Howard University and Sigma Tau Delta’s International English Honor Society’s Theta Theta Chapter’s Program
9:00 a.m.-9:50 a.m.
10:00 a.m.-10:55 a.m.
11:00 a.m.-11:55 a.m.
12:00 p.m. 12:50 p.m.
At-A- Glance
Opening Plenary Virtual Main Room
Concurrent Presentation Sessions I Virtual Rooms A, B, C, and D
Concurrent Presentation Sessions II Virtual Rooms A,B, C, and D
Keynote Address By David Banner, Award-winning artist, activist, and visionary. Main Virtual Room
1:00 p.m.—1:55 p.m.
2:00 p.m. 2:55 p.m.
3:00 p.m. 3:55 p.m.
Concurrent Presentation Sessions III Virtual Rooms B, C, D, and E
Concurrent Presentation Sessions IV in Virtual Rooms B, C, D, and E
Awards Ceremony and Closing Remarks Virtual Main Room
Greetings!
April 1, 2025
Welcome to the Second Annual Howard University Conference on Composition, Rhetoric, and Research. This year, we are proud to present the theme: "Afrofuturism and Womanism During the Paradigm Shift Era."
This interdisciplinary conference celebrates visionary scholarship, creativity, and resistance. Rooted in Black intellectual thought and cultural expression, we challenge ourselves to imagine new futures and explore the intersections of identity, liberation, and language through the lenses of Afrofuturism and Womanism.
In alignment with Howard University’s mission to lead in academic excellence and social justice, this conference provides a space for scholars, students, educators, and cultural workers to share research, engage in critical dialogue, and inspire transformative work across various fields and communities.
We are thrilled to feature a diverse array of presentations from voices around the globe on topics such as:
• The Legacy and Futures of Afrofuturist Thought
• Womanist Theory and Rhetorical Resistance
• Storytelling, Archives, and Reclamation
• Gender, Race, and Class in Composition and Rhetoric
• Language, Power, and Cultural Memory
• Transgressive Pedagogy in Shifting Times
• Healing, Art, and Liberation in Black Feminist Futures
• The Power of Digital Storytelling through Afrofuturism
• Dismantling Film’s Neo Minstrel Show Projections in the 21st Century
Select presentations will be published in our interdisciplinary journal, Howard University’s Undergraduate Journal on Research Across the Disciplines: Sigma Tau
Delta’s Theta Theta Chapter, while others will appear in our forthcoming anthology with Cambridge University Press.
Please join us at 12:00 p.m. for an inspiring keynote address by David Banner, awardwinning artist, activist, and actor. David Banner is widely known for using his platform to challenge systemic injustices and to amplify the voices of marginalized communities through both art and advocacy.
As we conclude the day, we will celebrate all of our presenters with Certificates of Appreciation and invite attendees to vote for the Best Presentation Awards.
This conference is a labor of love an invitation to think boldly, resist fearlessly, and imagine courageously. We hope you leave inspired, empowered, and ready to continue this vital work in your own communities. Please explore the program booklet and feel free to move between concurrent sessions.
In the spirit of vision and transformation welcome.
Warmest Regards,
Dr. Monique L. Akassi, Ph.D.
Conference Chair for the Composition, Rhetoric, and Research Conference Director, First Year Writing Program Director and Producer, HU's Visions of Freedom Film Festival Co-Advisor, Sigma Tau Delta – Theta Theta Chapter
Conference Planning Committee Members
Welcome
Opening Plenary 9:00 a.m.—9:50 a.m.
Dr. Monique L. Akassi Director of First Year Writing Program and Advisor for Sigma Tau Delta and Chair of the Planning Committee
Greetings on behalf of Theta Ms. Jordyn Packer, President of Sigma Tau Delta’s Theta Theta Chapter
Planning Committee
Dr. Jacquetta Ayewoh, Dr. Travis Sharp, and Mr. Jordan Lewis
Department of English
Special Panel
Dr. Carole Boyce-Davies, Department Chair of English
“Exploring NeuroSpeculative Afro Feminism(NSAF) in Virtual Reality,” Dr. Zeba Shahbaaz, Tennessee State University
“Reimagining Futures and Voices: Afrofuturism and Womanism Pedagogy in First-Year Writing Programs,” Dr. Monique L. Akassi, Howard University
Concurrent Sessions I 10:00 a.m.—10:55 a.m.
