Semester 2

Arts TRYathlon #1: Black Student Union A "Love Jones" Showing

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Monday, February 10, 2025

Black Student Union, Hoff Theater, Black Love in the 90s: A "Love Jones" Showing

#film #music #poetry #blackhistorymonth #90s #blacklove

When I heard the University of Maryland’s Black Student Union was hosting a free showing of Theodore Witcher’s 1997 film Love Jones, starring Nia Long and Larenz Tate, I was beyond excited. I had already seen the film many times before, but experiencing it on the big screen was an opportunity I could not miss. As a Film major and individual passionate about African American culture and representation on screen, there is nothing I love more than the portrayal of black culture, community, and language in this film. From the introduction of everyday individuals on the streets of Chicago, whose faces are natural and real to Nina and Darius's dreamy date in the club. Love Jones captures a raw, and authentic portrayal of life. The story follows Nina Mosley, a young aspiring photographer in Chicago who has just broken up with her long-time fiance. She takes time to experience life on her own for the first time in a long time. However, when she comes across young writer, Darius Lovehall, her whole world is turned upside down, and she begins to experience love and heartache again. The film showcases a picture of romance, betrayal, and complex emotions amid the dreamy and creative scene that is Chicago. Though Love Jones portrays black love as a journey filled with struggle and complexity, it shows how love is not something that occurs for only a second. It requires individuals to work on themselves and their relationships together. The film beautifully captures how love can turn one's world upside down and showcases how where there is beauty there is pain.

Arts TRYathlon #2: Open Ended Narratives Exhibit

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Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Stamp Student Union, Open-Ended Narratives by Schroeder Cherry

#art #visualart #politicsinart

As a lover of art, whenever I enter a museum or curation, I find peace and connection in a place where culture, expression, and individuality are celebrated. In Arts Scholars, we learn to appreciate culture in art and how art offers a lens to examine cultural narratives and individual stories. It is significant in broadening perspectives to explore the stories black artists share about their lives, their culture, and their communities. On March 11, 2025, I went to Schroeder Cherry’s Opened-Ended Narratives in the Stamp Student Union, and I was face to face with powerful, expressive, and political depictions of African American youth and culture. The exhibit portrayed themes of resilience, coming of age, and political engagement with the “Future voters” symbol, captured through the faces and experiences of African Americans. The experience resonated deeply with me, as the subjects remind me of the familiar faces I see on the streets, on the bus, and in the barbershop of Baltimore City. The idea of the open-ended narratives explores a broader perspective on African American life, through different mediums of youth, resilience, adulthood/ coming of age, and religion– showing art as a medium for social and political expression. The arts are a significant way for Black artists to share the stories of their communities and their individuality. This exhibit was thoughtful and provided a platform to explore how art shapes cultural narratives and highlights societal issues.

Arts TRYathlon #3: Peer Mentor Zoom Chat

Event Logistics

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Arts Scholars Peer Discussion | Zoom Meeting

#presentation #communication

Communication, for me, has always been one of the most vital ways to express the ways I feel. I cherish the moments when I have the opportunity to communicate with my peers, and we have the chance to discuss situations, experiences, and learning together on a deeper level. For my Arts Tryatholn, I met with my peers, and art scholars mentors to reflect on the spring semester so far, and discuss the paths we are looking forward to taking in the future. We discussed the capstone projects, our workshops, our current classes and future classes, prospective majors, and student involvement. I learned new ways to reflect and understand my current predicament, feeling overwhelmed, and unsure about my future career path. It was refreshing to know, I am not alone. I am not alone in how my future in Arts scholars looks, and I am not alone in the way my career-oriented classes are going. It was heartfelt to feel heard and understood in an environment of my peers, receive advice, and discuss the stress we feel in an open environment without judgment. As a film major, passionate about humanities, understanding, communication, and advocacy- hearing from my peers about similar issues, ideals, and prospective projects, it was refreshing to know how manageable and exciting college and social life will become in the future. It is significant to hear the opinions of others and get the opportunity to share how I feel with others in the same predicament as I do. I am grateful for the community Arts scholars have given me, and I am looking forward to continuing to strengthen the connection and communication I have with my peers.

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