Housatonic Community College Announces One Book, One College Events

Housatonic Community College (HCC) is proud to announce a series of events associated with the third annual HCC One Book, One College program. The book, Never Look An American In the Eye: A Memoir of Flying Turtles, Colonial Ghosts, and the Making of a Nigerian American, is by Connecticut author and past Connecticut Book Award winner, Okey Ndibe, and details his transition into becoming an African-American from Nigeria.

“We are thrilled to offer an incredible line-up of events relating to the topics explored in this book. All events are free and open to the public with free parking,” said Jennifer Lutris, HCC Librarian. “Additionally, HCC is offering a book-a-day-giveaway, with daily drawings prior to the author’s visit on March 28th. All are welcome to enter, just visit the library, located on the HCC Campus at 900 Lafayette Blvd., in Bridgeport.”

The One Book, One College events are as follows:

Start Here, Go Further: Using Community Colleges to Springboard into Your Ideal Life

A Panel discussion on March 25, at 12:30pm in the Beacon Hall Events Center. In his memoir, Okey Ndibe discusses his experiences in higher education and the value it brought to his life and career. At this event, HCC staff and faculty panelists share their personal education and life stories, and students will share their visions for their best future lives.

Live Painting

Visual Artist Antony Zito will work with HCC art students in a “Live Painting” event, in which participants will paint spontaneously from the theme of Immigration and the individual pieces will be assembled into a single, larger artistic piece. March 25, at 5pm in the Lafayette Hall Performing Arts Center.

Globalization of Immigration

Lecture by Saulo Colon, Assistant Professor of Sociology at HCC. March 26, at 12:30pm in Beacon Hall Events Center.

InterACTive Poetry

Poet Mark Sheridan will work with participants to create a spontaneously created, interactive poem inspired by the theme of Immigration. March 26, at 11am in the Lafayette Hall Performing Arts Center.

Aullo performance

A solo performance by poet Antonio Lopez of his original poem “Aullo” (translation: a cry of horror or distress; howl), giving a very human perspective on Immigration. March 26, at 2pm in the Lafayette Hall Performing Arts Center.

What’s Up, Doc? Trickster Folklore Around the World

Lecture by Hamish Lutris, Associate Professor of History at Capital Community College on March 27, at 5:30pm in Beacon Hall Events Center. The talk will center on one of the most universal and beloved characters in literature, the Trickster. From Coyote to Loki to Mbeku to Bugs Bunny and Old Scratch, the trickster has been a mainstay of spoken and written mythology since people first gathered to listen, learn, and be entertained.

Writers’ Q & A with author, Okey Ndibe

On March 28th at 11:00am in Beacon Hall 271, Ndibe will meet with those interested in writing to discuss the writing and publication process.

Author Talk and Book Signing with Okey Ndibe

In this feature event on March 28th at 12:30pm in Beacon Hall Events Center, Okey Ndibe will read from and discuss his memoir, Never Look an American in the Eye. There will also be time for Q & A from the audience as well as a book signing.

Reception with Okey Ndibe and the interACTion symposium

A closing reception on March 28th at 5:30pm in the Lafayette Hall Performing Arts Center Lobby. Mix and mingle with Okey Ndibe as well as the One Book, One College community and the interACTion symposium. Enjoy refreshments and a Broadway Beyond Borders concert, featuring HCC Theater Arts Alum and professional actor (TV’s Blindspot) performing songs from Broadway shows that focus on the theme of Immigration.

Ndibe earned a MFA and PhD from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and has since taught at numerous colleges across Massachusetts and Connecticut. His opinion pieces have been published by numerous publications, including The New York Times, BBC online, Al Jazeera online, Financial Times, Fabian Society Journal, and the (Nigerian) Daily Sun, where his widely syndicated weekly column appears.

Never Look An American In the Eye details Ndibe’s move from Nigeria to America, where he wrote for the iconic African Commentary magazine. The book chronicles his transition into becoming an African-American, his relationships with his fellow writers including the legendary Chinua Achebe, and how he settled into American life.

“These programs focus on important human themes, including loss, identity, resiliency and transformation,” said Dr. Paul Broadie, President of Housatonic Community College. “We are grateful to Connecticut Humanities for generously supporting the One Book, One College program.”

Housatonic Community College (HCC) was awarded a $2,975 grant by Connecticut Humanities to support the College’s 3rd Annual One Book, One College program. The program is comprised of a shared read experience and associated programming designed to promote discussion and a deeper understanding issues we’re facing today. The initiative connects the HCC community with residents of the greater Bridgeport area through engaging conversations.

For additional details, visit http://www.housatonic.edu/student-services/library/one-book-one-college.

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Submitted by Milford, CT

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