CA

AS

Synergy

CAAS Study Breaks is a series of structured study hall

sessions open to the Emerging Scholars and Emerging

Leaders, as well as any interested UT Arlington student.

Held in the Swift Center Training Room, the sessions are

designed to strengthen the bond between students and CAAS,

while supporting students’ academic development and personal

enrichment. Each two hour Study Break includes, icebreakers,

study tips and strategies, allotted time to study, and

refreshments for participants to enjoy. CAAS Study Breaks

will begin again in fall 2014.

The program’s purpose was to promote self-awareness with a focus on leadership enhancement. Mentoring is a

significant part of the Emerging Leaders Initiative (ELI) Program. The community mentors helped the students

build their confidence, leadership capabilities, and emphasized the importance of ownership. The information that

the community mentors instilled into the Leaders will be useful in the pursuance of their future endeavors,

including becoming aware of what pitfalls to avoid. The Leaders also gained insight from the community mentors’

personal and professional experiences.

What would it take for you to become more successful

in your college career? Who would you ask to aid you

in your success while in college? What skills will

assist you in achieving goals in your future career?

With those questions in mind, the Center for African

American Studies designed a program that linked

leaders in the community to their students for

mentorship and guidance.

THE SPRING WAS FULL OF NEW EVENTS IN CAAS!

Spring/Summer Edition

CAAS Community Mentor Dinner Circles

Center for African American Studies

CAAS Study Breaks

Volume 2 Issue 2 January - July 2014

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Inside this Edition: Director’s Note…..……………………………………….3

Service Learning ……………………………………….. 4

Student Engagement…………………………………..5

Community Engagement……………………………..8

African American Studies Minor…………………….12

Congratulations………………………………………..13

Save the Date………………………………………….14

Give a Gift ……………………………………………..15

Connect with CAAS ………………………………….16

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A Note from the Director

SCHNAVIA SMITH HATCHER, PHD, MSW DIRECTOR

Greetings,

As Year 2 comes to a close for the Center for African American Studies at UT Arlington, I remain honored to

serve you- on and off campus - as the director of this extraordinary department. With a mission to facilitate

the discourse on race and contextualize it in the historical, cultural, and community influences, CAAS is

growing as a vital intellectual and social resource for the community. As a native of Selma, Alabama- a city

best known for its place in the advocacy for civil rights, equality, and social justice, this opportunity has been

both personally and professionally rewarding.

This newsletter edition will profile several of the amazing academic, research, and community activities and

accomplishments during the previous semesters. You will read about student development and success,

faculty and staff contributions, and community collaborations.

During this summer, we are excitedly planning another year of CAAS Impact. My objective is to continue to

design and offer scholarly endeavors, civic engagement initiatives, and community-based research

opportunities that will enhance and broaden our understanding of the Black community specifically and the

broader society generally.

This year, I hope you will also consider giving to CAAS. Your donations, both in-kind and financial, make it

possible for us to continue to offer you these enriching experiences.

Please enjoy our Spring/Summer Synergy. I look forward to seeing you at our opening lecture, October 1st at

5:30. More details to come.

Best, Schnavia

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Service Learning

Interesting in volunteering with

CAAS?

Would you like CAAS to team up

with your organization for

a community service project?

Please contact

CAAS at:

817-272-9642

Or feel free to stop by the office:

Swift Center, Suite 129

1022 UTA Blvd Arlington, Texas 76019

The purpose of the Dunbar High School Impact Program was for

the Emerging Scholars and Emerging Leaders to encourage

current high school students to begin preparing for a college

education. CAAS became involved after connecting with a staff

member of the Dunbar High School’s District that was

interested in collaborating with the center.

At least once a month, the Emerging Scholars and Leaders

would arrive at Dunbar High during lunch time, provide food

and drinks, speak with the high school students about their

experience. They presented on various topics, shared personal

stories, and allowed the high school students to ask questions. A

few areas of discussion were GPAs, SAT/ACT testing advice,

managing finances, and the first year experience.

UT Arlington Big Event

CAAS at Special Olympics

UT Arlington hosts an annual community service project called

The Big Event. It aims to bring the campus and the community

together by partnering with local businesses, social service

agencies, charities, and sponsors within the Arlington area.

CAAS participated this year by having Emerging Scholars and

Leaders volunteer at the Special Olympics. Students designed

signs for the participants and cheered them on in the stands and

on the field. Serving at this event allowed CAAS students to

support the Olympians and provide a unique CAAS Impact.

