Published February 15, 2024
Want to go?
WHAT: “A Black History Program: African Americans and the Arts”
WHEN: 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 23
WHERE: Bayou Pointe Event Center
COST: Free and open to the community
MONROE, LA– The University of Louisiana Monroe Cultural Diversity Council and the Office of
Global and Multicultural Affairs present “A Black History Program: African Americans
and the Arts” at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 23, at Bayou Pointe Event Center.
The program will feature keynote speaker, Victoria Jones. Jones is the founder of
TONE in Memphis, TN, which is dedicated to elevating Black artists in Memphis, empowering
Black communities, and shifting the culture of Memphis. TONE has been covered extensively
in the media, including publications such as Essence Magazine, Vice, The Art Newspaper,
and Madame Noire. TONE has created an art gallery and shared workspace for Black artists
in the Orange Mound neighborhood of Memphis.
Jones has been awarded the 2021 Grinnell College Innovator for Social Justice prize
and was listed among the 2021 class of the Memphis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40
honorees. Jones has also been selected for the South Art’s cohort of Emerging Leaders
of Color, named a Leadership Memphis Changemaker honoree, and named a Millennial Leader
to Watch by the Black Millennial Convention in 2019.
It is the belief of Jones and TONE that by empowering both the artist and the communities
they serve, Memphis will begin to experience the cultural shift it so truly deserves.
She has committed her love and energy to make that belief a reality.
“The Office of Cultural and Multicultural Affairs and The Cultural Diversity Council
are excited to take this time annually to reflect on the past, gain momentum in the
present, and set goals for the future as a campus community as we celebrate Black
History Month,” said Gina White, International Student Services and Multicultural
Affairs Director. “It is our goal to continue to promote the embracing of our cultural
differences and celebrate our similarities,” said White.
This year’s program will also highlight the talent of ULM students through vocal and
instrumental performances.
Elaine Armstead, Vice President of the ULM Cultural Diversity Council, says the Black
History Program is important because it helps keep focus on the importance of black
history. “This program provides a platform to reflect on the contributions and achievements
of black leaders, past and present, to inspire future contributors, innovations, and
achievements,” said Armstead. “It also gives us time to educate and to spread awareness
to those who are not familiar with the history of African American culture,” she added.
This year’s Black History Month theme is “African Americans and the Arts.” According
to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, “African American
art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences.
In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language,
film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African
American influence has been paramount.” The ASALH website continues, “In celebrating
the entire history of African Americans and the arts, the Association for the Study
of African American Life and History puts into the national spotlight the richness
of the past and present with an eye towards what the rest of the twenty-first century
will bring.” Learn more at https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/
