(February 21, 2012)

Black in America panel February 28

SHREVEPORT, LA — Panelists will lead an open and frank discussion of what it means to be African-American as a member of the Centenary and Shreveport-Bossier communities in America on February 28. Free and open to the public, the event will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Kilpatrick Auditorium.

Black in America Graphic

"I can guarantee you will learn at least one thing by attending this event," said Ashlie Daigle, director of student involvement, who helped organize the event along with Zakiya Brown, residence life coordinator. "I think it is rare to have an event like this where people are being open and honest about race. While there may be some things that are said during the panel that are hard to hear, we can grow through these experiences."

Dr. Chris Ciocchetti, chair and associate professor of Philosophy, will moderate the panel of students, faculty, staff, and alumni:

  • Students — Thomas Keys, Kedrick Williams, and Lindsey Maurice-Walker

  • Staff — Associate Bursar Monica Powell, Assistant Director of Alumni and Family Relations Krystle Beauchamp, and Assistant Director for Community Engagement LaToya Hemphill

  • Alumnus — Patrick Greer '91

  • Faculty — Dr. Annie Blazer, assistant professor of Religious Studies

The panel discussion follows a February 6 showing of CNN's two-part documentary, Black in America. The documentary examines the successes, struggles, and complex issues faced by black men, women, and families — 40 years after the death of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Diversity Committee, Student Involvement, Residence Life, and the Minority Student Association (MSA) are the sponsors for the documentary and the panel discussion.