Spalding University presents the Fourth Annual Elmer Lucille Allen Conference on African American Studies this Thursday and Friday, Feb. 24-25. This year’s conference will be a hybrid event with both virtual and small, in-person sessions.
As in years past, Allen, a 1953 graduate of Spalding (then called Nazareth College) and the first Black chemist at Brown-Forman, will be a keynote speaker at the conference. Allen, an accomplished artist, will give a presentation about her art at 6 p.m. Friday. Stachelle Bussey, executive director of the Hope Buss, will give a keynote address followed by a panel discussion at 6 p.m. on opening night. Both keynotes will take place in person on Spalding’s campus for a limited crowd; the general public will be able to livestream via GoToMeeting or join by phone at +1 (872) 240-3212 with access code: 487-655-269.
Dr. Deonte Hollowell, Assistant Professor of History and African American Studies, will help lead the conference and kick things off with a virtual session, “The State of African American Studies” at 2:30 p.m. Thursday. He will also facilitate presentations for students of two African American Studies courses that he teaches: History of Socio-politics in Black Louisville (a course co-taught with former Mayor of Louisville and Spalding Executive-in-Residence Jerry Abramson) and African Civilizations.
In addition to Dr. Hollowell, this year’s evening is sponsored and supported by Dr. Mark Martinez, Assistant Professor in the School of Communication; Dr. Melissa Chastain, Chair of the School of Communication and Dean of Enrollment Management and Strategic Initiatives; Damian Botner, Department Coordinator for the School of Liberal Studies; Dr. Pattie Dillon, Chair of Liberal Studies & Professor of History; Community Organizer Tia Coatley; and the West Louisville Women’s Collaborative.
Guests and attendees will also enjoy a musical performance by Kat Coatley and video presentations by students at Louisville’s Coleman Prep Academy.
Conference Schedule
Day 1: Thursday, Feb. 24
2:30-2:45 p.m. – Dr. Deonte Hollowell: The State of African American Studies (Virtual)
2:45-4:25 p.m. – History of Socio-politics in Black Louisville presentations (Virtual)
4:30-5:30 p.m. – African Civilizations Class Discussions (Virtual)
5:30 p.m. – Doors open for all in-person events
6:00-6:30 p.m. – Stachelle Bussey: Keynote (Hybrid: Lecture Lounge)
6:30-7:15 p.m. – Spalding Administrators & Students Panel Facilitator Stachelle Bussey (Hybrid: Lecture Lounge)
Day 2: Friday, Feb. 25
5:30 p.m. – Doors open for all in-person events
6:00-6:30 p.m. – Elmer Lucille Allen Exhibition Presentation (In-Person: Huff Gallery)
6:30-6:45 p.m. – Musical Performance by Kat Coatley (Hybrid: Lecture Lounge)
6:45-7:00 p.m. – Video Presentations from Coleman Prep Academy (Hybrid: Lecture Lounge)
7:00-7:30 p.m. – Elmer Lucille Allen: Keynote (Hybrid: Lecture Lounge)
7:30-8:00 p.m. – Closing Remarks (Hybrid: Lecture Lounge) & Exhibition Reception (In-person: Huff Gallery)
The general public can livestream the virtual and hybrid events via GoToMeeting or join by phone at +1 (872) 240-3212 with access code: 487-655-269. If you have issues with the link or have any questions, email Damian Botner at [email protected].
For in-person registrants:
- Event Parking is located in front of the Egan Leadership Center – You can enter the parking lot from Breckinridge St or 3rd St.
- Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and will be held in the Spalding University Library (follow signs for entry and check-in)
- Masks are required for entry and will be provided if you do not have one.
- Light refreshments will be provided both evenings