The Gordy Honors Forum Series opens Thursday, Jan. 28, at 6 p.m. at Nissan Auditorium in Parkinson Hall on the campus of Mississippi University for Women. The Forums Series continues through April presenting lectures, films and undergraduate research.
Dr. Thomas Velek, Director of the Gordy Honors College, noted that the goal of the Honors Forum is to be the premier lecture series in Northeast Mississippi, offering dynamic and stimulating presentations for the MUW campus and community as a whole. All presentations are free and open to the public.
The series opens with the presentation “Chuck D, Public Enemy and the Beginning of Modern Hip Hop” by Dr. Velek. The lecture focuses on the music of the seminal hip hop group Public Enemy and its impact on America pop culture.
Dr. Velek”s presentation is a preface to one of the Forum”s featured speakers, Chuck D. On Feb. 11, Chuck D will speak on the topic “Race, Rap, and Reality.” Chuck D is the leader and co-founder of the legendary rap group Public Enemy, the author of two critically-acclaimed books, and a political activist, publisher, radio host, and producer. In 2007 he was named one of the 100 most influential Black Americans by Ebony Magazine.
Additional programs
The series continues in March with the film “Why We Fight” on March 11, and special guest Eric Alva on March 25. Alva is an Iraq war veteran and the first American wounded in the war. Awarded the Purple Heart, Alva will speak on the topic “Ending ”Don”t Ask, Don”t Tell.””
On April 8 William Mayfield, dean of the School of Professional Studies at MUW, will present the talk “Where Are We Going? An Analysis of Science Fiction Literature and Predictions of the Future.” The Forum Series concludes April 22 with the Honors Research Symposium, a presentation of undergraduate research completed by seniors in the Gordy Honors College.
All presentations are at 6 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium. Speakers are available after to meet and greet members of the audience. For further information or to reserve group seating, contact Dr. Thomas Velek at [email protected] or 662-241-6850.
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