West Africa and Globalism
2010 Payton Humanities Festival Schedule
Friday & Saturday, March 12 & 13
6:00pm:
1). Payton Players Presents Antigone (Payton’s Recital Hall)
Monday, March 15
3:15-4:15pm:
1). Chicago Police Officer, Maudessie Jointer, and Chicago Youth Violence (room 312)
The African children in Beasts of No Nation and Say You’re One of Them experience horrific violence as both victims and offenders; and because the texts are set in environments seemingly so different from our own, it’s easy to associate this violence as something that happens to “them,” “over there,” “far away”. In an attempt to expose us all to the realities of youth violence in our own city, Officer Jointer and a group of juvenile offenders will help kick off the week-long festival. Jointer is the facilitator of the “Keeping It Real” program, a Safer Foundation program focused on prisoner re-entry to society, through which offenders talk to young people about the mistakes the offenders made in their lives and what those mistakes cost them. Officer Jointer will discuss the success of the program and several juvenile offenders will share their experiences with violence in Chicago. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to understand the realties of violence against youth in our city.
2). Mr. Wright’s AP Language and Composition Colloquium 1 (room 306)
Ever think about living abroad one day and teaching English? English is the most commonly-taught language in countries where English is not the native language. Why is this the case, and is it a good thing? This colloquium will explore the current spread of English throughout the world as the dominant language. Is English a means of global communication or a form of cultural imperialism? Let’s debate it!
4:30-5:30pm:
1). Nathaniel Braddock and the African Style Guitar (room 306)
Globalization affects musicians and the entire music industry. Recently featured in Guitar Player Magazine 2009, Nathaniel Braddock is the lead guitarist of the Occidental Brothers’ Dance Band International and a guitar teacher at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. Of Braddock and his band, Flavorpill #79 writes, “Chicago's resident guitar wizard Nathaniel Braddock leads his South African-inspired quartet as they bustle through live renditions of African jazz and dance tunes from the '60s. The avant-pop group's repertoire includes Congolese rumbas, South Africa marabis, and eminently danceable instrumental versions of classic Afro-pop.” Braddock and the band recently joined legendary Congolese singer/musician Samba Mapangala and have scheduled several upcoming international performances. An example of globalization’s influence on cultural music, Braddock will not only share his experience playing the African style guitar but he will also lead any/all guitar playing enthusiasts through a few African style rifts!
Tuesday, March 16
3:15-4:15pm
1). One-Act Play by Ms. Catlin’s drama class: “48 Laws of Power in 60 Minutes” (room 306)
2). Sadik Aboagye from the Ghanaian National Council of Chicago (room 312)
Made up of eleven Ghanaian Associations throughoutthe city, the Ghanaian National Council of Chicago works to unite not only the diversity of Ghanaian cultures and traditions in the Chicago area but to also foster growing relationships between all international cultures that define our great city. Sadik Aboagye, a representative from the council will discuss various aspects of Ghanaian life and culture including its history, religion, economy, trade, tourism, and education. More information on the GNC can be found on their website
4:30-5:30pm
1). Mr. Wright’s AP Language and Composition Colloquium 2 (room 306)
Should you order that Starbucks coffee or donate that money to a charity to aid Africa? How much of your Save Darfur donation actually benefits the cause and how much of it goes right into the hefty paychecks of lobbyists and CEOs? This colloquium will explore our roles as individuals with regards to charities and organizations that address social, political, and economic chaos throughout the world, with a specific focus on Africa. The colloquium will provide accurate information about the effects of specific charities that benefit Africa and will propose different viewpoints to how we can tackle the situation. We will discuss how much and in what ways individuals should help, and whether or not our assistance is appreciated by those in suffering. Come join us! Free food and discussion will be provided.
