There is undeniable symbolism in the use of a roundtable and for the members of REDEFINE, that attached meaning was intentional and very purposeful.
“We immediately recognized the message we were sending in naming our dialogue series, ‘REDEFINE Roundtable.’ At a roundtable, there is no head position and all parts are equal, with an equal voice and position at the table,” Rori E. Herbison, Director of University Relations and REDEFINE member, explained. “It seemed to embody everything this group is working to be and hoping to be.”
A community group established through volunteerism, REDEFINE is dedicated to creating harmonized communities through embracing cooperative relationships, acknowledging similarities and differences, celebrating those similarities and differences, recognizing one’s gift(s), honoring self-expression and appreciating individualized perspectives.
The group firmly believes in the promotion of understanding and respect across diverse populations and champions for engagement and application. REDEFINE is currently working to provide dialogue, education, advocacy and awareness in safe, trusting environments.
The first of these scheduled dialogues will debut Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 3:30 p.m. in the east lobby of the H.L. Union on the Delta State campus. Entitled “REDEFINE Roundtable: Delta Communities and the Arts,” the panel will feature four leaders in the arts education field – Alphonso Sanders, Chair of Fine Arts and Director of the B.B. King Recording Studio at Mississippi Valley State University; Lenagene Waldrup, Delta Arts Alliance; Malcolm White, Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC); and Diane Williams, Arts Industry Program Director/ADA Coordinator at MAC.
David Dallas, Executive Director of the Bologna Performing Arts Center and REDEFINE member, will serve as the moderator for the panel. The panelist will respond to several questions prepared by the REDEFINE committee, ranging from, “What strategies for programming do you believe might help arts education institutions and programming venues bring more diverse audiences together?” to “What are the benefits in having diverse audiences share in arts and culture programming together?”
Following the question and answer period, the floor will then be open to the audience. The program is not anticipated to go past an hour and a half.
The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
REDEFINE’s next panel discussion is planned for January. Topic possibilities include Health Care, Housing or Education.
For more information on REDEFINE or to become involved, please call the Office of University Relations at (662) 846-4675.
