Four Women: A Conversation about Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Camilla Williams, and Mary J. Blige
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Ellis Library Colonnade
PRESENTERS: Dr. Maya Gibson, Assistant Professor, MU School of Music; Dr. Treva Lindsey, Assistant Professor, MU Women and Gender Studies, and Dr .Stephanie Shonekan, Assistant Professor, MU School of Music
DESCRIPTION: Nina Simone’s iconic 1966 song “Four Women” brilliantly highlights the roles that have defined (and confined) black women in the United States. Simone herself was an artist that broke through the boundaries of these stereotypes to create her own way, to define her own terms, and to ultimately establish herself as a distinctive voice in American music and culture. Reflecting on this legacy, three scholars discus the lives and work of three black female musicians: jazz vocalist Billie Holiday, opera diva Camilla Williams, and queen of hip-hop Mary J. Blige. The discussion will explore the contributions of these artists on the history of American music and culture.
Release time is available with supervisor approval. RSVP’s are not required.
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Also, don’t miss Naomi Tutu on Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m. Tate Hall auditorium (room 22). Naomi is the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The title of her presentation is Now you have struck the women, you have struck A Rock: Women, Africa and the Diaspora Struggling for Justice. Naomi will explore the roles women of Africa and the African Diaspora have played in the struggle for human rights. Too often the story told of these women is as submissive objects of history. The truth is, throughout the world and throughout history, they have been actors and activists often leading the pace of change.
