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Melissa V. Harris-Perry is a professor of political science at Tulane University, where she is the founding director of the Anna Julia Cooper Project on Gender, Race, and Politics in the South. She has also previously served on the faculties of the University of Chicago and Princeton University. She will serve as the speaker for UMKC's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote Lecture.

UMKC’s weekly arts, culture and sports roundup

Every week, the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers an array of on-campus activities. It’s nothing new. UMKC has a long legacy of hosting countless culturally enriching events. These activities are part of what give UMKC a vibrant campus life, and make UMKC an arts and culture powerhouse. The influence of UMKC-based and UMKC-trained alumni extends well beyond the campus’ edge, so their activities are listed here as well.

Featured Event: Melissa Harris-Perry to Speak at UMKC

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Missouri-Kansas City will bring a compelling advocate for social justice to its campus later this month as part of the university’s annual tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Melissa V. Harris-Perry, host of MSNBC’s “Melissa Harris-Perry,” will serve as the keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King Lecture Program at 6 p.m. on Jan. 27 at the UMKC Swinney Recreation Center. The “Melissa Harris-Perry” show airs on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon.

Harris-Perry is author of the well-received book, “Sister Citizen:  Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America” (Yale 2011). The book argues that stereotypes – invisible to many but painfully familiar to black women – profoundly shape black women’s politics, contribute to policies that treat them unfairly, and make it difficult for black women to assert their rights in the political arena.

“Melissa Harris-Perry’s keynote speech at UMKC’s 2014 Martin Luther King Lecture will continue a well-established legacy of dynamic and legendary speakers at this annual event,” said Erika Noguera, coordinator for the UMKC Division of Diversity and Inclusion.  “The annual MLK Lecture event brings thought leaders at the national level to Kansas City, as a means of stimulating the important conversation of empowerment and equity for people of color locally.”

Harris-Perry is a professor of political science at Tulane University and the founding director of the Anna Julia Cooper Project on Gender, Race and Politics in the South.

She is known for her in-depth knowledge of politics regarding African Americans, gender and religion; U.S. public opinion and elections; and political psychology.

In 2005, she won the W. E. B. Du Bois Book Award from the National Conference of Black Political Scientists and Best Book Award from the Race and Ethnic Politics Section of the American Political Science Association for her first book, Barbershops, Bibles, and BET: Everyday Talk and Black Political Thought.”

Professor Harris-Perry also contributes to The Nation magazine, where her monthly column is also titled Sister Citizen. She lives in New Orleans with her husband, James Perry, and is the mother of a daughter, Parker.

A book signing will take place from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., prior to the lecture.

What: Melissa V. Harris-Perry, host of MSNBC’s “Melissa Harris-Perry,” will serve as the keynote speaker at UMKC’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture Program.
Where:
UMKC’s Swinney Recreation Center, 5030 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo.
When: 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 27.
It’s free, but online registration is required. Learn more on UMKC’s Diversity Access and Equity website.

Friday, Jan. 24 – Thursday, Jan. 30

What: Music in the Galleries: Scott Steele, Rachel Hulse and Daley Kappenman with the Panta Rhei Music Collective. This collaborative program partners UMKC Conservatory musicians with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  The goal of the program is to combine the visual and performing arts within the spaces of the museum.
Where: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 1:30-2:30 and 2:30-3:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25.
It’s free. Learn more on the UMKC calendar.

What: Civil Rights and Scholars Series: “The Abolitionists.” This is the first film in a series of four nationally acclaimed films on the civil rights movement. The series is designed to spark public conversations about the changing meaning of freedom and equality in U.S. history. Scholar/Discussion Leader: Dr. Clovis E. Semmes, UMKC Black Studies Program.
Where: Miller Nichols Library, iX Theatre, 800 E. 51st St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26.
It’s free. Learn more on the UMKC calendar.

What: Faculty recital featuring Aidan Soder, mezzo soprano, with Richard Jeric, piano.
Where: White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 26.
It’s free. Learn more on the UMKC calendar.

What: Exhibition by UMKC Studio Art adjunct faculty, Dylan Mortimer. His exhibition, “Illuminate,” will be on display at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.
Where: Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kan.
When: Now through Feb. 9.
It’s free. Get more information on the Nerman Museum website.

