Professors Christopher Strickland and Sheryl Nomelli organized a festival for students and faculty on March 19 and 20, sharing the diversity and depth of the History, African American Studies and Humanities departments through presentations and activities.
The event was held to boost enrollment and increase awareness about pressing concerns in the current political and social landscapes. Some topics of discussion were major social and cultural events and themes in the African American experience, including Black progress movements, race, gender, sexuality, social justice, music and folklore.
“We’re always trying to find creative things to do to bring awareness,” Strickland said. “We love our community and we want to bring about positive change.”
Communication major Terra Welch participated in the festival to build community and gain a deeper understanding of the origins of hate.
“Coming here helps me gain more understanding for myself and also for my two sons,” Welch said. “I want them to be educated and knowledgeable so they can be able to share and help other kids.”
Sociology major Jan Peppe White participated in the festival and wanted her voice to be heard.
“Anytime I see anything about my community, I’m going to be interested,” White said. “Your greatest power is the power of the tongue and a spoken word, when you have that, you have power.”
The festival was divided into two sessions: one from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the other from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Professor of History and Gender Studies Sheryl Nomelli screened the film “Screaming Queens: The Riot at Compton’s Cafeteria” during the festival’s second session in celebration of Women’s History Month.
The film is based on transgender women and drag queens who fought police harassment in San Francisco in 1966, three years before the famous Stonewall riot in New York.
“I’ve made it my life’s work to teach about this,” Normelli said. “It’s important to bring awareness that focuses on women’s history and women’s rights.”
Anthropology major Luna Jones, joined the second session of the festival to watch the film.
“It’s really good that the college is talking about these issues,” Jones said. “People need to organize because we’re being oppressed, being pushed down and we have to stand up and fight back.”
The festival ended with a panel discussion about the film with Professor Strickland, Anthropology Professor Erin Hayes and students Luna Jones and Valerie Levitas.
“This event was important to me because it gave a voice to people that might not necessarily have a voice,” Levitas said.
