By Jalyn Sneed/reporter
TCC students and the community can hear one man’s experience on social justice, self-identity and the realities of life at The Journey: Reality, a recital of original poems Feb. 26 on SE Campus.
The presentation will be given by Blinn College dean Jimmy Adams Jr., who grew up in the segregated south in Tuscaloosa, Ala., SE special projects coordinator, Vickie Barnett said.
“He shares his experiences as a minority through his poetry,” Barnett said. “We chose Dr. Adams to perform based on his success performing his Black History Month presentation at other institutions. His message is universal and connects with ordinary people concerning life issues that affect us all.”
Some of the issues Adams addresses will include domestic violence, incarceration, AIDS, homelessness, single mothers and education.
Adams’ presentation will also include live jazz from the SE music department.
SE special project coordinator Nita Haliburton said the presentation will present another angle of the African-American experience.
“Dr. Adams offers a different perspective on some African-American accomplishments, the medium of jazz music, poetry and oratory skills,” she said. “The TCC Jazz band will be combining with Adams on a couple of numbers. Students should be able to gain a sense of knowledge and African-American jazz history from the information that Dr. Adams presents.”
Haliburton believes Adams will do an excellent job sharing his experience with the TCC audience.
“We were intrigued because we knew his work ethics and methods were excellent, and we felt he would exude the same type of effort and excellence in his performance,” she said.
SE student activities coordinator Amy Staley said she hopes students will learn how the community can move forward from the issues of social justice, self-identity and the realities of life.
“I hope students learn and ask themselves where they fit in the journey of social justice and how these issues relate to them as individuals,” Staley said. “The presentation will be thought-provoking and engaging.”
The event will be in the North Ballroom and Commons 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
