Campus Connection

Actor, educator featured during black history month event

Reflections of Ebony Weekend Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26-27 at UWL will feature the screening of the award-winning independent film “Cru” and a discussion with one of the film’s actors, Keith Robinson. It will also include a message on the “Essence of Education” from keynote speaker Shonta Smith, an educator and motivational speaker. “This is our signature event during February — Black History Month,” says Richard Sims, of Multicultural Student Services and advisor to Black Student Unity. “We are honoring black history and bringing awareness to current issues. This is really an opportunity to connect the past and present.” Movie screening: [caption id="attachment_45107" align="alignright" width="214"] Keith Robinson[/caption] Screening of the movie, “Cru,” followed by a discussion with Actor Keith Robinson, will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26 in Hall of Nations, Centennial Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. with film starting at 6:30 p.m. “Cru” is about a group of high school athletes involved in a crash after winning the state championship. They reconnect as adults during a reunion, opening old wounds, exposing long-hidden secrets and paving the road to forgiveness and redemption. The cost for UWL students, faculty, staff and alumni with an ID is $2 and $4 for the general public. Movie screening tickets are available through Friday, Feb. 26. Dinner and keynote: A Reflections of Ebony program and dinner featuring a keynote speech on the “Essence of Education” will be Saturday, Feb. 27. Keynote presenter Shonta Smith, founder and chief executive officer of Dr. Shonta Smith International, is an educator with a passion for culturally responsive teaching. [caption id="attachment_45109" align="alignleft" width="225"] Shonta Smith[/caption] An associate professor at Southeast Missouri State University, Smith has 23 years of experience in education with 17 years at the elementary, middle and high school levels. She has been a teacher, team leader, department head, coach, administrative intern and principal. She also has six years at the collegiate level as an adjunct professor at Lindenwood University and associate professor at Southeast Missouri State University. The soul-food dinner will include: fried chicken and catfish, collard greens with ham/ vegetarian style, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, green salad with ranch or Italian dressing and banana pudding. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program starts at 6:15 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $11 for students and $13 for faculty, staff, community and the general public. Children under age 5 are free, but also require a ticket. Dinner tickets are available through 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22. Ticket information: Tickets for both events are available at the Cartwright Center information desk. Call 608.785.8877. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday–Friday and 10a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. Or purchase tickets online. Reflections of Ebony is sponsored by Black Student Unity, the Office of Multicultural Student Services and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. For accommodations or questions, contact Richard Sims at 608.785.8835 or email rsims@uwlax.edu