Past Events

Year Two: Building Bridges

The Harlan Renaissance: Stories of Black Life in Appalachian Coal Towns flyer

The Harlan Renaissance: Stories of Black Life in Appalachian Coal Towns

Author of ‘The Harlan Renaissance’ to speak at Marshall University
Dr. William H. Turner to speak Jan. 31 about Black life in Appalachian coal towns

Date: January 31, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Drinko Library Atrium

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University will host a presentation by sociologist Dr. William H. Turner, in recognition of Black History Month and in conjunction with the Great Voices Speaker’s Series and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Quality Initiative. The presentation will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, in the Drinko Library Atrium, located on the third floor.

Turner, who is based near Houston, Texas, will speak on his book, “The Harlan Renaissance: Stories of Black Life in Appalachian Coal Towns.”  Among other accolades, his book was named the winner of the 2023 Kentucky Historical Society Governor’s Award and the Weatherford Award for Non-Fiction.

“Bill Turner’s intellectual brilliance is clear,” said Dr. Cicero Fain, assistant provost of Inclusive Excellence and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellow at Marshall. “In the last 50 years, this native son of Lynch, Kentucky, has done more to research, chronicle, and elevate the lives, stories, and diverse experiences of Black Appalachians than anyone. Yet, it is his generosity of spirit that makes him truly special.”

Turner formerly served as dean of Arts and Sciences and interim president of Kentucky State University; vice president for Multicultural Affairs at the University of Kentucky; distinguished professor of Appalachian Studies and Regional Ambassador at Berea College; and research scientist leader at the Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences.  He received a lifetime of service award from the Appalachian Studies Association in 2009, which joined other career highlights that include induction into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

His presentation at Marshall will be free and open to all. Refreshments will be provided.  The event is sponsored by the Center for Economic & Community Development in Black Appalachia and Isolated Communities, the Carter G. Woodson Lyceum, the John Deaver Drinko Academy, and Academic Affairs.

All members of the campus community are encouraged to attend. Turner will sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase during the event.

HLC Quality Initiative
Carter G. Woodson: History, the Black Press, and Public Relations.

Date: August 29, 2023
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Drinko Library Atrium
Description: The Office of Academic Affairs has announced the inaugural lecture for the second year of Marshall’s Higher Learning Commission Quality Initiative. Burnis R. Morris, Marshall University’s Carter G. Woodson Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications, will give a reading/presentation from his book, Carter G. Woodson: History, the Black Press, and Public Relations.

Watch the Discussion View the Press Release

 

Year One: Complexities of Identity

 

HLC Quality Initiative
Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place

Date: January 19, 2023
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Location: Drinko Library 402
Description: Join Neema Avashia for a virtual presentation and interactive discussion of her book, which is recommended campus reading for the spring 2023 semester.

HLC Quality Initiative: Exploring Major Themes Presented in Black Huntington: An Appalachian Story

HLC Book Club Graphic

Date: Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Drinko Library 349
Description: Discussion led by Dr. Cicero Fain, III will lead panelists on a discussion of major themes in his book, which is recommended campus reading for the fall 2022 semester.
Panelists:

  • Sandra Clements
  • Lisa Martin
  • Kyle Warmack
  • Peyton Levi
  • Nico Raffinengo

Sponsored by: Office of Academic Affairs

HLC Quality Initiative: Exploring Neurodiversity Within Complex Identities

HLC Quality Initiative Graphic

Date: October 24, 2022
Time
: 4:00 PM
Location: Marshall University Drinko Library 138
Description: Panel discussions on ow neurodiversity (ADHD, OCD, Dyslexia, Autism, etc.) shaped their experiences on campus.
Sponsored by: Marshall University Neurodiversity Alliance, President’s Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Academic Affairs

Watch the Discussion

HLC Quality Initiative: Intercultural Dinner Groups

Intercultural Dinner Group Flyer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 13, 2022 / September 27, 2022 / October 11, 2022 / October 25, 2022
Harless Dining Hall
6:00 – 7:30 PM

HLC Quality Initiative: From Restrictive Covenants to Redlining: An Interdisciplinary Art and Social Sciences Investigation of Housing Practices in 20th Century Working Class Huntington, WV and Dayton, OH

HLC Quality Initiative Graphic

Date: October 19, 2022
Time
: 5:30 PM
Location: Marshall University Visual Arts Center, Carroll Gallery
Description: Slide show and Panel Discussion.
Guest Lecturers:

  • Dr. Cicero M. Fain, III, Visiting Diversity Scholar, Marshall University
  • Dr. Jacqueline Housel, Professor of Geography, Sinclair College
  • Sarah McDermott, Assistant Professor of Printmaking, Marshall University

Sponsored by: School of Arts and Design, Academic Affairs, and the John Deaver Drinko Academy

Watch the Discussion

Quality Initiative: Beyond Taco Tuesday – Complexities of Identity

Beyond Taco Tuesday

Date: October 6, 2022
Time
: 5:30 PM
Location: Memorial Student Center John Marshall Dining Room
Description: Prepare yourself for a delicious food journey unlike any other as we host this ‘eat and learn’ tasting event that highlights traditional Hispanic cuisines and explains the culutral history that are tied to these dishes.
Guest Lecturers:

  • Dr. Montserrat Miller, Executive Director, Drinko Academy
  • Dr. Zelideth Rivas, Professor, Modern Languages
  • Dr. Chris White, Professor, History

HLC Quality Initiative: Getting to Know Black Huntington

HLC Quality Initiative: Getting to Know Black Huntington

Dr. Cicero Fain, III will present a lecture on his book Black Huntington: An Appalachian Story – which is recommended campus reading for the fall 2022 semester.

Tuesday, August 30, 2022
Drinko Library Atrium
4:00 – 5:00 PM

Sponsored by: Office of Academic Affairs and the John Deaver Drinko Academy

Watch the Lecture Read Related Article

HLC Quality Initiative Kickoff Event

HLC Quality Initiative Kickoff Event Graphic

Kickoff Event for Year One of the Quality Initiative: Complexities of Identity.  Join us for lunch, a book signing by Dr. Cicero Fain, III, event information, and more.  Stop by and get involved.

Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Memorial Student Center Plaza
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Sponsored by: Office of Academic Affairs and University Communications

Read Related Article