CAAS Impact

with Dunbar High School

Emerging Scholars Program

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A THI NK P IE CE ON S TU DE N T EN GA GEM ENT

When Students Ask...What is CAAS?

The Urban League writes that “institutions that create a culture of completion for all students and couple this culture with a suite of personalized services that address barriers such students face, has resulted in dramatic increases in the retention and graduation rates of their African American students. We believe this personalized approach to the college learning experience will help support the access, retention and completion of all students” (Rawlston-Wilson, Saavedra, Chauhan 2014).

CHAUNTE’ WHITE, M.ED.

CAAS COORDINATOR

Being a newer unit on campus, it’s not uncommon for students to ask “What is

CAAS?” or to desire a greater understanding of function and purpose of the Center

for African American Studies. While CAAS strives toward the inclusion of faculty,

staff, and community stakeholders in its programmatic efforts to facilitate discourse

on race and issues in the Black community, a huge benefactor of our work is, of

course, students. So when answering the aforementioned question, I believe it’s

important to note that CAAS seeks to create an opportunity for students to not only

be enlightened, inspired, and empowered, but also aid students in reaching the

pinnacle of success on the UT Arlington campus: degree attainment.

Upon reading this particular excerpt of a report that focuses on retention and completion among Black student

scholars, several things resonated with me, such as personalized services, retention, and completion. In that very

instance I thought, this is the answer to the question…this is what CAAS does (at least from the student

perspective) and this sums up why we are here.

Through a myriad of programming efforts and opportunities for enrichment, CAAS seeks to contribute to the

development of “a culture of completion” (Rawlston-Wilson, Saavedra, Chauhan 2014). Everything that we do

with regard to student engagement is designed to promote success and assist students in reaching their objective of

earning a degree, as well as prepare them to successfully transition into the professional sphere. While our student

development programs, the Emerging Scholars and Emerging Leaders, may be the most visible representation of

our efforts in this area, CAAS aims to serve as a resource for all students. (continue on page 6)

Service Learning Perspectives

Emerging Scholars Program

Emerging Leaders Initiative

The mission of the Emerging Scholars Program (ESP) is to develop and provide educational, cultural, and social

models of support that strengthen the foundation of exploration and learning for UT Arlington first year students

interested in African American studies and/or volunteering in the Black community.

The Emerging Leaders Initiative (ELI) provides UT Arlington upperclassmen the opportunity to continue to

build their leadership skills through unique opportunities with CAAS, while also interacting with CAAS

Emerging Scholars and other community stakeholders, on and off campus.

For more information on CAAS ESP or ELI, contact Chaunte’ White at 817-272-9642 or clwhite@uta.edu

6

Perhaps most importantly, CAAS is concerned with the holistic

development and well-being of students, which is reflected in the four

program dimensions: Academic and Professional Development, Civic

Engagement and Global Awareness, Personal Enrichment and Growth,

and Mentoring and Social Relationships. Through their high levels of

involvement in our activities, students are engaged and learn beyond the

classroom. While receiving academic support, they also explore tenants of

professionalism, humility, accountability, as well as several other themes

not usually found in course curriculum. From our annual conference to

our monthly meetings, everything that we do has purpose and aims to

address a potential barrier to success for our students.

In addition to our student development initiatives, the African American

Studies minor further contributes to the center’s ability to create a

personalized experience for students of color or any student that is

interested in exploring topics related to the Black community. The minor

allows students to study society through the lens of past and present

experiences of Black Americans and society at large and apply this

knowledge to address social issues in their personal and professional lives.

This balance of academic and social integration that CAAS affords makes

UT Arlington unique among its North Texas counterparts. While other

institutions could easily overlook the often challenging dichotomy of

being Black and a developing college student, UT Arlington has CAAS to

recognize and support this duality on a regular basis.

Additionally, CAAS seeks to cultivate a culture of excellence. From the

classroom to the greater campus, we hope to raise the bar a little higher,

encourage students to do more than what’s expected, release mediocrity,

and follow the UT Arlington mantra of “push your limits in a place where

there aren’t any”. In a world where the term ‘be great’ could be considered

cliché or overused, CAAS expects students to do just that. Why? Because

we know that they can. Our students are phenomenal and awe-inspiring;

they are go-getters who will undoubtedly succeed in their endeavors.

...So what is CAAS? From my perspective, we are a unit that supports the

learning experiences of dynamic individuals who are on a journey of

transformation, and will one day be on the forefront of the world’s

leadership. I see CAAS as trailblazers in supporting and assisting in the

cultivation of a culture of completion at UT Arlington. I also see CAAS as

a unit that is fortunate enough to help shape, in some way, the college

experiences of some of the brightest minds of this generation and for that I

am thankful.

