"My story is a true story, my words are true words, my lie is a true lie."
This authentication comes from the novel, Another Good Loving Blues, by Arthur Flowers, one of the guests who will perform at Washington College this February. He aims to portray the truth of African culture in support of Black History Month.
In addition to Flowers' performance, there will be a talk by author Taylor Branch, a reading by poet Calvin Forbes, "A Night of Music and Poetry Celebration of Black History" and Love Jones, a poetry reading.
Arthur Flowers, author of two novels, Vietnam veteran, blues singer and co-founder of the New Renaissance Writer's Guild, says of his plans for his appearance, "What I try to do with each performance is make it a transcendent experience, to take both performer and audience to new levels of understanding. I try to sooth troubled souls."
With this assured vitality, he brings his culture to life with spellbinding storytelling and dramatic readings, incorporating the two traditions he feels he is bound to: the Western written tradition and the African oral tradition.
Flowers' performance, which includes the use of African instruments and song, will take place on February 14 in the Norman James Theatre, William Smith Hall at 7:30 p.m.
As important as celebrating a culture is understanding the struggles that press against it,which is the goal of "Freedom, Faith, and Terror: Thoughts on The Dawning Age," a talk by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Taylor Branch in Norman James Theatre, William Smith Hall on February 12 at 8 pm.
Branch's subject of passion and expertise, and the topic of his renowned books, Pillar of Fire and Parting the Waters, is of the civil rights movement. He writes of the its birth in the Southern Black Churches and trails its growth as it captures the attention of the entire nation.
The C.V. Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience is sponsoring the talk. Representative and Associate professor Ted Widmer says of the benefits of such a guest, "It is an unusual chance to hear from a prominent biographer about his subject and why it's still so relevant to us."
On a personal note, WC will celebrate not only Black History Month, but the awaited return of a former associate professor, Calvin Forbes, who will be reading from his books of poetry, the most recent entitled, The Shine Poems.
The reading will take place on February 28, in the Sophie Kerr Room, Miller Library at 4:30 p.m.
Professor Kathy Wagner speaks of his reappearance, saying, "In the eighties, Calvin Forbes was one of the first African American teachers at Washington College and a major supporter of creative writing at the school. This will be a homecoming and a reunion for many people from the college and town."
In addition, "A Night of Poetry and Music in Celebration of Black History," promises a surprise faculty musical performance on February 20 at 8 p.m. in the Student Center. This celebration aims to involve students, facult, and staff in appreciation of African American culture.
Finally, Cleopatra's Daughters, Writers' Union and the Black Students' Union are sponsoring a poetry reading, "Love Jones" in the Literary House at 4:30 p.m. on February 14.
Angela Crenshaw, supporter and organizer of Black History Month at Washington College, says of this and the other activities, "Every culture should be cherished and celebrated. I think that people should know about the history of as many cultures as possible. I hope everyone can attend at least one event and learn something."
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