Seaver College Celebrates Black History Month Hosting Dr. Ronald McCurdy

On Tuesday, February 21, the office of Intercultural Affairs (ICA) is hosting a three part, Black History Month event featuring Dr. Ronald McCurdy, a University of Southern California jazz Professor and the assistant dean of the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Throughout the day, McCurdy will be highlighting how race intersects and informs the arts with a lecture, a Q and A, and a live spokeword concert.

“Our goal with this event is to educate with the lecture, advocate through the question and answer segment, and then to celebrate the history and culture of African Americans through the lens of the arts with the concert,” says Myron McClure, ICA’s Assistant Director for Training and Programming. “I hope that it will inspire the campus community – not just the students but the faculty, staff and the larger community as a whole – to want to know more about the history of African Americans, not only during Black History Month but throughout the whole year.”

This trifold day begins at 11:30 AM, as Dr. McCurdy gives a lecture entitled “Disrupting Racism Through the Lens of the Arts,” in Payson Library’s Surfboard Room. McCurdy’s discussion will specifically center on the powerful influence music has had on its listeners throughout history. Following this presentation, there will be a one hour Q and A with Dr. McCurdy in the ICA Lounge (HAWC 130) from 1:00-2:00PM. 

“I hope that attendees hear and see and really feel the music [within Dr. McCurdy’s presentation],” expresses McClure. “I hope they will be able to make personal connections and see how music has played a role in their own lives.”

At the conclusion of the day (5:30-7:30 PM), McCurdy, as well as a quartet of Jazz musicians, will take the stage in the Lighthouse, performing what is called the Langston Hughes Project. This two-hour segment blends jazz music, spoken word performances, and digital photography together in one multisensory experience. 

To learn more about Dr. Ronald McCurdy, visit his USC faculty profile. Similarly, discover more information about the Langston Hughes Project by exploring their website.