Student Engagement

Outstanding Emerging Leader

Voted by his ELI peers,

Rickey Townsend is a junior major-

ing in Education. He is hard work-

ing, dependable, and even in the

busiest times, worked to motivate

others to keep pushing. Rickey is a

gracious leader who promotes

leadership and servant hood. His

ability to extend a hand to help

others is commendable.

Congrats Rickey!

Outstanding Emerging Scholar

CAAS HONORS

Voted by his ESP peers,

Nicolas Long is a junior majoring in

Mechanical Engineering.

His motivation and dedication to

assist in many projects demonstrat-

ed a huge amount of commitment

to CAAS.

Nicolas’ upbeat mood and positive

influence was infectious to his peers.

Congrats Nicolas!

Student Engagement (Perspectives continued from page 5)

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Student Engagement

The Second Annual CAAS Kickball Chal-

lenge took place on April 25th. Students

competed against faculty and staff in a

fun and exciting game at the UT Intra-

mural Fields. The students took home the

victory, making the record 1-1.

Congrats students!

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Community Engagement

CAAS Power Hour Lecture Series

Spring 2014

“Deep in the Heart of Black

Texas: Why We Celebrate

Black History Month.”

Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney, Associ-

ate Professor and Chairperson

of the History Department, dis-

cussed the origins of Black His-

tory Month. This talk also high-

lighted his research on the so-

cial and political history of Afri-

can Americans in Dallas, Texas

and his contributions to the

Handbook of African American

Texas.

Dr. Stephane Dunn presented "'Scary Sistas': Imagining Tough Black Femi-

ninity from Page to Screen." Dr. Dunn is Assistant Professor of English at

Morehouse College and the author of Baad "Bitches" & Sassy Superma-

mas: Black Action Films (Illinois, 2008). Her talk was a part of the Women

and Gender Studies Program’s Women's History Month Lecture Series.

CAAS was proud to serve as the co-sponsor for this event.

March 2014

February 2014

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Community Engagement Community Engagement

CAAS Power Hour Lecture Series

Spring 2014

Dr. Kwamena "Aspa" Kwansah-Aidoo presented “Blacks in Media Across the Globe”.

Dr. Kwansah-Aidoo was a visiting professor at Texas Christian University in the Global Citizenship

Program and joined us here at UT Arlington to discuss his research on the representation of Blacks

in the media in Africa, Australia, and the United States.

Outstanding Community Supporter, Marnese Barksdale Elder with Dean Beth

Wright (COLA) and Dr. Schnavia Hatcher

Marnese Barksdale Elder serves as the Vice President of

Human Resources Administration at Parkland Health &

Hospital System. She holds a BA from Fisk University in

Healthcare Administration &Planning and a MBA from

Texas Woman’s University. Marnese is also the Southwest

Regional Alumni Chair for Fisk University and serves at the

helm for numerous community and service organizations.

Not only was she a community mentor for the Emerging

Leaders Initiative, she was awarded the Outstanding

Community Supporter Award and served as the keynote

speaker at the CAAS Honors Ceremony.

CAAS HONORS

April 2014

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Community Engagement The Second Annual CAAS Conference

Critical Issues in Black Studies: Race in Context February 2014

Dr. Krystal K. Beamon, Assistant Professor of Sociolo-

gy, delivered a student driven keynote speech that

focused on “The Sport of maximizing Your Potential”.

Immediately following the keynote, CAAS hosted a

Reception and Open Mic Night featuring celebrity

host Derek ‘Fonzworth Bentley’ Watkins where stu-

dents displayed their creative talents ,including spo-

ken-word/poetry, painting and singing. Over 200

guests from across the DFW area attended this

event.

Dr. Molefi Kete Asante, Temple Professor

and Black Studies Pioneer, served as the

CAAS Conference Luncheon Keynote.

Dr. Asante’s speech focused on

“Critical Issues in the Black Community”

and inspired guests to be active in the

movement for social change.

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Community Engagement Community Engagement

The conference wrapped up

with an exclusive screening of

"The Contradictions of Fair

Hope" at Globe Life Park

featuring the film’s director

and co-producer Rockell

Metcalf.

After the screening, guests

enjoyed exploring the themes

and highlights of the film

during a panel discussion

moderated by Devan Allen,

featuring Froswa’ Booker-

Drew, Metcalf, and Ya’Ke

Smith.

