JSU’s day of visual art, spoken word will feature renowned artist Simmons, Def Poetry Jam
What: Neo-African Art Exhibition/Def Poetry Jam Reunion Show
Who: Danny Simmons, founder of the HBO Tony Award-winning series “Def Poetry
Jam;” Def Jam Poets Toni Blackman, Ursula Rucker and Bonafide Rojas; JSU
OutSpoken; JSU MADDRAMA; and Maranda Joiner, host of Synergy Nights; painter
Sabrina Howard; and host, poet and JSU professor C. Leigh McInnis
When/Where:
- 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4: reception by JSU Department of Art and gallery talk by Simmons, a neo-African abstract expressionist painter; JSU’s Johnson Hall Art Gallery
- 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 4: Blackman, Rucker and Rojas will discuss their lives as creatives; JSU”s Johnson Hall Art Gallery
- 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4: Def Poetry Jam Reunion Show, hosted by JSU poet-professor McInnis; JSU’s Rose E. McCoy Auditorium
Why: JSU’s day of visual art and spoken word will feature nationally well-known artist Simmons, a neo-African abstract expressionist painter. He will lecture on “Channeling Home: African Influences in African American Art.” The lecture will center on issues of art and social responsibility. He’s the eldest brother of hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons and rapper Joseph Simmons (Rev. Run) of the legendary group Run DMC. Meanwhile Blackman is the first hip-hop artist selected to work as a cultural ambassador for the U.S., Department of State. In addition, poet and musician Rojas will appear. He has authored four poetry collections and is founder of the publishing company Grand Concourse Press. All events are free and open to the public. Events are sponsored by JSU’s Department of Art, 601-979-2040.
