An effort to incorporate art in a meaningful way into the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s William G. Anderson Lecture Series, Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey has resulted in strong relationships between the college and local artists, as well as support from the community.
Marita Gilbert, Ph.D., associate dean for diversity and campus inclusion for the college, first brought art into the 2023 show with Detroit-based artist Darnell Kendricks. This first commissioned art for the series, “This Joy That I Have,” used paint and fabric to integrate a meaningful element of storytelling and was inspired by the series and the 2023 speakers.
Art was brought back into the series this year with Lansing-based artist, Mila Lynn. This year’s series also included greater emphasis on music with speaker M.C. Lyte and a partnership with the MSU College of Music and the MSU Gospel Choir.
Art is now being planned for the 25th anniversary of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s William G. Anderson Lecture Series, Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey.
“Art and music are such important pieces of Black culture and our stories, that I knew they needed to be a greater focus of our events,” Dr. Gilbert said. “It’s important when we are sharing and celebrating Black histories and herstories that we are sharing the whole picture. Having art and music included as a more intentional part of the series, helps us do that.”
In fact, following the 2024 February series, Lynn’s collection was on exhibit in June at the Reach Studio Art Center in Lansing. The collection is set to be installed in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Lynn’s artwork, created for the series, explores both Black culture and Black history using oil paint, watercolor and ink on various backgrounds, including vinyl records and cassette tapes.
During the February series, M.C. Lyte, an American rapper, D.J., actress and entrepreneur, shared her experiences in music and life with the audience, and then answered crowd questions. The 2024 series closing event, “Love Got me Over: Singing to Freedom Live Concert Recording,” at the Fairchild Theatre at MSU. The event, in collaboration with the MSU College of Music and the MSU Gospel Choir, led by Phoenix Miranda, Caleb Robinson and Rashun Watson, and included live band performances, storytelling and Black history.
“We hope when others experience this art, whether beautiful creations with paint and other materials, or the beautiful voices and song, they recognize this lecture series is not only a celebration of Black culture and our stories but is also about thriving Black futures,” Dr. Gilbert explained.
Dates for the February 2025 MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s William G. Anderson Lecture Series, Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey will be announced later. Stay tuned for what is next.
This story originally appeared on the College of Osteopathic Medicine website.