Read In focuses on positive depictions of blacks in the arts

Zipporah Jones

Staff Writer 

Jackson State University held its annual African-American Read In on Monday, February 4. The theme was: “Wakanda Forever: Positive Representations and Depictions of African-Americans in Art, Film, and Literature”.

Many students in attendance felt the “Black Panther” themed read-in was an excellent way to kick off Black History Month with the featured discussions on blackness and visibility within media.

The panel for the first section of the discussion included, RaShell Smith-Spears, C. Leigh McInnis, and Joshua Cotton, instructors and professors at JSU.

These staff members discussed the connection that the media has on the perception of blackness.

McInnis highlighted the need for black people to create their own content.  He also discussed how black people should not look to other races for the approval of their content.

“What is our strategy going to be to create our own institution, our own sovereignty?” McInnis asked.

The panelists provided information and stressed the importance of black comic books, movies, and science fiction novels.  They all agreed that having these things were vital to black society.

Smith-Spears explained how important pieces like “Black Panther” are to the black community.

“Speculative fiction gives us our world, just through a different lens,” Smith-Spears said.
Cotton brought these ideas home when discussing the history of black stories, referencing the folktale of “Anansi.”

“Representation matters because representation is how we see ourselves,” said Cotton.

Current and former students were given the floor for the second part of the program.

Ariel Wade, an English undergraduate student, began the conversation by discussing the portrayal of blacks in art.

Arrison Martin, another English undergraduate student, continued this conversation by breaking down the character of Killmonger from “Black Panther.”

He also provided examples as to why Killmonger was such an important and appropriate character for this era in America’s history.

Jordan Jackson closed the discussion by pointing out that even though blacks have been featured in media and comics throughout history, they have often been stereotyped.

The final section of the read-in featured work from students in the art department. Kwame Braxton, Nicholas Armstrong, Brandi Knott, and Jarrick Jackson were the featured student artists.

The work, ranging from graphic art to paintings, depicted black characters of all shapes in forms.

Students expressed how they enjoyed what they learned from attending the event.

Karissa Patrick, a junior English education major from Jackson, Miss., explained what she liked about the first panel discussion.

“All three panelists framed the movie of “Black Panther” in a different light that allowed me to consider more themes than what I learned by just watching the movie on my own. The panel was informative and enjoyable,” Patrick said.

Others felt that the conversations brought important attention to those who were minorities.

Tyler Hurley, a sophomore English major from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., discussed why he felt the panel was so important.

“I learned that representation matters, especially for those who are marginalized. I also learned that in order for black people to move forward we have to not only address racism, but also issues like sexism and homophobia within our community,” Hurley stated.