The Center for Social Concern at Johns Hopkins University is hosting a talk entitled Black Americans: Race and Representation in the Media on Thursday, October 15th, from 7:00 to 8:00pm.

Dr. Kimberly R. Moffitt, Interim Dean of College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at UMBC, will be discussing media representations of Black Americans, respectability politics and Black exceptionalism, as well as racial narrative’s impact on Black children.

Bio: Dr. Kimberly R. Moffitt is the Interim Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) at UMBC. Dr. Moffitt’s research focuses on mediated representations of marginalized groups as well as the politicized nature of Black hair and the body. She has published three co-edited volumes. She extends her research interests into the community by offering workshops on Black hair and body politics as it relates to bullying among middle school girls. Dr. Moffitt often writes op-ed articles for the Baltimore Sun and is a frequent guest on local public radio programs. She is a founding parent and board member of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys Charter School, a 4th-12th college preparatory school in Baltimore City.

Registration is required. The link to register is: https://jh.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_suDdQ6YpQr-lks8MwlcwvQ

David Card, Class of 1950 Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley and President-Elect of the American Economics Association.

In the U.S., universities traditionally have been viewed as engines of economic growth and essential for supporting upward mobility — both for individuals and the nation. However, across many decades, a persistent counter-narrative has cast doubt on their value. Recently, concerns about rising tuition, student debt, and job insecurity have bred a dystopian view of university education.

Economist David Card argues that this view ignores a mass of positive data. While profound challenges confront American higher education, universities still bring enormous economic benefits to individual students and to the nation. Empirical evidence shows that the economic rewards for a college degree are higher than ever. In addition, there are other benefits, such as better health, a longer life, and potentially more life satisfaction. Despite these benefits, the U.S. public education system has expanded very little, especially investment in public universities.

Click here for the WebEx link.  Event password is:  UMBCSSF

Free and open to the public; faculty are encouraged to invite their classes to attend.

Join affiliate artist in harp Jacqueline Pollauf for a mini-concert of the music of Sergiu Natra.

Sergiu Natra (b. 1924) is a contemporary composer who has a special affinity for the harp and has written extensively for the instrument in solo and chamber settings. His music is dramatic, featuring strong rhythmic motifs and a wide variety of colors and articulations. The program will feature:

• Prayer
• Selections from A Book of Hebrew Songs
• Sonatina​

Jacqueline Pollauf is known for her sensitive performances, dedication to teaching, and beautifully-crafted compositions. She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Eleventh World Harp Congress and the National Gallery of Art. Her most recent recording, Beau Soir, with cellist Dariusz Skoraczewski, was lauded as “utter perfection” (The Harp Column). Glissando Exercises, Pollauf’s most recent publication, is third in a series of exercise books for the harp. Her compositional works are available through Lyon and Healy Publications, Vanderbilt Music, Harp Column Music, and Oakway Studios.
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Pollauf is the director of the Baltimore Harp Camp, and is on the faculties of the Baltimore School for the Arts and UMBC. Performances and instructional videos can be found on her highly regarded YouTube channel. He holds Master and Bachelor of Music degrees from the Peabody Conservatory.

Visit here to join this event on Pollauf’s live stream on Facebook.

Hey Political Science Students,

The Maryland Voter Registration Deadline is this Tuesday, October 13th. Please spread the word by reaching out to your networks. The Cast Your Whole Vote Toolkit has many awesome tools that you can use to help spread the word about the importance of voting. The Center for Democracy and Civic Life updated the Cast Your Whole Vote Campaign toolkit by adding a sample email and sample social media posts relating to the voter registration deadline. The Cast Your Whole Vote Toolkit Facebook profile cover photos, flyers, social media squares, social media stories, and twitter headers that are most relevant to voter registration are the ones that say Voting Starts Now and Voting Matters.

Please also continue to share the toolkit widely so others can promote the campaign as well.