Hester-Wlliams Discusses the "New
Minstrelsy" of Eminem in A&H Lecture
English professor Kim Hester-Williams brings a lecture called "Marshall Matters: Eminem and the Politics of Transgressive Subjectivity" to the upcoming Arts and Humanities Forum at noon on Thursday, May 18 in Schulz 3001. She describes her lecture content below:
"I am tracing what can be seen as “new manifestations of blackface” that have left the greasepaint and burnt cork, however have maintained an obsession with black expressive culture and in many cases with possessing—that is, controlling and containing—the black body. In its postmodern reincarnation, what I am calling “the new minstrelsy,” represents a parallel historical moment much like the primitivism of the 1920’s. I argue that Eminem’s admitted “new minstrel” acts represent a desire to appropriate racially coded "difference" in order to reconcile the longing for an American subjectivity that finds itself in a constant state of becoming rather than of being. I examine these ideas further by offering a reading of Eminem’s film, 8 Mile, and his more general iconic and popular status and reception as an artist." More
EOP and LSS Honor Outstanding Students, May 17
The Educational Opportunity Program and Learning Skills Services host a combined ceremony to honor outstanding students from 4-5 pm on Wednesday, May 17 in the Commons. Sonoma faculty and staff have mentored these exceptional students on their life-changing journey through higher education and we heartily invite the campus community, family and friends to join us in recognizing them. The EOP Awards will formally recognize students of the Educational Opportunity Program who have demonstrated academic achievement and distinguished themselves by their contributions to the community. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic accomplishment, obstacles overcome to pursue higher education, community service, leadership skills and professional promise.
Greg Sarris in Conversation with Jonah Raskin
Benefits Sonoma County Book Festival
Professor Greg Sarris will host an afternoon "In Conversation with Jonah Raskin" from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, to benefit the Sonoma County Book Festival. Guests at Sarris’ Penngrove home will hear the two writers discuss Hollywood movies and the Great American Novel, storytelling and truth telling, Jack London, and other literary topics. Sarris, Endowed Chair in Native American Studies, is an acclaimed novelist, screenwriter and scholar. Raskin, Chair of the Communications Studies Department, has written eight books, including "American Scream: Allen Ginsberg’s 'Howl' and the Making of the Beat Generation" and "For the Hell of It: The Life and Times of Abbie Hoffman." A minimum donation of $40 includes wine and canapés. The intimate venue allows limited seating. Phone 527-5412 or e-mail info@socobookfest.org for reservations. Confirmed reservations will provide directions to the location. The Book Festival’s site, www.socobookfest.org, also offers more information.
Palast to Speak on New Book, "Armed Madhouse"
Internationally renowned journalist Greg Palast debuts his new book, "Armed Madhouse: China Floats, Bush Sinks, The Scheme to Steal '08, No Child's Behind Left and Other Dispatches From the Frontlines of the Class War" at 7 p.m. on Wednesday June 7, in Evert B. Person Theatre. Palast offers a sometimes hilarious, always revealing discussion of foreign policy, domestic policy, the oil crisis, and the situation in Iraq. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for students and seniors (sliding scale, no one turned away). For more information phone 4-3373 or visit www.projectcensored.org.
Campus Invited to Holocaust Survivor
Memorial Event in September
The Alliance for the Study of the Holocaust and the SSU Center for the Study of the Holocaust and Genocide is planning an event honoring Holocaust survivors and supporters of Holocaust Education from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17 at Congregation Ner Shalom, 85 La Plaza, Cotati. SSU faculty and staff are invited to the special reception honoring Holocaust survivors and supporters of Holocaust education. A unique project will be announced to honor them. Information about the event will be available early this summer online at http://www.sonoma.edu/holocaust/ash/events.htm or through Barbara Lesch McCaffry, the President of ASH, at 4-2273 or e-mail alliance@sonoma.edu
Those interesed in receiving an invitation to the event may send an e-mail with their name and the name of their department to alliance@sonoma.edu.
Conference Looks at Sustainable Food System
SSU will host the 50th anniversary conference of the International Society for the Systems Sciences, July 9-14, along with a post-conference workshop on building a sustainable local food system. Day rates and Continuing Education Units are available for both events. For further information, visit www.isss.org.