Campus Connection

Muhibb Dyer communicates African American experience through poetry, theater

Community activist Muhibb Dyer will share the story of the African-American experience through poetry and theater Saturday, Feb. 17, at UW-La Crosse. His performance, “From Kings to Thugs to Presidents,” is part of the annual Reflections of Ebony event, which celebrates black students and African American culture. Reflections is organized by Black Student Unity, a UWL student organization, and also serves to recognize the organization’s accomplishments. This year’s theme is “United We Stand.” Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m., at The Bluffs, UWL Student Union, 521 East Ave. N., La Crosse. Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, Feb. 14. The event is open to all. UWL student and BSU president Nate Edwards calls Dyer’s performances emotional, passionate and intense. “He is really direct in how he presents his own experiences and relating them to the communities he works with,” says Edwards. “His performances are real. Muhibb brings a level of honesty that is not always wanted, but is always needed.” Dyer has performed throughout the U.S. In 2002, he was a finalist at the National Poetry Slam. He has presented opening acts for people from Muhammad Ali to Mary J. Blige. Dyer is co-founder of Flood the Hood with Dreams. He has conducted seminars and conflict resolution workshops in the Milwaukee Public School system encouraging youth to take responsibility for their futures. The Reflections of Ebony dinner menu includes fried chicken, collard greens with ham or vegetarian style, cornbread, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes, green salad and peach cobbler. Tickets are $17 for UWL students, faculty and staff with a valid campus ID; $18 for others; and free for children under age 5. Tickets can be purchased at the Student Union information counter from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. They can also be ordered at 608.785.8877 or online.

If you go —

What: Reflections of Ebony When: 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 Where: The Bluffs, UWL Student Union, 521 East Ave. N. Tickets: $17 for UWL students, faculty and staff with a valid campus ID; $18 for others; and free for children under age 5. Purchase tickets at the Student Union information counter from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. They can also be ordered at 608.785.8877 or online. To request disability accommodations, contact Richard Sims at rsims@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8838.