JANUARY 2023
Roscoe Hall: Two Houses
Jan. 9-Feb. 23 | Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and first Fridays, noon to 7 pm. | The University of Alabama Gallery
The University of Alabama Gallery presents the exhibition, Roscoe Hall: Two Houses with a reception for the artist Friday, Feb. 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Grandson of the founder of Tuscaloosa’s iconic Dreamland Bar-B-Que, artist Roscoe Hall is also a rising star in the art world. His layered, mixed media paintings bring together the culinary and artistic aspects of his life like two houses on the same street. Raised in Chicago, Hall has deep Alabama roots and lives and works in Birmingham. His background and longtime skill set are deeply entrenched in the culinary world of the South—his grandfather was John “Big Daddy” Bishop, founder of Tuscaloosa’s iconic Dreamland Bar-B-Que. Hall, who has earned his own cooking accolades (most recently as a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef) is also a rising star in the art world.
Hall holds an MA in art history from Savannah College of Art and Design and a BFA from the University of San Diego. Recent solo exhibitions include Angola: Works in Response, at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, Huntsville, Alabama; Roscoe Hall: Government Promises, at James Barron Art in Kent, Connecticut; and Jerusalem Heights, at Scott Miller Projects in Birmingham, Alabama. His work was selected for group exhibitions including Alabama Triennial, and A la Carte: A Visual Exploration of Our Relationship with Food, both at the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts, Birmingham. Hall’s work is in several permanent collections including the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts and the Birmingham (Alabama) Museum of Art. He has been the resident artist and culinary instructor at Jones Valley Teaching Farm, and he is the recipient of a 2022 Peter S. Reed Foundation Grant for mixed media.
Realizing the Dream Through Commitment and Sacrifice
Legacy Banquet, Friday, Jan. 13 | 6:30 p.m. | Bryant Conference Center
Dream Concert: Sunday, Jan. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Moody Music Concert Hall
Realizing the Dream is a yearlong celebration including a legacy banquet, concert, performing arts event and distinguished lecture series. These events are designed to affirm and keep alive Dr. King’s legacy among the people of Alabama. The concert features gospel artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and the banquet will feature retired Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré as the speaker.
TEDTalk Tuesday: ‘Let’s Not Wait for the Next Martin Luther King’
Tuesday, Jan. 17 | Noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty, Staff, & UA Systems
The Intercultural Diversity Center begins its TEDTalk Tuesday Series for the Spring semester by featuring Anne Walraven. Participants will hear Walraven’s stance on why environmentalists should explore climate concerns from the perspective of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with hope, encouragement and positive solutions. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Education Abroad: Study Abroad Pop-Up Advising
Tuesday, Jan. 17, 24, 31 | 1-3 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students
The Capstone International Center will host weekly information sessions on studying abroad. These information sessions will provide advising about the overall process and timeline for studying abroad, dispelling myths about Education Abroad and program searching. This weekly event takes place every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. For more information, contact the Study Abroad office at studyabroad@ua.edu.
MLK Day Film: ‘Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin’
Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | 3700 Student Center (Forum)
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Safe Zone Resource Center will host a viewing of the documentary, “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin.” Rustin was a part of the LGBTQIA community and organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, the largest demonstration the country had ever seen. Participants will learn about his work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as it relates to civil rights. Snacks will be provided. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Safe Zone Resource Center Family Meeting
Thursday, Jan. 19 | 5-7 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host a family meeting to offer a space for UA students to create community. The meeting will provide information about collaborative center norms, goals and expectations for everyone. The meeting will allow each participant to share thoughts, questions and concerns. Catering will be provided. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Multi-Cultural Coffee Hour
Friday, Jan. 20, 27 | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty & Staff, UA System
International Student and Scholar Services and the Intercultural Diversity Center will host weekly coffee hours for students, faculty and staff to enjoy free coffee, tea, snacks and conversation with others from around the world. For more information, contact International Student and Scholar Services’ Sonya Harwood-Johnson at sonya.harwood@ua.edu.
Mock Shaadi: Will You Mock Marry Me?
Friday, Jan. 20 | 6 p.m. | Student Center Ballroom
The South Asian Culture Club will host a mock shaadi event. The word shaadi means wedding. Experience wedding traditions from several different Asian countries and celebrate a night of music, dancing and culture at this mock south Asian wedding. The evening will feature dance performances, audience activities and food, and is free and open to UA students, faculty and staff. Reserve a ticket.
Lunar New Year Event
Friday, Jan. 20 | 6-9 p.m. | John England Hall Multipurpose Room
The Chinese Culture Club, Asian American Student Association, Association of Chinese Students and Scholars, Vietnamese Student and Scholar Association, and Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers will sponsor this free event. The cost of the meal is $5. RSVP is requested; visit the SASE.UA Instagram account to register.