The Community Research Panel featured UT Arlington faculty members, Dr. Ifeoma Amah, Professor Ray

Jordan, and Dr. Eusebius Small and covered topics such as Education, Health Disparities, and Social

Constructionism.

The Second Annual CAAS Conference

Critical Issues in Black Studies: Race in Context February 2014

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African American Studies Minor

I minored in African American Studies because the history of blackness in Amer-

ica captivated me to change the future through examining the past. I formatted

my history studies around African American historiography and was elated when

CAAS came to campus my last year in school. Minoring in African American

studies means I am able to utilize my white privilege to educate others around me

through examining the varying identities and histories we experience as Ameri-

cans. History gives context to the present.

In one year, I will attend graduate school to study Public History and Non-profit

Management. I want to empower communities to address current social justice

issues by documenting their own histories and narratives. I now work for a non-

profit called Mothers Against Teen Violence. We seek to end the War on Drugs

through addressing the issue of drugs as a public health issue rather than through

the scope of criminal justice. I am also developing workshops to educate people

on the concepts of disability and neurodiversity through my own experience as a

neurodiversity self-advocate.

Lindsey Anderson’s AAST Capstone Project titled:

Creating Black and Brown Female Disability:

Historical Assumptions and Independent Realities

was awarded the Provost’s Award and the Women’s and Gender Studies Award

Continue to strive and give your best efforts so that you will obtain your greatest rewards.

We hope you stay connected to CAAS so that we may follow your growth and success!

Requirements include: 18 Total Credit hours with 9 in

AAST

Intro to Black Studies

African American History

Special Topics in African American Studies

Service Learning Internships

Collaborations with units across campus including:

ANTH, CRCJ, ECON, ENGL, LING, MANA, POLS,

PSYC, SOCI, SOCW

Minor Requirements Professional Opportunities Careers Include…

Business and Technology

Education

News & Media

Literature & Poetry

Medicine & Health

Performing Arts & Entertainment

History

Politics & Government/Law

Social Work

Spring 2014 Graduate Lindsey Anderson Reflects on Selecting AAST Minor

Are you passionate about African American Studies?

Become an AAST Minor!

For more information about the AAST Minor contact CAAS at

817-272-9642 or caas@uta.edu

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Congratulations!

Continue to strive and give your best efforts so that you will obtain your greatest rewards.

We hope you stay connected to CAAS so that we may follow your growth and success!

Spring 2014 Graduate Lindsey Anderson Reflects on Selecting AAST Minor Spring 2014 Graduates

CAAS HONORS Dr. Krystal Beamon is an assistant professor of sociology and a CAAS

Faculty Fellow at UT Arlington. She received her Bachelors, Masters,

and Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University. Her primary areas of fo-

cus are Race and Ethnicity, Sociology of Sport and Inequality. Dr.

Beamon presented her publication, The Enduring Color Line in U.S.

Athletics (Routledge, 2014), at a CAAS event in the fall, An Evening

with Authors, and served as the student keynote speaker for the

CAAS Conference in the spring.

Thank you for your contributions to CAAS and our students! Outstanding Faculty Affiliate

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Save the Date

UPCOMING EVENTS

CAAS Presents

2014 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Banquet National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum

Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel

Friday, July 25, 2014 at 7 p.m.

National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum

in association with UT Arlington

Western Heritage Symposium

3400 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76103

Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 5 p.m.

CAAS Booth at Zydeco Meets Country Music Festival

Fort Worth Stock Yards - River Ranch

Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 5 p.m.

CAAS Opening Lecture

Commemorating the 50th of the Civil Rights Act

UT Arlington University Center

October 1, 2014 at 5:30 p.m.

3rd Annual CAAS Conference

UT Arlington University Center

February 20 - 21, 2015

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Give a Gift

Established August 2012, the Center for African American Studies (CAAS) at the University of Texas

at Arlington aims to cultivate an exceptional transdisciplinary experience through teaching, civic

engagement, and community-based research focused on the diverse contextual conditions of Blacks in

America and society at large. Our purpose is to foster the development of student, faculty, and

community capacity to create progressive solutions that address social problems.

Endowed funding is being sought to support:

Lectures, events, and conferences

Student enrichment initiatives

Undergraduate and graduate scholarships

Faculty and student community-based research

For more information on how to support CAAS, please contact:

Dr. Schnavia Smith Hatcher, CAAS Director, at shatcher@uta.edu

To give a gift, go to www.uta.edu/caas/support.html

Thank you for your continued support!

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Get Connected!