@Claflin: Social Justice Author Series, CIAA Closing Events and more

February 26, 2021

The World Needs Visionaries

Claflin University to Host Center for Social Justice Author Series

The Claflin University Center for Social Justice, in partnership with Claflin University’s First Lady LaKisha Warmack, the Freshman College, SC Humanities Council, and the South Carolina Arts Commission, will host “Social Justice Author Series – A Morning with Dr. Danielle Allen” on Tuesday, March 9, at 11 a.m.

Harvard University professor and award-winning author, Dr. Danielle Allen will be the Center’s first featured author in a series of virtual presentations. Dr. Belinda Wheeler, director of the Center for Social Justice, will serve as the program’s moderator. The program is free and accessible to the public. Pre-registration is required by clicking here.

Dr. Allen’s appearance is made possible through a generous grant from the SC Humanities Council and the South Carolina Arts Commission, and books for this event were provided by the Freshman College to Claflin students as a part of their community reads program.

“Dr. Allen was selected as the first speaker in this series because of her steadfast commitment to social justice,” said Wheeler. “During the event Dr. Allen will read from her book, Cuz: An American Tragedy, discuss her cousin’s experiences with America’s criminal justice system, share details of her life with her cousin, Michael, and discuss what social justice means to her. Claflin has had a deep commitment to social justice for over 151 years. This programming allows us to bring current day champions of social justice to our campus and the wider community to promote real change in the community. The topics discussed in Dr. Allen’s book, especially America’s criminal justice system and access to educational opportunities for people who are currently or formerly incarcerated, are especially important at this time.”

The Center for Social Justice at Claflin University was established in May 2020.

The mission of South Carolina Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. This not-for-profit organization presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state.

In Case You Missed It - Rebroadcast of “SC Superstars, CU Student Athletes, and Social Justice” Virtual Presentation

The Claflin University Center for Social Justice, Department of Athletics, and local NBC-affiliate WIS-TV 10 hosted "SC Superstars, CU Student Athletes, and Social Justice” on Wednesday, February 24. Former NBA and University of South Carolina (UofSC) basketball star Alex English was the featured guest for the first in a series of virtual presentations. WIS-TV sports anchor/reporter Joe Gorchow served as the program’s moderator of the program. Click here to view the program.

Watch Closing Events for 2021 CIAA Virtual Vibe Tournament

Friday, February 26, 2021, 4:30 p.m.

Ease into the CU-CIAA Weekend with Tammy J. McCottry and DJ Rell

Zoom Meeting ID: 913 6928 2779

Passcode: 497533

Link: https://claflin-edu.zoom.us/j/91369282779?pwd=eWZUTm5kaHlHRjZwNkplWTJFbnhidz09

The Washington, DC Chapter of the CUIAA welcomes you to Baltimore – virtually! Join them as they help us ease into the weekend. Special appearances include the First Family (President Dwaun J. Warmack, First Lady LaKisha Warmack and First Daughter Morgan Warmack), the CIAA Queens, the CU Royal Court, and the Student Government Association.

Friday, February 26, 6 p.m.

Fan Fest - DJ Battle featuring Wale

Fan Fest presented by Nationwide. DJ Battle is presented by Sprite.

Hosted by comedians Burpie and Darren Brand. Friday’s festivities also include the Old School/New School DJ Battle featuring DJ Loui Vee, DJ Skillz, culminating in a special performance by legendary DJ Kid Capri.

Saturday, February 27, 9 a.m.

UFIT’s High School Cheerleading Championship presented by McDonald’s and hosted by B Simone featuring national recording artist K. Camp (Money Baby, Comfortable, & Cut Her Off)

Presented by Food Lion/Miss CIAA

Saturday, February 27, 1 p.m.

CU-CIAA Soulful Saturday with Zelda M. Lee, ’77 and Brianna Kelly, ‘18

Meeting ID: 930 6267 8805

Passcode: 220213

Link: https://claflin-edu.zoom.us/j/93062678805?pwd=ejdieUJ1Y29KMUdzVkRRbmxhRlJZUT09

The program will include the inaugural “40 Outstanding Leaders Under 40” honorees. The list comprises alumni under 40 years of age who have made outstanding contributions to their chosen professions and inspired, empowered, and embraced their respective communities. Viewers will also hear about future Office of Alumni Relations and CU International Alumni Association (CUIAA) activities and participate in trivia contests.

Saturday, February 27, 2 p.m.

CIAA NBA 2K Esports Tournament

Presented by Bayer

Saturday, February 27, 3 p.m.

CIAA Basketball Playback Series

ASPiRE TV: Fayetteville State vs. Winston-Salem State (Men's 2020 CIAA Tournament Final)

Watch on ASPiRE TV

Saturday, February 27, 6 p.m.

CIAA Virtual Step Show

Presented by McDonald’s

Saturday evening includes a host of talented artists headlined by 13-time Grammy-nominated vocalist Ledisi. The “Pieces of Me” singer will be joined by platinum recording artist Lloyd, singer and award-winning songwriter Eric Bellinger, NAACP Image Award-nominated vocalist Jade Novah, and upcoming R&B/Soul songstress Joyce Wrice.

For the latest information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Employee News

Morgan M. Montgomery, assistant library director at Claflin University, will participate in a panel discussion, on March 10, titled, Providing Reference & Instruction Services at a (Social) Distance: How Libraries Have Adapted During the COVID-19 Pandemic. The virtual event, sponsored by PASCAL (the Partnership Among South Carolina Academic Libraries), will showcase how libraries are delivering reference and instruction services under extraordinary circumstances. PASCAL supports higher education in South Carolina through multiple programs including a Shared Library Services Platform for 55 institutions; statewide rapid print-delivery service, and core electronic resources, including a robust shared e-book program.

Alumni News

Hannibal Black, ’14, created a short video to acknowledge the historic achievements of notable African Americans. The video, titled The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity, was created for the Putnam NAACP Chapter in celebration of Black History Month. Click here to watch the video.