPHC SORORITY AWARD | Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
THE BLACK EXCELLENCE ALLY AWARD | Thomas Edge & Katie Stygles
THE BLACK EXCELLENCE ACTIVIST AWARD | Bryce Davis
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Office of Multicultural Affairs
Ethnic Studies Department
Popular Culture Department
The School for Critical and Cultural Studies
Career Center
Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost
The Coca-Cola Company
History Department
Graduate Women’s Caucus
Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship
19Black Issues Conference
Planning Committee
Sheila Brown Taylor Riggs
Interim Administrator-in-Charge and Director Undergraduate BGSU Student
of the Office of Multicultural Affairs Shanna Riley
Kylie Brown Undergraduate BGSU Student
Grant Coordinator for the Career Center Sharita Small
Xavier Brown Undergraduate BGSU Student
Undergraduate BGSU Student Keisha Taylor
Breanna Burnette Assistant Director of the Career Center
Undergraduate BGSU Student Washieka Torres
Kendall Chapple Graduate BGSU Student
Undergraduate BGSU Student Shelley Wilbert
Thomas Edge Educational Advisor for the TRIO Programs
Lecturer in the Department of Ethnic Studies
Micah Ellsberry
Undergraduate BGSU Student
Trinidad Linares
Graduate Assistant Coordinator of
Special Programs in the Office of
Multicultural Affairs
Joshua Moore
Undergraduate BGSU Student
Angela Nelson
Interim Chair for the Department of
Ethnic Studies/Associate Professor in the
Department of Popular Culture
Gabrielle Owens
Undergraduate BGSU Student
Jenaí Patrick
Undergraduate BGSU Student
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