Lunar New Year Gala
Saturday, Jan. 21 | 5-8 p.m. | Student Center Ballroom
This event is hosted by the Association of Chinese Students and Scholars, Tuscaloosa Chinese Christian Fellowship, and the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers. The event includes authentic Chinese food and performances. Admission is $5.
Safe Zone Ally Training Program
Monday, Jan. 23 | 2-4 p.m. | Zoom
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty & Staff, UA System
The UA Safe Zone Ally Training Program provides a visible network of allies for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals. Safe Zone Allies distribute information regarding sexuality, gender identity, campus and community resources, and methods for reporting harassment and/or discrimination. The Safe Zone Ally Training Program is a two-hour training session that allows participants to develop a working knowledge of appropriate and respectful LGBTQIA+ terminology; recognize the impact that campus climate has on individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+; and identify areas of personal growth as a member of the UA community. Following the training program, participants are invited to sign up to serve as UA Safe Zone Allies. Participants can register at https://tinyurl.com/SZAlly2023. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at 205-348-7297 or safezone@ua.edu.
TEDTalk Tuesday: ‘How a Truck Driver Saves People on America’s Highways’
Tuesday, Jan. 24 | Noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty, Staff, & UA Systems
The Intercultural Diversity Center continues its TEDTalk Tuesday Series by focusing on National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Participants will learn about the John McKown approach to preventing human trafficking. McKown’s mission is protecting 293,000 individuals at risk of enslavement. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Cinnamon Rolls Not Gender Roles
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 31 | 1 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host its weekly Cinnamon Rolls Not Gender Roles program for individuals of all identities to come together, eat pastries and discuss topics concerning gender identity and performance in our current culture and climate. This group meets weekly on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in the Safe Zone Lounge. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Lunch and Learn: ‘Deconstructing Privilege in LGBTQIA+ Activism’
Wednesday, Jan. 25 | Noon-1 p.m. | 2408 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Faculty & Staff
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host a panel discussion addressing the presence of privilege and systemic racism in LGBTQIA+ communities and activism. A catered lunch will be provided to participants. Participants can register at: tinyurl.com/deiidcevents. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wednesday, Jan. 25 | Noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty & Staff, UA System
The Intercultural Diversity Center honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by offering an interactive program that focuses on his contributions to society. Virtual presentations, conversation starters and digital exhibitions of Dr. King’s historic march in Washington D.C. and his visit to Seattle, Washington in November 1961 will be available. Guests can experience the stories of his visits through images, words and videos at their own pace. In addition, guests will have an opportunity to share how Dr. King’s work has impacted their lives. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Exhibit Links:
THE MARCH Exhibit
Seattle, Washington Visit
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
An Evening of Music, Dance and Spoken Word
Thursday, Jan. 26 | 7 p.m. | Moody Music Building
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in collaboration with the UA Department of Theatre and Dance, the UA School of Music and other UA community members will present this event to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his many contributions to society.
Rainbow Connection
Friday, Jan. 27 | 2-3 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host its weekly support and dialogue group for LGBTQIA+ identified students and their allies, Rainbow Connection. This group provides an opportunity to form supportive friendships with other group members, learn resilience skills and strategies for self-care, and set personal goals. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Sex Ed Bingo: The Politics of Pleasure
Tuesday, Jan. 31 | 6-8 p.m. | 3115 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students
This program is part of a sex education series that focuses on providing LGBTQIA+ inclusive sex and relationship education. In this session, the Safe Zone Resource Center will highlight healthy sexual partnerships to provide education on the significance of institutional and internalized sexism, privilege, racism, and ableism in pleasure dynamics in intimate relationships. This program will be held in conjunction with The Knights and Orchids Society and University Programs. Participants will have the opportunity to play Bingo for prizes as an incentive for attending the event. Snacks will be provided. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Throughout the month
Gorgas Library MLK Poster Exhibit
Gorgas Library’s poster exhibit honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a display of student work from the Dr. Sarah Cheshire’s Fall 2022 UH 100 course are on display at the Capstone entrance to the library. Dr. Cheshire’s students researched UA campus history and used their knowledge to write informative plaques for historic campus sites. Examine these powerful student reflections on UA campus history and Dr. King’s beloved community and visit the University Libraries Martin Luther King, Jr. Resource Guide to explore Dr. King’s life, legacy and writings.
School of Social Work Diversity Committee’s Literacy Initiative
The UA School of Social Work invites the campus to help provide books for students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary as a way to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. Books can be purchased and placed in the collection box in Little Hall or ordered via the School of Social Work Amazon wish list. Titles purchased through wish list can be shipped directly to the School of Social Work and retained in the collection box.
Donations will be accepted through March 1, 2023, when books will be delivered to children during Read Across America Week.
For updates, visit the UA SSW DEI Events webpage. For more information, contact Leah Cheatham at lpcheatham@ua.edu.