In This Issue: pg 2 Director’s Letter pg 3 Black History Spotlight pg 4& 5 Vday
Volume 05 Issue 005 February 2014
pg 6 Upcoming Events
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY Black history month is a time for African Americans to reflect and honor those who fought for civil rights and who paved the way for blacks today. Multicultural Affairs hosts programs every year in the month of February to celebrate Black History Month and recently kicked-off the celebration with an opening ceremony. During the opening ceremony they honored Dr. James L. Netters, of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, with a lifetime Achievement Award. Keon Prewitt, co-chair of Black History Month said, “We try to give the award to a fellow Memphian who we feel has given back to our community, and has done great things in our city.” He said they chose Dr. Netters because of his service to the community while serving as one of the first African American councilmen on the Memphis City Council Board, and the work he did for the sanitation workers during the strike with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Upon receiving the award, Dr. Netters gave an acceptance speech. “He encouraged young African Americans to keep pushing and stand up for what they believe in,” Prewitt said. Another attendee of the ceremony said that she felt Dr. Netters remarks came from the heart. “His remarks were thought provoking and meaningful especially to students. He expressed great appreciation and gratitude to students for thinking of him in such a special way.” Multicultural Affairs has more events planned for Black History Month such as a prayer breakfast, and Freedom Ball where they give away awards for Mr. & Ms. Mahogany, the organization of the year and the community service organization of the year. They will also have a closing ceremony highlighting events during the month, and will announce the funds raised for the chosen philanthropy that they will be donating to. All events are open to the public. For more information on Multicultural Affairs events for Black History Month visit their website, http://www.memphis.edu/ multiculturalaffairs/organizations.php
A Moment with the Director
Joy Rogers Stout, Director Adult and Commuter Student Services Phone: 901-678-2644 E-mail: jstout@memphis.edu
Seizing Opportunities can Create Successful Careers One of Aretha Franklin’s greatest hits was R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Respect. As a result she gained the respect of so many others who continue to respect her as the “Queen of Soul.” Today respect is important! As we interact with others civility/ respect is essential. In love relationships respect is a component that reassures us that love is apparent. I am reminded of something that I read by an unknown author, “If you aren't being treated with love and respect, check your price tag.” Maybe you've marked yourself down.” You should demonstrate to others what you are worth. Get off of the clearance rack and get behind the glass where they keep the valuables.” This is also Black History month and a month to recognize that special someone that we love, particularly on Valentine’s Day. However, love and respect should be demonstrated daily for our mates/partners, relatives, friends and heritage. Take time out to share your love and respect for others regardless to cultural differences. Often times as commuters we fail to seize the moment to attend a program, volunteer, or give to a worthy cause, simply because we are too busy to read or learn the true meaning of life on campus. Much like the “Supremes” I too say “STOP In the Name of Love !!!” Take time to look at our campus calendar and participate in some of the activities outside of your comfort zone. Then share your experience with others. Invite a friend to join you and before you know it you will connect with campus life and love doing it. Remember to review our campus calendar for activities such as the upcoming Saturday Morning Prayer Breakfast, the noteworthy “Personal Branding” Conference, sporting events and other activities during the month. Love your University! With Much Love and Respect
ADULT AND COMMUTER STUDENT SERVICES MISSION The mission of the Adult & Commuter Student Services office is to provide a supportive environment for non-traditional and commuter students that promotes intellectual, social and academic growth development through services and programs that foster lifelong learning.
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ACSS CONNECTION January 2014
THE SPOTLIGHT Black History Leaders 5 Biography Ruby Ann Wallace was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 27, 1924. She grew up in Harlem, New York and started acting as a teenager. Dee began studying her craft at the American Negro Theatre, a company that also educated talents like Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte. Dee had her first major career breakthrough in 1946, when she took the title role in the ANT's Broadway production of Anna Lucasta. She met actor Ossie Davis that same year while performing in the play Jeb. They two years later and had three children together. Dee soon landed some film roles, including playing the wife to a baseball great in The Jackie Robinson Story in 1950. Ruby Dee was the first black woman to appear in major roles at the American Shakespeare Festival, in Stratford, CT. During the 1960s, she appeared in politically charged films like "Gone Are the Days" and "The Incident," which paved the way for many young African American filmmakers and actors. She was nominated for seven Emmy Awards, winning once for her role in the 1990s film, Decoration Day. She and her late husband, actor Ossie Davis, were well-known civil rights activists. Ruby Dee is a member of such organizations as CORE, the NAACP, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). She and her husband were personal friends of both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, with Davis giving Malcolm X's eulogy at his 1965 funeral. Dee is also a survivor of breast cancer for more than 30 years.
