damali ayo will be a Unit One/Allen Hall Guest-in-Residence on Sept. 11–15.
Ayo is an artist, author, performer, and speaker who believes that “art should make you think and feel; it doesn’t have to match your couch.” Her books, art, lectures, and workshops have tackled one of our culture’s toughest topics — race — and have made it manageable and fun.
Her first book, How to Rent a Negro, was acclaimed as “one of the most trenchant and amusing commentaries on contemporary race relations.” It was granted a 2005 Honorable Mention in the Outstanding Book Awards from the Gustavus Meyers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights.
All programs are open to the public and take place in the South Rec Room of Allen Hall unless noted otherwise.
Sunday, September 11
7:00 p.m. — Ten things I learned at the Obamas’ daughters’ school
9:00 p.m. — Tea Time: 9/11 anniversary discussion of peace, war, and violence (in the guest apartment, bring your own mug)
Monday, September 12
7:00 p.m. — Writing Workshop: What did She Just Say?: Turn your stories into your message
9:00 p.m. — Tea Time: Story Time — Bring your favorite story to tell or read (in the guest apartment, bring your own mug)
Tuesday, September 13
Yoga: Learn to Breathe Again
Please bring a yoga mat if you have one, wear comfortable clothes.
7:00–8:00 p.m. — Beginner Class
8:00–9:00 p.m. — Level 2 Class
9:00 p.m. — Tea Time: a discussion of faith and spirituality (in the guest apartment, bring your own mug)
Wednesday, September 14, Women’s Resources Center
Noon — Can We Fix It? A Lunch Conversation on Systemic Racism
8:00 p.m. — You Can Fix Racism!
10:00 p.m. — Dip it w/ damali: how can we fix racism in our communities? (in the guest apartment, dips will be served! Bring your own mug)
Thursday, September 15
7:00 p.m. — Putting Stuff Together: Assemblage Art Workshop
Prepare for this workshop by picking up any interesting objects you find around campus, in your life, or on the street. Bring them with you!
9:00 p.m. — Tea Time: last night to hang out with damali. Bring your questions, thoughts, concerns, problems that need fixing, personal lives, etc. Anything and everything is allowed, and anything can happen. (in the guest apartment, bring your own mug)
For detailed information about all of the workshops, please go here.