BSC celebrates African-American culture and heritage

For Immediate Release
Jan. 31, 2018

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Lectures, a film screening, and a gala, are among the variety of special events planned throughout February to engage the campus and community as Birmingham-Southern College observes Black History Month.

The events are sponsored by the college’s Cross Cultural Committee; most are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Erica Brown, BSC’s director of multicultural affairs, at (205) 226-4733.

Highlights include:

A talk, “Success vs. Significance,” and discussion with Amir Windom, Grammy Award-winning record executive, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 7, Norton Center’s Bruno Great Hall.

Windom, a resident of Atlanta, is regarded as one of the top entertainment executives and creative minds of his generation. He has worked at historic record labels and assisted in developing and managing the careers of some of today’s biggest stars, including the band Fun, Bruno Mars, T.I., Lupe Fiasco, Madonna, B.o.B, Trey Songz, and Kanye West. Windom has worked on numerous Grammy Award-winning albums that have earned gold and or platinum status.

As a television and film music supervisor, he has helped create music, scores, and creative strategies for major film companies such as Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, LionsGate Films; TV shows such as BET’s “Being Mary Jane,” SYFY’s “ALPHAS,” and HBO’s “Entourage;” movies such as Collateral Beauty, Despicable Me 2, Act Like a Lady Think Like a Man, Why Did I Get Married 2, TAKERS, Bad Dad Rehab, SWAT 2, and Stomp the Yard. He has also assisted in the creation of global marketing campaigns for bands such as Coca-Cola, Kodak, Adidas, and ESPN.

Windom also works closely with several organizations such as Operation Smile, Grammy Foundation, 100 Black Men of America Inc., and the Boys and Girl Scouts Club of America. He’s been a featured speaker around the globe on numerous tours and conferences including the Operation Smile Global Conference in Ireland, South Africa Music and Entertainment Symposium, Empower Me Tour, Radio One Music Summit, Steve Harvey’s Mentoring Summit, and Grammy Foundation. He has also spoken at various colleges and universities including Harvard University, Howard University, and New York University.

A talk, “The Adventures of a Wannabe Mogul,” and Q&A with Maacah Davis, visual storyteller, 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 15, Norton Theatre.

Davis is a visual storyteller who runs belladonna magazine, the first African-American woman-owned print fashion publication to hit U.S. markets in years. Born in Cameroon and raised between three West African countries, she is a global nomad who is committed to connecting creatives to the resources they need to be successful. When Davis is not running Birmingham’s first fashion magazine, she’s constantly trying to do new things that excite her, like acrobatic yoga. She hosts #MaacahEats, a “food with friends” series that challenges local chefs to make interesting meals that can’t be found on menus in the city. While Davis has yet to commit to official blogging, you can find her telling stories on Instagram as @themanicpixieblackgirl. She believes in Birmingham’s potential, and she exists to make beautiful things with beautiful people.

A talk, “Ain’t I Human?: Trans in White America,” and Q&A with Dezjorn Gauthier, 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 20, Norton Theatre.

Gauthier resides in Muskego, Wis. He started modeling at just six months old for top children's brands around the nation and winning national titles. He began his physical transition April 2014; shortly after he was cast in the well-known Barneys New York campaign, which featured 17 transgender models. With international coverage, Dezjorn has been featured in many articles and celebrity shoots, all while attending school. He graduated from Marquette University in 2013 with a degree in criminology, law studies and sociology. Dezjorn also holds a paralegal diploma, and attends Washington University School of Law. He now is managed by the world’s first transgender-specific agency; Transcendence Icon Co. in New York City. Aside from modeling and furthering his education, Dezjorn started his own clothing business, “I am here, I am he LLC” to effectively bring awareness to the transgender community with special focus on transmales and transmen of color through education, empowerment, and inspiration. His business hosts an annual surgery fund, laptop scholarship, FTM essentials donation program, and mentoring.

(Open to campus community only)

Black History Month Gala, 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 23, Norton Center’s Bruno Great Hall.

The gala has become an annual tradition at BSC. This year’s theme is “Black Hollywood.” Guests are asked to style their formal attire after an iconic African-American red carpet look. These looks can range from a large selection of styles and be inspired from the Met Gala red carpet to the BET Awards and Oscars. There will be several guest performances, an award ceremony, and an after-party. The dress attire is formal/semi-formal.

Cost:

$10 per student
$20 for BSC alumni (by invitation only)