African American Studies department welcomes back first department chair for lecture, panel discussion

African American Studies department welcomes back first department chair for lecture, panel discussionSeptember 14, 2005Carol K. Masiclatclkim@syr.edu

The Department of African American Studies in The College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University will welcome its founder and first chair, John L. Johnson, to the SU campus for two special events to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the department.

On Thursday, Sept. 15, Johnson will deliver a lecture titled, “African American Studies, Historical Struggles and Achievements.” The lecture will take place in Sims 219 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

On Friday, Sept. 16, Johnson will be the special guest on a panel at Coming Back Together 8 entitled “Department of African American Studies and the Community After 35 Years.” The panel discussion will involve AAS faculty and students. The purpose of the discussion is to inform CBT alumni of the current status of the Department of African American Studies. It will take place in Sims 219 from 12:45-2 p.m.

Discussion panelists include: Rennie Simson, undergraduate students chair; Winston Grady-Willis, graduate students chair; Kheli Willetts of the Community Folk Art Center; Professor William Rowland of the Paul Robeson Performing Arts Center; and student Vernedra Williams, SAS vice president for external affairs. Williams will give the student welcome and view.

Johnson came to SU in 1968 as assistant provost when AAS was still a program and established it as a department in 1970. After leaving SU in 1970, he went on to become associate superintendent of the public schools of the District of Columbia from 1971-73. From 1973-75, he served as director of thePsychoeducational Institute at Hillcrest Children’s Center in Washington, D.C.

Johnson later became a professor and associate dean in the College of Education and Human Ecology at the University of the District of Columbia, where he taught for 17 years. He has been an actor and artistic director with the D.C. Playback Theater Company for several years as well. Today, Johnson tours the country to speak and educate on topics such as race relations, conflict resolution, community and the environment.

These events are free and open to the public. Parking is available in paid visitor lots and garages. For more information, call the department at 443-4302.