KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 19, 2021

Kennesaw State University College of the Arts is celebrating Black History Month, and the public is invited to three virtual events at no charge. Listen to a dynamic music concert, engage in a lively panel discussion, and view exquisite artwork, all from the comfort of home. A simple reservation is all that is required to join in the celebration; click on the links below to register.

Kicking off the trio of events, the College of the Arts Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee will present The Black Supper on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. This panel discussion promises a lively conversation between student representatives and acclaimed Black professionals in different fields of the arts. Panelists include opera performer and educator Indra Thomas; choreographer, dancer, and educator Angela Harris; and sustainable designer and entrepreneur Dawn Keene.

Highlighting Black excellence, the panel discussion will prelude the Dr. Bobbie Bailey School of Music’s concert, Lift Every Voice, on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. Twanda Black, the host of Good News Gospel, leads the event as emcee, and will introduce speakers Dr. Sylvia Carey-Butler, KSU’s chief diversity officer, and Rufus Elmer Jones, Jr., co-founder and president of the James Weldon Johnson Foundation.

Johnson, a leader in the civil rights movement, may be most well-known for writing the lyrics to “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which later became a national anthem to Black Americans.

The concert will feature a myriad of soloists—such as gospel singer Oral Moses—and performances by KSU’s Percussion Ensemble, Gospel Choir, Jazz Ensemble I, and Chamber Singers.

Next, enjoy virtual exhibitions of artwork by African American artists from the permanent collection in the Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art (ZMA). Each exhibition in Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring African American Artists in the ZMA Permanent Collection features work encompassing a variety of styles and mediums, expressing each artist’s plurality of vision and experience. This special project is curated by ZMA student assistants, giving them the opportunity to interact with academic peers and museum staff, engage in scholarly research, conceive, curate, and actualize independent exhibitions utilizing the prominent collection of the ZMA.

Have questions or experiencing issues viewing the virtual events? Please call 470-578-6650 or email boxoffice@kennesaw.edu. Learn more about the College of the Arts.

– Kathie Beckett

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.