Southeast Missouri State University student publication

Annual Bridges event “GENerate EXchange” performed by mass media, performing arts students

Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Special guest Alexis J. Roston sings “Colored Women” from the musical “Memphis". As an artist, designer and writer, Roston said she was proud of the performances she watched.
Photo by Kyrie' Padberg

February is a time to celebrate Black History and Women's History. SEMO Holland College of Arts and Media (HCAM) faculty and students hosted this year’s “Bridges” showcase at 6 p.m. Feb. 13 in Rose Theatre.

The HCAM Diversity and Inclusion Committee has worked with students and faculty to create an event that illustrates the bridge between Black History Month and Women’s History Month.

This year’s Bridges theme was “GENerate EXchange” and included dance, song, poetry and visual aspects that correlated with the two celebrations.

Committee member and Instructor of theater and danceJosh Harvey describes this year's theme as a play on words.

”The [GENerate EXchange theme is the] idea that generations’ cohorts in conversation created different sorts of dynamics and conversations about specific issues,” Harvey said. “This event is dealing with race and issues of womanhood and how those things intersect.”

Musical theater major Romal Johnson performed a poem called “Hurricanes,” by Teddy Winters. The piece he performed includes references to the difficulties African Americas face in society with law enforcement.

“Honestly, Bridges to me, just means a safe place,” Johnson said. “I love that it’s raw material. I think the best art is raw material, that nice clean raw material that is truthful.”

Johnson plans to continue to spread the Bridges’ message by being an advocate not only by posting on social media but also by vocalizing the issues going on in the world around us.

Senior Holland College of Arts and Media student representative Cameron Cai hosted "Bridges" on Feb. 13. At this event, vulnerability was in the air. Even though Cai is keen to being on stage, he said he felt the vulnerability.
Photo by Kyrie' Padberg

Special guest Alexis J. Roston performed a song called “Colored Women” from the musical “Memphis”. She said she chose to sing this specific song because it shared a message of a young African American woman's path to success.

“Being an artist is not an easy gig; it is an industry where you put yourself out there for people every single day,” Roston said. “I just want to encourage everybody to push, keep being your amazing selves, and do whatever your heart is needing you to do.”

To learn more about the HCAM Diversity and Inclusion Committee and their resources for students, view their website.

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