Preserving Black Stories Abroad: A Digital Storytelling Experience of African Diasporic Presence in Europe
Virtual Ballroom A
Chair: Dr. Jacquetta Ayewoh
- “Preserving Black Heritage: The Hidden Gems of Paris and London,” Tiara J. Sealy, Howard University
- “Our Stories Unburied,” Snowdenn Annalase Jackson, Howard University
- “Island Roots, European Streets: A Journey Through Caribbean Migration in London and Paris,” Tiara W. Acceus, Howard University
An Examination of African Diasporic Identities Abroad
Virtual Ballroom B
Chair: Naomi Turner
- “The African Diaspora in Colonist/Imperialist Countries: Identity, Race, Ethnicity, Nationality, and Proximity to Africa,” Naomi Turner, Howard University
- “Psychological Landscapes of the African Diaspora,” Ronald Bevin Whitmore, Howard University
- “The Caribbean Impact On The African Diaspora In Europe,” Garrett Browne, Howard University
- Hidden Treasure,” Jori Ann Johnson, Howard University
The Politics of Surrealism and Cinematography
Virtual Ballroom C
Chair: Kritartha Karki
“Afro-Surrealism and Cinema : Analyzing Racial Minstrel Archetypes in Sorry to Bother you” , Kritartha Karki, Howard University.
"Objecting the Racial Stereotypes in Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlasman", Chayse Selvie, Howard University
“Deconstructing Minstrelsy: Afrofuturism and the Reimagining of Black Identity in Get Out”, Lilly Odiari, Howard University
"Examining Minstrel Archetypes: Reclaiming Power of the Black Race in The Help (2011)," Briana Smith, Howard University
The Black Influence in Europe: A Study Abroad Case Study
Virtual Ballroom D
Chair: Kaycianna Anderson
“Beyond Borders: Black Immigrants In Europe and Paris vs. Black Native , ” Kaycianna Anderson, Howard University
“A Revolution in Human Potential, Lucy” Elijah Christie, Howard University
“Shadows and Spotlights: The Fragmented Narratives of Black History in London and Paris,” Elena Smith, Howard University
“Preserving Black Heritage: The Hidden Gems of Paris and London,” Tiara Sealy, Howard University
Concurrent Sessions II 11:00 a.m.—11:55 a.m.
Womanism, Afrofuturism and Film
Virtual Ballroom A
Chair: Dr. Jacquetta Ayewoh
“Walking the Tightrope: Afrofuturism, Womanism, and The Boondocks in the Paradigm Shift Era,” Zara Campbell, Howard University
Afrofuturism and Womanism in the Paradigm Shift Era: Beyond the Veil of “Ordinary” Black Women in Theodore Melfi Hidden Figures,” Ala’Zeah , Howard University
“Reimagining Racism: How BlacK Klansman Dismantles Minstrel Show Stereotypes While Exposing Their Modern-Day Echoes,” Nafisa Mills, Howard University
“Breaking Down Minstrel Archetypes: Spider-Man Across The Spider Verse,” Jaielle Galbreath, Howard University
An Examination of African Diasporic Influence on European Culture
Virtual Ballroom B
Chair: Dr. Clement A. Akassi
- “The Diasporic Influence on European Culture,” Alexandria Bell, Howard University
- “Black Meccas; The Global Hubs of Black Excellence,” Kaleena Alyssa Fowler, Howard University
- “Beyond the Veil: An Examination of Black History in London and Paris,” Olivia Anna Ocran, Howard University
- “Bamboozled: Unmasking The Legacy of Minstrelsy in Modern Media,” Trinity Singletary, Howard University
Keynote Address 12:00 p.m.—12:50 p.m.
Mr. David Banner
David Banner is more than a Grammy Award winning music producer, recording artist, philanthropist and actor. He is a creative visionary and entrepreneur, with an astute appreciation for the power of music. Before embarking on a career in entertainment, David earned a Business Degree from Southern University (Baton Rouge). He credits his educational investment with helping him to fulfill his dreams as a business owner.
David Banner is known for his spirit of community, love for humanity and passion for justice. His foundation, Heal the Hood, Inc., provides clothing and other necessities to families during the holidays.
David Banner is an entertainer and activist. He takes pride in using his global platforms to encourage under-served youth and inspire creative minds to seek out “behind the scenes” professions in the entertainment industry. He leverages his affluence and influence to help leave the world in a better place than he found it (Republished from A Banner Vision website).
Concurrent Sessions III 1:00 p.m.—1:55 p.m.
