PANEL SCHEDULE

The Margaret Walker Center announces the 5th Annual Creative Arts Festival: The 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Rides on April 8 and 9, 2011, at Jackson State University. While the theme of the conference is the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students will make presentations on topics of their choice in one of four fields:

            1. spoken word (5 to 7 minute original presentations in storytelling, oratory, and poetry)
            2. visual arts (up to 3 pieces of artwork in any media with a 5 to 7 minute presentation)
            3. written (8 to 10 page essays with a 15 to 20 minute presentations)
            4. performing arts (5 to 7 minute dance, musical, and theatrical presentations)

The best essay by a JSU student will receive the $1,000 annual Margaret Walker Award, and selected essays will have the opportunity to be published.                

For more information, contact the Margaret WalkerCenter (mwa@jsums.edu or 601-979-2055)
or you may also contact the Conference Coordinator:
Dr. Robert Luckett (robert.luckett@jsums.edu)

Graduate Coordinators:
Mrs. Catherine Lee (catherine.p.lee@students.jsums.edu)
Mr. Garrad Lee (raymond.lee@students.jsums.edu)

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, April 8, 2011
1:00 p.m. to     Orientation and Registration
2:00 p.m.         Dollye M.E. Robinson College of Liberal Arts Building

2:00 p.m. to     Opening Panel: Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Charlie Braxton,
3:30 p.m          C. Liegh McInnis, Brad Franklin (moderator)
                       Arts and Activism: Literature’s Impact on Social and Political Movements
                       Dollye M.E. Robinson College of Liberal Arts Building, Room 166/266

6:00 p.m. to     Book Signing, Poetry Reading and Reception
8:00 p.m.         Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, C. Liegh McInnis, Charlie Braxton and more
                       Afrika Book Café

Saturday, April 9, 2011
8:00 a.m. to     Orientation and Registration (continental breakfast provided)
9:00 a.m.         Dollye M.E. Robinson College of Liberal Arts Building, Room 166/266             

9:15 a.m. to     Introduction:  Preselfanie McDaniels
10:30 a.m.       Opening Remarks:  Sonia Sanchez
                       Dollye M.E. Robinson College of Liberal Arts Building, Room 166/266

10:45 a.m. to   Concurrent Sessions: Student Panelists and Faculty Moderators
Noon               See Panel Schedules.

12:15 p.m. to  Luncheon
1:30 p.m.        Poet and Scholar Dr. Chezia Thompson-Cager with musical accompaniment by KERQ
                      Poetic Tribute to Margaret Walker Alexander
                      Walter Payton Center Studio A

1:45 p.m. to     Concurrent Sessions: Student Panelists and Faculty Moderators
3:00 p.m.         See Panel Schedules.
                       JSU Student Center Rooms 3210, 3213, 3241, 3250                                     

3:15 p.m. to     Concurrent Sessions: Student Panelists and Faculty Moderators
4:30 p.m.         See Panel Schedules.
                       JSU Student Center Rooms 3210, 3213, 3241, 3250

4:45 p.m.         Presentation of Awards and Freedom Songs
                       Closing Address: Amiri Baraka
                       JSU Student Center Theater