The Finding Common Ground series presents thought-provoking topics at various times each semester during the academic year. Formats may range from panel discussions to live performances to film series. All include a chance for audience participation. Previous forum topics have included:
Policing in the 21st Century
Opened by Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Joan T. A. Gabel,
and Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, the forum was facilitated by students and featured
Henri Montieth Treadwell, one of the first African-American students to break the
barriers of segregation at USC as well as faculty members Geoffrey Alpert, Todd Shaw
and Seth Stoughton, and William 'Skip' Holbrook, chief of police for the City of Columbia.
Arts and A Movement
Assistant Professors Tanya Wideman-Davis and Thaddeus Davis performed an interpretive
dance to a popular poem by UofSC Professor Nikky Finney, as part of a celebration
of the fifth anniversary of Finney winning the National Book Award for her collection
of poems, Head Off and Split. The forum was held to create awareness about the ways that university community
members use their unique voices and talents to promote social change.
Movement of Jah People
Kwame Dawes, Ph.D., is the author of Bob Marley: Lyrical Genius, which is held out as the authoritative study of the lyrics of Bob Marley. Dawes
discussed Bob Marley's music and his cultural influence on politics and societies
within and beyond his home of Jamaica.
Celebrated Our Stories
Denise McGill, Saleem Reshamwala and Lauren Waring Douglas discussed their documentary
films, each telling the stories about communities in the Carolinas, our challenges
and commonalities.
Medical Bondage
Deirdre Cooper Owens, Ph.D., discussed her award winning book Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology, which addresses the history of medicine and enslaved women.
Implicit Bias: Choices and Decisions
Related Events
Another of our partners, the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning has created a calendar to help students find events related to their Graduation with Leadership Distinction pathway, including diversity and social advocacy. The Finding Common Ground series is just one of the many events students can participate in throughout the year.