LCC's Malcolm X Symposium a big hit

By Abby Cowels
Staff Writer

The Malcolm X Symposium at LCC, held Monday, Feb. 26 in the Gannon Building, was a huge success.

Families and individuals gathered together to reflect on history through performance and celebrate culture through art. It was a very powerful and engaging experience. After all, art in all of its forms should evoke feeling in response.

The talented Kuungana African Drum and Dance Studio opened up the evening with a performance of traditional beats and sounds. Accompanied by the Worship Without Words dance group, they gave a striking display of ancient African movement.

“The Malcolm X Symposium has been influencing cultural expression for the last 15 years,” said Annescia Dillard, co-chair of the Black History Awareness Committee. “Dr. Willie Davis is the pillar to this success, and we are so excited to have this back in person and see so many contributing artists to this year’s theme: ‘Expressions of African Americans in the Arts.’”

After a short speech on the “why” around the symposium from Dr. Davis, poet Kamiki Ayo read one of her recent pieces, written for the symposium. She breathes through her art; the fluid emotion expressed was incredibly moving.

“I see everything as oneness,” Ayo said. “I believe art is the source of all, the mother, and I think everything around us is art. I am here to evoke a crowd, share my poetry, to recall what is really valuable.

“I value all the sisters and brothers. Bring all hues, all colors together, it creates Black. We are here to bring unification. Art unifies. Art supports life.”

The impetus of the symposium was to bring people together in allyship and celebrate each other. Every artist engaged energetically with the audience.

Dr. Leola Taylor and Dr. Maxine Caine gave potent performances. The reenactments were in respect of two of the most influential abolitionist mothers, Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth.

“Art reflects real life, life imitates art,” said Chill the Domakken, a prolific poet. “Black people on plantations had to hide their creative side. Now they have a free voice, and can freely express their creativity and culture in an open and empowering way.”

Malcolm X was assassinated on Feb. 21 1965, but his motivations and beliefs on what equality and freedom look like are very much alive. His visions inspired this event, and also inspired Dr. Willie Davis’ vision. Now, Lansing is home to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz Academy and Pamoja-Na-Shule (Saturday School) for neighborhood children.