A (Re)Examination of Womanism From the Text to the Stage
Virtual Ballroom A
Chair: Evelyn Vaughn
“The Jezebel in Kindred,” Evelyn Vaughn, Howard University
“The Exemplification of Womanism and Dismantlement of the Minstrel Show in Kassi Lemmon’s Harriett,” Gabrielle Adams, Howard University
“More Than A Stereotype: Dismantling Minstrel Archetypes In Hansberry’s A Raisin In The Sun,” Sanaa Cherry, Howard University
“Minstrel Show Influence: A Comparative Analysis of The Tambo Figure Archetype in Jesse and Good Luck Charlie,” Leah Spears, Howard University
The Power In Dismantling Racial Stereotypes In Kindred
Virtual Ballroom B
Chair: Queen Ziare Hadley
“A Study of Octavia Butler’s Kindred, and Its Criticism of Racial Stereotypes: Revealing Minstrel Archetypes,” Queen Ziare Hadley
“Kindred and Minstrel Show Archetypes,” Dasia Batty, Howard University
“Afrofuturism and Womanism In The Paradigm Shift Era: Reimagining Black Identity In Octavia Butler’s Kindred,” Krissan Spaulding, Howard University
"Stereotypes in Script: How Diary of a Mad Black Woman Fails Womanism," Noah Green, Howard University.
Black Representations In Film Through An Africana Gaze
Virtual Ballroom C
Chair: Kierstin Harris
"Afrofuturism and the Reinforcement of Minstrel Archetypes in They Cloned Tyrone,” Kierstin Harris, Howard University
“The Tethered and the Liberated: Exploring Afrofuturism and Womanism in Us,”
Armani Houseal, Howard University
“Wakanda as Resistance: Afrofuturism Redefining Black Identity in Black Panther”
Ryan Ndelle, Howard University
“Afrofuturism in Across the Spiderverse: Culture, Identity, and Empowerment”, Najma Guled, Howard University
Representations of Minstrel Archetypes In Contemporary Media Connections
Virtual Ballroom D
Chair: Nyamouch Bayak
“Looking Into Minstrel Archetypes in Kathryn Stockett’s, The Help” Nyamouch Bayak, Howard University
"Exploring Womanism in Hidden Figures", Kendall Hamilton, Howard University
“Exploring Afrofuturism and Womanism Through Butler’s Kindred and Hughes Harlem,” Victoria McCoy, Howard University
Time Travel to Challenge Current Perceptions of Racism and Womanism
Virtual Ballroom E
Chair: Dr. Rebecca Boylan
“Blurring the Lines Between Past and Present,” Hunter Bridget, Howard University
“Looking Behind the Mirror,” Jamia Garmon, Howard University
“Does “No” Really Mean No?,” Samah Mahfoud, Howard University
Concurrent Sessions IV 2:00 p.m.—2:55 p.m.
An Examination of African Diasporic Influence on European Art/Entertainment
Virtual Ballroom A
Chair: Dr. Jacquetta Ayewoh
- “Ideologies and Erasure of the African Diaspora in London and Paris,” Azana Cynthia Mims, Howard University
- “Migration to the Runway: The Black Diaspora’s Influence on European Fashion,” Edmoni M. Jackson, Howard University
- “A Look into London and Paris: Diversity on the Main Stage,” Bria T. Charlton, Howard University
- “Amplifying the Untold Stories of Black Artists and Artistry in Europe,” Cymphani S. Hargave, Howard University
Reimagining Film With Afrofuturism and Womansim
Virtual Ballroom B
Chair: Chelsey Wilder
“From Minstrelsy to Empowerment: Womanism in Tyler Perry’s Madea,” Chelsey Wilder, Howard University
“Reimagining African Futures: Afrofuturism and Womanist Resistance In The Black Panther Film,” Alayla Wiggins, Howard University
“Dehumanizing Stereotypes through Characters In Them,” Zoe Willis, Howard University
“An Examination of Womanism In The Woman King,” Edward Wrobeh, Howard University
The Power of Speculative Fiction
Virtual Ballroom C
Chair: Nnedi Okorafor
“Who Fears Death,” Nnedi Okorafor's, Howard University
“Afrofuturism and Womanism in Octavia Butler’s Kindred,” Olivia Spence, Howard University
“Humanizing the Enslaved: Butler’s Deconstruction of Minstrel Archetypes,” Selah Stiebel, Howard University
“How Kindred Reclaims Black Identity With Afrofuturism,” Morgan Walker, Howard University
Contemporary Storytelling of Black Body Politics
Virtual Ballroom D
Chair: Courtney Williams
“Analyzing Minstrel Show Tropes in Shonda Rhimes’
Scandal : Black Women's Sexuality and Power in Media” Courtney Williams, Howard University
"Afrofuturism in Get Out Through The Dismantling of Ministrel Archtypes", Dinah Wiafe, Howard University
Regaining Liberty:Afrofuturism and Womanism in Erykah Badu’s “Bag Lady”, Amara Chikere, Howard University
Concurrent Sessions IV 3:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m.