R U B Y D E E Actress and Activist Information from http://www.aaregistry.org/ historic_events/view/ruby-deeactress-and-activist http://www.biography.com/people/ ruby-dee-9269542?page=2
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ACSS CONNECTION January 2014
Damesha Cotton | Senior Journalism
Damesha just wants to make dinner with her boyfriend on Valentine’s day.
Stuart Dedmon | Sophomore Biology
Stuart is going to take his girlfriend out to dinner. He also has a great, simple idea for a gift to give her.
What are your plans
for Valentine’s Day ? Carlton Randolph | Junior | Civil Engineering
Jimmy Nguyen | Senior Exercise Sports Science Jimmy plans to get a professional singer to go to his girlfriend’s class and sing to her. He will also take her to dinner at Folk’s Folly Steakhouse.
Carlton is going to visit his girlfriend in Jonesboro, AR for Valentine’s Day.
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ACSS CONNECTION February 2014
TIGERS
SPEAK
HOMEMADE VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS FOR HIM/HER From Love Coupon Book
Love coupons are fun, inexpensive, easy to make, and just as much fun to give as to receive! You can be as creative or simple as you desire, and still have a wonderful gift to give to each other. Example: One free car wash, 30 minutes of cuddles, A movie date to any movie of your choice, A weekend getaway, etc.
DECK OF CARDS
Deck of cards is a simple gift that you can give to your significant other. You can either put 52 reasons, why you love them, what you love about them, and if you haven’t gotten to the love stage you can put 52 reasons why you like them.
Date Jar
Looking for something new and different to do with your significant other for date night? Make a date jar. Use popsicle sticks, construction paper, etc. and write down innovative, inexpensive, fun date ideas to do. When it’s time for date night pick something out of the jar. Examples to put in the date night jar: Watch the sunset., have a music night, City Tour of Homes, Bake together, Technology FREE night, etc.
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ACSS Connection February 2014
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CALENDAR Black Student Association Wednesday, February 19 10 a.m.—3 p.m. UC Ballroom
2014 CAREER & INTERNSHIP
EXPO Open to all U of M students and alumni. Professional dress is expected. Bring you resume.
OFF CAMPUS
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February 11: Pink Palace Exhibit, “ Are We So Different,” Sponsored by Residence Life | Rose Theatre | 7 p.m. February 12: Intake Seminar | UC Theatre | 7 p.m. February 13: Lunch w/ a Leader | Mike Womak| Auto Zone | 12p.m.| Zeta Café’ | Bluff Room | 7 p.m. February 15: Personal Branding Conference | UC| 9-3 p.m. February 18 | Race & Labor in Memphis 1968—Present | Bluff Room | 1 p.m. February 20: Race-Girl “How an Artist tackled a touch subject and how it tackled her” |6 p.m.| UC Theatre|5:30 p.m. Reception February 21: Pre– Law Diversity Da y Featuring Judy Smith| 9-2:30 p.m.| Freedom Ball and Mahogany Awards| UC Ball Room| 7 p.m. February 22: Service on Saturday| 8:30 a.m. | In the Heritage of Southwest Memphis 10 a.m.—2 p.m. Chicalissa Indian Village (1987 Indian Village Dr.) February 23: First Baptist– Broad | AKA Banquet| 10:30 a.m. February 25: An evening with Lou Gossett| UC Theatre| 7 p.m. February 26: Civil Rights in Memphis Bluff Room 11a.m. –3p.m. February 28: Closing Ceremony| River Room| 1p.m.| SAC Movie Night| The Butler| 7p.m. For more Info: http://www.memphis.edu/multiculturalaffairs/PDF/ bhm_2014_calendar.pdf
HOUSING FAIR
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IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO SHARE IN THE ADULT AND COMMUTER CONNECTION, (POEMS, ARTICLES, ADVERTISEMENTS ETC. CONTACT THE EDITOR, JESSICA RAINER, JSRAINER@MEMPHIS.EDU
CONTACT AND GENERAL INFORMATION The Adult and Commuter Student Services office is located on The University of Memphis campus in the University Center RM 243. Our regular hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday. If you need after hours help, please call us to make arrangements. We welcome comments, questions, or suggestions. We can be reached by phone at 901-678-2644 during our regular business hours or after hours leave us a message on voice mail. You may also reach us through e-mail at acss@memphis.edu.
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