M O N D A Y FEBRUARY 9, 2004
THE BROWN DAILY HERALD Volume CXXXIX, No. 9
An independent newspaper serving the Brown community since 1891
Former political prisoner Bility speaks at ‘Live for Liberia!’ fundraiser
Marlon Riggs film festival explores questions of black identity BY ALEXANDRA BARSK
The work of Marlon Riggs, a gay African American filmmaker, poet and educator who died of AIDS in 1994 at the age of 37, was commemorated in a film festival Saturday titled BLACK HISTORY “Performing and Race, MONTH • 2004 Policing Gender and Sexuality.” The festival presented three of Riggs’ documentaries: “Color Adjustment,” “Ethnic Notions” and “Tongues Untied.” It was also part of Brown’s celebration of Black History Month. The screenings were followed by a discussion panel moderated by Andrea Carvalho ’05 and featuring Andre Thompson ’05; Daniel Scott, a professor of English at Rhode Island College; and Kevin Quashie, a professor of AfroAmerican Studies at Smith College. Riggs’ final documentary, “Black Is … Black Ain’t,” which was completed posthumously, was referenced by the panelists but not included in the festival. The film explores identity issues confronting black people in America. Professor of Africana Studies Joy James said she organized the event hoping to initiate a dynamic discussion about the way that “democratic culture unfolds or collapses in the presence of certain peoples.” She said Riggs’ work is important “in terms of thinking about identity in the American landscape.” To begin the discussion, speakers gave short presentations of their thoughts in response to Riggs’ work and the issues it raises. Thompson, a sexuality and society concentrator, read a piece about both what he called his “personal dis-identification” from a black culture promoting hyper-masculinity and the negative effects of alienation in general. Until members of the black community can accept themselves wholly and without exception, they will continue to be economically, spiritually and politically disenfranchised, Thompson said. Quashie addressed the issue of representation and its authenticity in society, an idea that recurred throughout the discussion. He spoke about black cultural nationalism as a force that responds to oppression by attempting to “define who we are and what we should be in order to obtain freedom.” It demands that people leave aspects of their identity out of its discourse, he said. “The sooner that we can give up the security of nationalism and find other ways of talking about human life, the better off we’ll be,” Quashie said after the discussion. During the question-and-answer session, the audience and panelists dissee RIGGS, page 4
BY ELISE BARAN
legendary beloved Brown resident professor of “psychoceramics,” or the study of cracked pots, reputedly began this tradition when he made a donation of $101.01 to the Brown library one Friday the 13th in 1955. Fittingly, a cracked pot will be available in the post office for donations to the library fund between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Also on the calendar for SPEC this month is Dance Through the Decades, which will offer music from a different
The responsibility for making Liberia a democracy ultimately lies with its citizens, said human rights activist, journalist and former political prisoner Hassan Bility, at Live for Liberia! Saturday. “Americans can only do so much,” Bility said. “The real challenge goes to Liberians themselves.” Live for Liberia!, a fundraiser benefiting Liberian relief efforts, drew about 700 students and Providence residents to Beneficent Church Saturday and raised about $5,000 through ticket sales, according to volunteer Ethan Ris ’05. The money will be sent to support the Liberian operations of at least one humanitarian aid group, such as the Red Cross or UNICEF, Ris said. In his speech Saturday, one of the main evening events, Bility reminded the audience that Liberia was founded on the same political ideals as the United States. He said he supported recent American interventions in Liberia that forced the resignation of former President Charles Taylor and have facilitated the release of political prisoners such as Bility. President Ruth Simmons also spoke Saturday, encouraging audience members to educate themselves about the plight of Liberians. Rather than seeing Liberia as a problem, Americans should see it as a country with the capacity to be reborn, she said. “There is always room to celebrate our humanity,” Simmons said. The audience responded with cheers and applause. Bility echoed Simmons’ conviction that Liberia is ready for political rebirth, focusing on the importance of democracy. Between 1997 and 2002, Bility was
see SPEC, page 4
see LIBERIA, page 4
Nick Neely / Herald
Three of Marlon Riggs’ documentaries were screened Saturday in List Art Center.
SPEC plans semester of dancing, psychoceramics BY MELANIE WOLFGANG
Brown’s Special Events Committee is kicking off 2004 with dancing, dining and a few cracked pots. Now in its third year, the student-run Special Events Committee, charged with planning events that appeal to the entire University community, has a full schedule planned for the spring semester. SPEC will start the semester Friday — like every Friday the 13th better known to Brown as Carberry Day — with the collection of student donations toward the Carberry Book Fund. Josiah Carberry, the
Simmons to address all students tonight BY SARAH LABRIE
President Ruth Simmons will discuss the Initiatives for Academic Enrichment and other topics of concern to undergraduate, graduate and medical students in tonight’s Presidential Address, Assistant to the President Marisa Quinn told The Herald. The address will be structured much like Simmons’ remarks at last week’s faculty meeting, during which she brought faculty up to date on University fundraising and plans for physical expansion of the campus, Quinn said.
The University Council of Students initially suggested Simmons give a “State of the University” address last year, after students expressed interest in seeing more of her, said UCS President Rahim Kurji ’05. Because she has spent much of the past year traveling to promote Brown’s capital campaign, Simmons has not been as visible on campus lately, Kurji said. “Students want to hear more from the president, and she wants to spend the time that she’s here communicating with students,” he said. After the speech, Simmons will be available to speak indi-
I N S I D E M O N D AY, F E B RUA RY 9 , 2 0 0 4 Shape Note singing comes back into style, showcased in a Providence concert arts & culture, page 3
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New Plays festival showcases Brown grad student in directorial role arts & culture, page 3
Brian Rainey ’04 says Green Party candidates are the right ones for him column, page 11
vidually with students, Kurji added. Although Monday night marks the first official presidential address, Kurji said he hopes the president’s remarks to undergraduates will become an annual tradition. The most important factor in the success of the event is student attendance, he said. “We want to make sure it is worthwhile and President Simmons is making good use of her time.” The Presidential Address will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Salomon 101 and simulcast in Salomon 001.
TO D AY ’ S F O R E C A S T Women’s hockey does well in recent weekend action, looks ahead sports, page 12
Men’s basketball sees mixed results in weekend efforts against two schools sports, page 12
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