Deconstructing Representations of Black Women in Popular Culture and Beyond Virtual Ballroom A Chair: Dr. Jacquetta Ayewoh
“The Tragic Mulatto Archetype in Octavia Butler’s Kindred,” My Kelida Elustin, Howard University
“Her Beloved Which Was Not Beloved: Contextualizing Beloved and Memory Politics In A Post Roe vs. Wade,” Brianna Jordyn Wright, University of Alabama at Birmingham
“Black Women, Black Power: Womanism’s Path To Liberation in Kindred,” Chidinma Onyekwere, Howard University.
"Dismantling Minstrel Archetypes: How Spike Lee Bamboozled Minstrelsy" Derrell J. Smith, Howard University
“Time, Trauma, and Resistance: Afrofuturist and Womanist Narratives in Octavia Butler’s Kindred, Brianna Codio, Howard University
Rethinking Afrofuturism Perspectives on Kindred
Virtual Ballroom B
Chair: Olivia Spence
“Afrofuturism and Womanism in Octavia Butler’s Kindred,” Olivia Spence, Howard University
“Humanizing the Enslaved: Butler’s Deconstruction of Minstrel Archetypes,” Selah Stiebel, Howard University
“Reclaiming Black Identity: How FX’s Kindred Challenges Minstrel Show Stereotypes,” Jaden Cephas, Howard University
“Dismantling Minstrelsy: How Hulu’s Kindred Challenges Racial Stereotypes,” Tiana Atkins, Howard University
“Black Migration , Identity, Resistance and Legal Freedom: A Transatlantic Perspective , ” Sa’Niya Howard, Howard University
Remixing Our Narratives
Virtual Ballroom C
Chair: Malik Edison
“Minstrel Archetypes in Kindred , ” Malik Edison, Howard University
“Exploring The Black Feminist Identity in Black Panther,” Liliann Ulysse, Howard University
“Afrofuturism and Womanism in Black Panther,” Samantha Isidor, Howard University
“Breaking the Stereotype: The Hate U Give and the Dismantling of Minstrel Archetypes” Alysia Allison, Howard University
HerStory Makers in Film
Virtual Room D
Chair: Delaney Lester
“The Women Who Shaped the Future: Afrofuturism and Womanism in Theodore Melfi’s Hidden Figures,” Delaney Lester, Howard University
“Deconstructing Minstrelsy: Afrofuturism and the Reimagining of Black Identity in Get Out”, Lilly Odiari, Howard University
"The Boondocks: The Usage of Minstrel Archetypes & Afro-Futurism Reconstruct the Future of the Black Community & Hip-Hop Culture," Ava Lewis, Howard Univeritiy “On the Come Up through the lens of Afrofuturism and Womanism,” Anaiyah Jones, Howard University
“Reclaiming Black Identity: Afrofuturism and Womanism in Issa Rae’s Insecure, ”Jennah Morton, Howard University
Radical Rhetorical Strategies In Black Liberation Through Film Virtual Ballroom E Chair: Zoe Willis
“Reclaiming Your Identity Through Womanism and Resilience: The Haunting of Stereotypes in the series Them,” Zoe Willis, Howard University
"The Boondocks: The Usage of Minstrel Archetypes & Afro-Futurism Reconstruct the Future of the Black Community & Hip-Hop Culture," Ava Lewis, Howard University
“Echoes of Freedom: How Black Documentaries Redefine History through Afrofuturist and Womanist Lenses” Joel Teddy, Howard University
“Rethinking Nnedi Okorafor’s Who Fears Death through Afrofuturism and Womanism Lenses,” Corey Hamilton, Howard University
“From The Shadows To The Spotlight: How Black Queer Nightlife Shaped The World,” Sofia Thompson, Howard University
Closing Remarks and Awards 4:00 p.m.
Awards Recognition
Dr. Monique L. Akassi and Ms. Jordyn Packer
Please click or copy and paste the link below to share with us your overall experience at our Second Annual Conference and any additional feedback is greatly appreciated! We thank you for your unwavering support as we begin to prepare for our next conference in 2025.
Conference Survey Link
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YHBDBL8