MT Storytellers Returns with a Bang

By Alexia S. Thompson

MUFREESBORO, Tenn.- A night of talent returned to the campus of Middle Tennessee State University at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 for the first time since 2012, resulting in a large turnout.

Hosted by Corey Franklin and Darrell Martin, an event by the name of MT Storytellers gave artists a chance to showcase their craft and share background behind the pieces they performed. The event was coordinated by two popular organizations on campus: First Flight Entertainment, a party promoting group, and Collegiate 100, an organization that works to help grow the population of black males on campus.

MT Storytellers was inspired by a television program with a similar name, VH1 Storytellers, which was also created to connect viewers with popular singers and songwriters as the artists play their music and tell the stories behind their greatest songs and albums. Each episode goes behind the scenes with a single artist or group and features intimate musical performances and the first-hand stories behind the hits.

The event brought out students, parents and a few local members of the Murfreesboro community. The turnout was so great that the room became quickly overcrowded, and many were left standing.

“MT Storytellers was brought back from 2012 because it was a flourishing event” said Demarcus Williams, member of Collegiate 100, “If you missed it you missed one of the most exciting events of the year. The crowd heard many artists share their stories and values.”

"Emotions are the absolute biggest driving force of my writing,” said Brittany Spencer, a singer who performed a couple of her written pieces. “My experiences inspire my writing the most."

Other performances included, rappers that go by the names Evan Dupri, Douglas, and D Mauz, a singer by the stage name Vann, as well as a poet that goes by the name Angel. Before the artists went on, there was a short video played that talked about who they were and what inspired them to begin writing and sharing their craft. 

 "I really liked it,” said freshman student Britnie Harding, when asked what she thought of the event.  “I love how they shared their stories by using their talents."

To learn more about the organizations, you can visit https://www.facebook.com/Collegiate-100-Black-Men-of-Middle-Tennessee-State-University-209911449041526/?fref=nf and https://twitter.com/1stflightent.

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Murfreesboro Children’s Museum Holds Annual Culture Week

By Wesley McClain

MURFREESBORO Tenn.—The Discovery Center of Murfree Spring held its annual International Education Week to create cultural awareness the week Nov. 15- 19, 2015.

The Discovery Center of Murfree Spring is a hands-on children’s museum located on Southeast Broad Street in Murfreesboro, Tennessee Caitlyn Brown, who is the public programs coordinator, was the event coordinator for the week and handled setting up the event.

“This event is held every year in order to educate our guests about different cultures by displaying different aspects of culture such as food, music, art and dance,” said Brown.

            At least 30 families from various areas of Middle Tenn. attended each event of the week to enjoy the activities held by the staff and volunteers. 

Children enjoying music with the Discovery Center staff. (Photo provided by explorethedc.org)

The International Education Week included a Latin-based dance performance by the National Dance Club of Murfreesboro, which included the Samba, Merengue and the Waltz.

“It’s very nice to be able to participate in an event such as this and be able to show some of our dance skills to the kids,” said Vincent Ballard II, who is a performer with the National Dance Club of Murfreesboro. 

A Discovery Center staff member teaching the kids about wildlife. (Photo provided by explorethedc.org)

Caitlyn Brown and the other members of the Discovery Center staff hope to continue to educate the public through its fun programs and entertainment such as this event.

For more information about the Discovery Center of Murfree Springs and its calendar events, visit their website at www.explorethedc.org.

Cancer is Unmasked at Sarratt Art Gallery

 by Anna Ketron

            NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Cancer was unmasked in the Sarratt Art Gallery at Vanderbilt University from Oct. 30 through Nov. 21, where local artists shared their cancer stories through colorful masks.

            Sara Bickell, Cindy Young, Teresa Gray, Diane Sesler and Jennifer Wilkins were the local artists who showcased their creations in the “Courage Unmasked” exhibit.  These women are all local artists who have suffered from cancer in one way or the other.  The women thought of themselves, or their loved ones fighting cancer, as soldiers and wanted to show their strength through their masks.

“I am a warrior,” said Wilkins.  “We all fight battles whether internally, externally or both times simultaneously.  This collection of masks represents a variety of warriors.”

Photos provided by Facebook Courage Unmasked TN

            The masks represented cancer’s pain and struggle, but they also represented the fight to live and the will to keep going.

             “The masks were originally hospital masks the patients had to wear,” said Sarratt Center Administrative Assistant Annetta Picket.

            All of the masks were transformed into bold symbols.  The masks included a full rhinestone face and neck of a colorful toucan, a lion with skin made of Bible verses, and even one completely made of flowers and vines.  All of  these masks represented freedom, hope and courage.

The exhibit and the event’s website had sections designated towards donations for research. The website, http://www.courageunmaskedtn.org/, gave everyone the chance to participate and help out by donating money.  The site did not specify how much money was raised.   

“Courage Unmasked” supported research and promoted awareness of head and neck cancer in the Nashville area. The event was a collaborative effort with the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center here in Nashville.