TUESDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2020
Black Student Union assembles culture expo
African-American students celebrate Black History Month in style HELLEN AKINYI STAFF WRITER Students from the Black Student Union helped put out The Culture Expo this past weekend. The event was one of the few planned to mark the celebration of the Black History Month by showcasing different enterprises around Mankato that are owned by black people. They kicked off the event by having “Mirror Images” on stage, which is one of the black owned businesses that came to showcase their brand. Michael Osei, a senior and the host of the event , said, “I feel like it is important to have this showcase for all the black owned businesses, since we don’t get to have events like these where they showcase black culture and give blackowned businesses a platform to show us what they can do.” The business panel stood out for so many people in the room because of who was in
Students model the Rocky Klothing fashion line directed by Tyrin Robinson at the For the Culture Expo at the Centennial Student Union Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 in Mankato, Minn. (Lara Peterson/MSU Reporter)
it. They also had artists and fashion designers who showcased different types of entrepreneurs. They had each person tell their journey, how they got inspired and how their journey has been so far. Each entrepreneur had a booth set which allowed everyone to get to know their
brands and its history. Tyrin Robinson, owner of Rocky Klothing, said, “If you want something, claim it.” “I am a self-proclaimed millionaire and my business is worth that and much more. Anything I touch turns into gold, literally,” said Robinson. The different events orga-
Students get philosophy lesson KIERAN KUEHN STAFF WRITER A philosophical colloquium was held at Minnesota State University, Mankato Thursday, Feb. 6. Roughly 40 faculty and students attended this event. The topic of this colloquium was on the philosophy and science of the early modern period. This period took place within the 16th, through the 18th century. However, the key focus of this is that of American pragmatism, which came into being in the latter half of the 19th century. A variety of philosophers’ teachings were discussed with iconic figures within the teachings of pragmatism such as William James, John Dewey, Jane Addams, Alaine Locke, with special attention being given to the works and life of Irish philosopher George Berkley who lived on
Rhode Island for three years, and his correspondence with Samuel Johnson who both paved the way for early American identity, fermented revolutionary fervor, and inspired the future of pragmatic philosophies in the United States. The event kicked off with the keystone speaker Dr. Geoffrey Gorham -chair and professor of philosophical history, metaphysics, and American philosophy at Macalester College- speaking to the audience for about the history, merits, and philosophical ideas of George Berkley. Discussion soon followed wherein both faculty and students had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss in-depth the topics covered. When asked why students should care about philosophies and which philosophy the average individual should study, Dr. Gorham
said, “One should focus on American Philosophy, especially the pragmatism of James, Dewey, Addams, A. Locke, etc. is immediately accessible to any American (native, or immigrant like me). But then one should consider the roots of pragmatism in various sources going back 200+ years, including African American, Native American and colonialism.” In addition, when asked about the role of students, college experiences, and their individual futures, Dr. Gorham said, “At college, students should take the opportunity to pursue their intellectual interests and explore otherwise, Students should not get sucked into the lie that a college education is ‘vocational’. You should be aiming to change the world, and yourself, not conform to existing conventions.”
nized between the talks, like the fashion show and the artist performances, made the audience feel empowered. “This showcase is one of the few things I always look forward to every year, because as a young black man getting a chance to see other young black people winning
just proves to me that I can definitely achieve anything I set my mind into,” said Osei. “BSU meets every other Tuesday in the Heritage Room, which is CSU 101,” said Osei, reminding that everyone is welcome to join.
MNSU writing club looking for new members CAITA PIERSON STAFF WRITER Once known as Writers of the World, the newly branded Maverick Writers is Minnesota State University, Mankato’s premiere writing club. Maverick Writers club president, Elle Thoelke, praised the club in recent interview. “The main goal is to have a space for writers on campus to be with fellow writers and to have a place to express their difficulties with writing and to build each other up,” said Thoelke. Thoelke is a senior creative writing major with a passion for creating stories. This is her first year as president of the club and she has been working the last couple of weeks in preparation for the first club meeting. “We’re hoping for 15 to 30 members,” said Thoelke. “I feel like that would be a great
group of people, a nice community, on the campus” The meetings, which will be held in the CSU 202, will be comprised of five-minute free write warmups, writing discussions, and potentially English professors to guest speak about their experiences with writing and publishing. There are no requirements to be in the club except “the desire to write.” To officially join, one must only attend a meeting. The first meeting is this next Tuesday in CSU 202. Future meetings will be held in this room until further notice. Thoelke specified for students to “feel free to come to any of the meeting and you will be welcomed with open arms.”
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