Celebrity Lectures discussing "African American Culture":
Maya Angelou Introductions for poet and writer Maya Angelou are made by Dean John Eadie of Michigan State University and poet Diane Wakoski, who details the wide array of Angelou's accomplishments. Angelou begins her lecture topic, poetry, with a poem. To discuss poetry is to reflect on love and the human condition. Angelou stresses the importance of becoming f...
David Halberstam Author David Halberstam is introduced by Wendy Wilkins, dean of the College of Arts and Letters and Stephen Rachman from the Department of English at Michigan State University. Rachman summarizes Halberstam's impressive career and praises the scope and depth of his writing. David Halberstam begins his lecture by talking about current events and the...
Judith Jamison Introductions for dancer Judith Jamison are made by Dean John Eadie and Professor Dixie Durr, who describes Jamison's difficult ascent to the top of the world of dance and her successful career thereafter. Jamison commences the lecture by discussing her work with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and its success involving children and the unde...
Terry McMillan Author Terry McMillan is introduced by Dean John Eadie and Professor Geneva Smitherman. Smitherman summarizes McMillan's literary career and praises her representation of the African American female experience. McMillan lectures on her novel ...
Derek Walcott Professor Derek Walcott is introduced by Dean John Eadie and Professor Diane Wakoski. Wakoski compares the originality and beauty of Walcott's poetry to that of Walt Whitman. Derek Walcott talks about his epic poem, ...
August Wilson Joyce Ramsay, professor in the department of theatre at Michigan State University, introduces playwright August Wilson, by summarizing his impressive career in theatre. Wilson opens the lecture by talking about his past and what he has discovered about himself as a person. He speaks eloquently about his discovery of poetry, the theatre, and their...