UW-Stevens Point Black History Month Celebration - Keynote Presentation

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's Diversity and College Access presents:

“Celebration of Cultural Expression: Art, Literature and Music”

February 20, 2025
Dreyfus University Laird Center and Lounge
1015 Reserve St., Stevens Point

This program featured a student and alumni art showcase, with inspiring work proudly on display in acrylic, textile, murals, and literature. It was a beautiful, inspiring evening of culture, creativity and fun. Students gave performances, including poetry, song, and there was an energizing DJ to top it off, in between speakers. You can learn more about the featured DJ and event here: UW-Steven's Point to host Black History Month Event

...

My keynote presentation included screening the film 'Rockford Taking Flight', showing the impact art can have on a communities; and some of the ups and downs I've experienced personally in my journey as an artist. It began with sharing a story about how, a couple of years ago I visited the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN, and came across a document I’d never seen or heard of before, called The Montgomery Improvement Association Integrated Bus Suggestions. Written by Dr. King, it advises victorious black riders right after the Montgomery Bus Boycott ended when segregation was declared unconstitutional on best practices. What struck me was the specific calls to ‘Love in Action’ it suggests for people experiencing racial injustice, a call to embrace Love in the face of a force meant to keep whole generations of a group down. I wondered how much of a shift in consciousness that must have required to embrace.

There are nine suggestions for maintaining a ‘calm and loving dignity’ for riders getting ready to board newly integrated buses. Number eight strikes a chord with me. It reads: “According to your own ability and personality, do not be afraid to experiment with new and creative techniques for achieving reconciliation and social change.’

...

This resonates with me because at times I’ve struggled with believing my work could have any lasting social impact. My approach to community art comes from experimentation over the years, working with different groups that do different forms of healing, and my background using art as a way to relieve emotional stress from trauma. I want to create art that brings people together, breaks down walls of isolation and creates a sense of community. We all have something of equal value to bring to the larger whole to make it better.

After the film screening we looked at a couple more of my murals including 'Sherman Park Rising' and 'The Rebirthing of the Earth Mother.' We had a very engaging discussion and Q&A - the students ask thought-provoking questions.

One question was, 'How do I prevent myself from burning out?' My answer: Getting good sleep and being mindful about my wellness; and keeping a system of order for developing my projects so I have energy to  choose what I take on. (If you're interested in the steps every typical mural project I do goes through, you can take a look at the 'commissions' page here.)

Images from the Multicultural Resource Center

One of my favorite parts? The chance to spend the next morning over brunch listening to a few students talk about their experiences in the Multicultural Resource Center. UW-Stevens Point, I learned, is known for its art and theatre programs. They shared how supportive the space is and some of the challenges they face with being new to college and part of a community that is less diverse than Milwaukee, and the sense of community the affinity group spaces (Black student Coalition, MRC, LGBTQ resource center, Latin Student Union, and others) give them.

The amount of care that goes into creating and cultivating those spaces deserve a lot of respect and I appreciate them; they are personally decorated with staff and student artwork, writings, inspirational messages, and colorful furniture. It just looks and feels like a safe space to hang out and study, relax, or chat with your friends (and make new ones! Everyone is so welcome and open!) Afterwards students and staff gave me a mini-tour of campus.

Thank you UW-Stevens Point MRC, and BSC and students, for having me and inviting me to be a part of your creative, inspiring community! To the students: I hope your journey continues to take you to new heights you never dreamed possible, and reach for the stars, because you are one!

Group photo: Tia Richardson, student organizers, speakers and performers, Chancellor Gibson