Student artwork and a fashion show by hip-hop fashion designer Demetrius Walker are highlights of African American Arts Week, Feb. 18-22.
The Black Affairs Association has developed this special event to highlight the talents and abilities of all students and to heighten awareness of Black History Month.
A Black History Month Ribbon Giveaway will be held today from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the second floor booths of the Culp Center. Red, black and green ribbons, as well as information on the contributions of African Americans to society, will be distributed. In addition, the Ella Baker Tour will visit campus today for a 2-3:30 p.m. student discussion in the forum on the third floor of the Culp Center and a 6 p.m. public lecture in the Brown Hall auditorium; both will be facilitated by veterans of the Civil Rights movement.
A “Candlelight Vigil: Honoring Past Civil Rights Leaders” will be held from 7-8 p.m. at the ETSU Foundation Carillon and Alumni Plaza (in case of rain, this event will move to The Cave patio at the Culp Center).
An Open Mic Talent Night on Tuesday will showcase a variety of student talent from 7-9 p.m. in Common Grounds on the first level of the Culp Center.
“Black History ‘Jeopardy!’ Revamped” will test participants’ knowledge of African American history on Wednesday (Feb. 20) from 7-9 p.m. in meeting room 6 on the third level of the Culp Center, and a Student Art Exhibit depicting African American themes will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, from noon-6 p.m. in the Culp Center’s East Tennessee Room.
Demetrius Walker, co-owner of dangerousNegro (dN) Clothing, will talk about developing his own clothing label in a lecture on Thursday from 4-5 p.m. A Hip-Hop Fashion Show will be held from 7-9 p.m. Both events will be in the multipurpose room of the Wayne G. Basler Center for Physical Activity.
Walker’s line is aimed at changing the course of what he feels is the current trend toward the “gangster mentality” in the black community to one that emphasizes education. In his afternoon talk, which will be followed by a reception, he will also speak about motivation, education, achieving goals, and being a positive influence in the community. During the fashion show, students will model popular hip-hop clothing trends and shirts provided by dN Clothing, while Walker gives a brief description of his clothing and the meanings behind the apparel.

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