Wednesday, March 17
3:15-4:15pm
1). Exploring the Ideas and Music of Fela Kuti, the Man Who Carried Death in His Pouch (room 308)
Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, this Nigerian musician and human rights activist left a profound impact on Nigeria’s music and political climate. Fela Kuti’s commitment to Black nationalism and Afrocentrism compelled him to drop his given name “Ransome”—which he considered a slave name—for the name “Anikulapo”, meaning “he who carries death in his pouch.” Join Payton English Department’s Jonathan Miller as he explains the imagery of “Beasts of No Nation”, the song from which Uzodinma Iweala drew the title of his book. We will also listen to "Shuffering and Shmiling," which articulates Fela’s reaction to Christianity and Islam as institutions of oppression; and "Coffin For Head of State," a reaction to the Nigerian government’s brutal response to powerful voices of opposition in an incident that took the life of Fela’s mother, whose work contributed to Nigeria gaining its independence from Britain and to women’s rights. Time permitting, we will also listen to "Alegbon Close" and/or "ITT", which present Fela's responses to Nigeria’s subjugation of the populace to commercial interests and political forces. Audience discussion and Q & A will be part of the afternoon’s program.
2). Tom Derdak from Global Alliance for Africa (GAA) (room 306)
How can we help fight AIDS in Africa? Well, Payton is lucky to be hosting the founder and director of an organization that does just this. The mission statement of the GAA reads, “Global Alliance for Africa partners with local African NGOs, religious institutions, and community-based organizations to design and implement innovative economic strengthening programs with the goal of enabling communities and households to provide sustainable care and support for orphans and other vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. Our model of development helps households and communities to become self-reliant and to build the capacities to provide orphans and vulnerable children with shelter, education, health care, food security, psycho-social support, and legal services.” Mr. Derdak is frequently travels to Africa and will share his experiences working with various African cultures under the GAA’s mission.
4:30-6:00pm
1). The Gods Must Be Crazy (Film): Viewing and Discussion (room 306)
The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980) is a film written and directed by Jamie Uys, which explores Western Civilization’s influence on a Sub-Saharan African tribe. Set in Botswana and South Africa, the film is a “crash” of three different stories: the journey of Xi, a Ju/Hoansi “bushman” who tries to destroy a Coke bottle that has wreaked havoc on his community; the romance between a scientist and a school teacher; and a fleeing band of guerrillas. Though set thirty years ago, the film offers relevant space for the discussion of globalization’s complexities. Refreshments will be provided.
6:00pm
1). Payton Players Presents Antigone (Payton’s Recital Hall)
Thursday, March 18
12:30-3:00pm
1). Brian Ashby and Scrappers (Payton’s Recital Hall)
Expected to be the one of the festival’s most exciting presentations, Payton is lucky to welcome Brian Ashby and a discussion of his upcoming documentary, Scrappers. Ashby is a young filmmaker and administrator for the University of Chicago’s South Asian Language and Area Center. His provocative documentary follows the path of scrap metal throughout the world and the political and social issues it causes in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. The film also then shadows two self-employed scrap metal scavengers in Chicago. Brian will share his professional experiences and discuss Scrappers with the audience. Food and refreshments will be provided.
6:00pm
1). Payton Players Presents Antigone (Payton’s Recital Hall)
Friday, March 19
3:15-4:15pm
1). Angela Pace-Moody, The Earth Institute, and Urban Planning in Accra (room 306)
Angela Pace-Moody has worked with Columbia University’s The Earth Institute, an organization whose mission is to help achieve international sustainable development. The institute’s website reads, “Earth is at a critical crossroads. While revolutionary advances in science and technology have lifted humanity to new heights of prosperity and longevity in many parts of the world, hundreds of millions of people are vulnerable to the impacts of hazards and natural disasters, extreme poverty, infectious disease and a host of other challenges. At the same time, human activity, especially in the last 100 years, is threatening the health of the environment …With a window of opportunity to head off the most severe impacts of these challenges, the Earth Institute, Columbia University, is working to help the world pave a path toward sustainability.” Pace-Moody will discuss her experience working as an urban planner in Accra, Ghana, primarily focusing on how the institute negotiated balancing their goals with Ghanaian cultural norms.
4:15-5:15pm
1). Ghana Trip Celebration (first floor atrium)
After hearing about Ms. Pace-Moody’s experience in Accra, help us celebrate the Humanities Festival’s upcoming trip to Ghana! Learn about where the students will be, what they’ll see/do. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of Payton’s first trip to this West African country!
6:00pm
1). Payton Players Presents Antigone (Payton’s Recital Hall)
Saturday, March 20
6:00pm
1). Payton Players Presents Antigone (Payton’s Recital Hall)
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