What: Solo exhibition by Christel Highland, current Studio Art/Art History student.
Where: Bespoke Salon, 1919 Wyandotte, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Through March 31.

What: The Barr Institute presents the music of Barr Laureate composer John Corigliano, featuring performances by students and faculty of the Conservatory.
Where:
White Recital Hall, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 29.
It’s free. Learn more on the UMKC calendar.

What: The New Theatre Restaurant presents, “Harvey,” a comedy by Mary Chase.
Where: The New Theatre Restaurant, 9299 Foster, Overland Park, Kan.
When: Now through April 6.
UMKC Connection: Co-owners Dennis Hennessy and Richard Carrothers are both UMKC graduates and both were presented in 2012 with honorary doctorates by the UMKC College of Arts and Sciences.
Get more information on the New Theatre website.

What: An Evening with Composer John Corigliano. Barr Laureate and Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer John Corigliano shares experiences and insights as America’s most celebrated composer. The evening concludes with a conversation between Corigliano and Michael Stern, music director and conductor of the Kansas City Symphony. This event is held in partnership with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance, and the Kansas City Symphony.
Where: Atkins Auditorium, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 6:30 – 8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30.
It’s free. Get more information on the UMKC calendar.

What: The KC Repertory Theatre presents “Romeo and Juliet.” This is a co-production with UMKC Theatre.
Where: Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Runs now through Feb. 9.
Get more information on the KC Repertory Theatre website.

What: The Coterie Theatre presents “Afflicted: Daughters of Salem.” This is a co-production with UMKC Theatre. This play explores the untold story of the Salem girls – Abigail Williams, Ann Putnam, Mercy Lewis, Mary Warren, and Betty Paris – and the crucible of events that led to the Salem Witch Trials.
Where: Crown Center, 2450 Grand Ave., Suite 144, Kansas City Mo.
When: Jan. 28- Feb. 23.
Get more information on the Coterie Theatre website.

What: Men’s Tennis v. Baker
Where: Woodside Country Club, 2000 W 47th Pl., Westwood, Kan.
When: 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 24.
Get more information on the UMKC Athletics schedule.

What: Women’s Tennis v. Baker
Where: Carriage Club, 5301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
When: 12:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24.
Get more information on the UMKC Athletics schedule.

What: Men’s Tennis v. William Jewell
Where:
Woodside Country Club, 2000 W 47th Pl., Westwood, Kan.
When:
12 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25.
Get more information on the UMKC Athletics schedule.

What: Women’s Basketball v. Bakersfield
Where: UMKC’s Swinney Recreation Center, 5030 Holmes, Kansas City, Mo.
When: 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25.
Get more information on the UMKC Athletics schedule.

What: Women’s Tennis v. William Jewell
Where:
Carriage Club, 5301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
When:
11 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 26.
Get more information on the UMKC Athletics schedule.

What: UMKC’s Graduate Art History Association presents their first exhibition, “We Now Pronounce You: Redefining Marriage in the 21st Century.” The exhibition features contemporary artists from UMKC who have created visual interpretations of what marriage means in the current social and political climate. This week, the exhibition will feature two lectures: At 11:30 a.m., Jan. 30, in the gallery, Norma Cantu of Latina/Latino Studies and English will present “Rituals and Customs of a Contemporary Wedding Along the US – Mexico Borderlands” and at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 30, Jim Breckenridge, OUTLaws co-president, will present “Marriage Equality: Constitutional Law and Famous Trials.”
Where: UMKC Gallery of Art, Room 203, 5015 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Jan. 23- Feb. 20.
Get more information in UMKC’s press release.

What: Studios Inc. presents: “Studios Inc.: 2013,” a group exhibition featuring the resident artists of 2013, including UMKC’s Barry Anderson, Jarrett Mellenbruch (Studio Art adjunct instructor), Dylan Mortimer (Studio Art adjunct instructor) and Garry Noland (Art History alumnus).
Where: Studios INC, 1708 Campbell, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through Feb. 21.
Get more information on the Studios Inc., website.

 

 


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