The capital city has a big week lined up for free lectures. Appearances from poet Haki R. Madhubuti and authors Sandy Longhorn and Aram Goudsouzian of the University of Memphis, plus more, will run through Friday (Feb. 21).
Here they are:
Tuesday (Feb. 18)
2014 Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Distinguished Laureate Lecture at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 501 W. Ninth St.: Inductee of the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame and best-selling author, educator and poet Haki R. Madhubuti, will present on the influence of art in the African American culture and his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement from 10-11:30 a.m. Admission is free. Call (501) 683-3593 for more information.
“Down to the Crossroads: Civil Rights, Black Power, and the Meredith March Against Fear” by Aram Goudsouzian, chair of History Department at the University of Memphis at Clinton School of Public Service, 1200 President Clinton Ave.: On June 5, 1966, the civil rights hero James Meredith left Memphis, Tenn., on foot. Setting off toward Jackson, Miss., he hoped his march would promote black voter registration and defy racism. The next day, he was shot by a mysterious white man and transferred to a hospital. What followed was one of the key dramas of the civil rights era.”Down to the Crossroads” is the story of this last great march of the civil rights era and the first great showdown of the turbulent years that followed. Admission is free and the lecture starts at noon. A book signing will follow. Reservations are requested by calling (501) 683-5239 or email.
“The Girlhood Book of Prairie Myths”– A Launch Event for author Sandy Longhorn at South on Main, 1304 Main St.: Join The Oxford American magazine at South on Main for the launch of Little Rock poet Sandy Longhorn’s new volume, “The Girlhood Book of Prairie Myths.” This free event features music by jazz ensemble Trio Cabrito, comprised of Barry McVinney (sax and flute), Steve Hudson (guitar), and Brian Wolverton (bass), starting at 7 p.m. Longhorn will read selected verses at 8 p.m. Be sure to call ahead and make a reservation to ensure your seat at a table. Full dinner and drink menus will be available at South on Main. The book is the winner of the 2013 Jacar Press Full Length Poetry Book Contest. Get more information here.
Wednesday (Feb. 19)
Vincent Ilustre, founding executive director for the Center of Public Service at Tulane University at Clinton School of Public Service: Ilustre is the founding Executive Director of Tulane University’s Center for Public Service. In support of Tulane University’s mission, the Center for Public Service engages the Tulane and broader communities by facilitating mutually-beneficial relationships and transformative teaching, learning, and research to address social challenges and foster responsible citizenship. Ilustre is the recipient of numerous awards including Gambit Weekly’s 40 under 40, Diversity MBA Magazines Top 100 under 50 Diverse Emerging Leaders, Tulane’s Excellence Award, and the Yvette Milner Jones Award. The lecture will start at noon and is free to the public. A book signing will follow. Reserve your seats by emailing publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu or by calling (501) 683-5239.
Friday (Feb. 21)
“Flip your Classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day,” Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams at Clinton School of Public Service: Bergmann and Sams observed that students need their teachers to answer questions and provide help when the they get stuck on assignments, and not for the actual presentation of lectures. They decided to “flip the classroom” and had students watch recorded lectures for homework and complete assignments, labs, and tests in class while their teacher was present to assist them. The students demonstrated a deeper understanding of the material than ever before. The lecture will start at 6 p.m. and is free to the public. A book signing will follow. Reserve your seats by emailing publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu or by calling (501) 683-5239.