Coming Back Together 2014
“Celebrate, Inspire, Empower!” Three simple, yet deeply meaningful words represent Coming Back Together (CBT) 2014. Now in it’s eleventh iteration, CBT is an opportunity for African American and Latino alumni to come back and reflect on their experiences here at Syracuse University. Slated for September 18th to 21st, the weekend is full of performances, workshops and sessions that will not only warm the hearts of those who attend, but will also seek to challenge both alumni and students of color to think deeper about their agency and ability to be impactful and meaningful contributors to the experience of students of color both on campus and beyond.
Beyond just re-kindling relationships and giving alumni and students an opportunity to connect, the weekend will have sessions focused on opportunities and new potential for growth for students and communities. Some of the engaging sessions for the weekend include: Charter Schools featuring Prof. Marcelle Haddix, Prof. Jeffrey Mangram, Bernadette Penceal, Sam Penceal, and Agyei Tyehimba, Carving through Borders: Discrimination, Immigration, and Citizenship moderated by Catherine Gerard, and the Fatherhood Panel.
Outside of sessions and programming, there are a plethora of exciting social events that promise to not only captivate the audience, but also showcase the talents of Syracuse University and the vivacious culture within the city. La Casita is hosting an art exhibition entitled, Balcón Criollo on the Friday evening. The art exhibition features work built by local carpenters and teens participating in La Casita programs. Balcón Criollo will showcase a gallery-wide installation of memorabilia, artwork, traditional music instruments, costumes, photos, devotional imagery, antiques and meaningful pieces from the homes or our residents, according to La Casita’s website.
Furthermore, students and alumni will showcase their talents in the “Syracuse University’s Got Talent Showcase, scheduled from 9 to 11 pm. The Showcase will feature differing variations of spoken word, dance, and artistic expression. CBT weekend will conclude with an exciting Syracuse Football game against the University of Maryland and a gospel concert by the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble (BCCE), the campus’s eldest and only gospel choir formed in the tradition of the Black church.
With all of these opportunities to reconnect and form relationships and connections, CBT 2014 promises to be an experience that will not only unite the campus community, but also provide the spaces for the critical conversations on progress and where we seek to go as communities of color in Syracuse.