Frida in Focus
University of Cincinnati Professor Emeritus Edward Silberstein enjoys a special connection to Kahlo through his father, the renowned photographer Bernard G. Silberstein . Over a three-day period in December of 1940. Silberstein photographed Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera. Edward Silberstein shared eight of his father’s photos for the “Frida in Focus” exhibit. Alongside Bernard G. Silberstein’s photos, the exhibit also featured 10 monographs that had published a selection of his portraits of Kahlo.
This marvelous opportunity was the result of the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, under the leadership of Professor and Chair Carlos Gutierrez, working with the Taft Research Center, the UC Office of the Provost, the Office of the Vice President of Research, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences
The Griffin Warrior of Pylos
Classics Faculty Jack David and Sharon Stocker attracted a staggering crowd to the Center to hear about their discovery of the ancient tomb of the Griffin Warrior from Pylos, Greece. Hailed in The New York Times as potentially being a “gateway to civilizations” and described as one of the most important Grecian digs within the last century, it is unsurprising that this event drew a packed house at Taft. Davis is the Carl W. Blegen Professor of Greek Archaeology and Stocker is a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Classics. Their discovery has shed light on how Minoan culture influenced the Mycenaeans.
Conversations in Classics: Culture as Casualty
Assistant Professor Marion Kruse, of the Classics Department, described ISIS’ destruction of the Syrian site of Palmyra. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it had been one of the best-preserved ruins of the ancient, Roman trading post. He showed how modern warfare destroyed history’s creations. Associate Professor Sarah Jackson from the Department of Anthropology, discussed how sacred monuments, built for one function, can be later utilized by others for different purposes. For instance, Mayans built temples to honor their gods, and today, people from across the world, journey to these same temples for spiritual exercises; whilst others use the site as a backdrop for political protest. Professor HOLLY MCGEE spoke of the South African government’s forced relocation of Sophiatown’s black residents to make way for white settlers. Sophiatown was once, a thriving cultural hub just outside of Johannesburg. The country’s government destroyed this city’s rich, Black culture with its relocation policy.
The US Presidency and Our Common Future
The national Presidential election and President Donald Trump’s inauguration was contentious and divisive. It raised many issues concerning the future of religious freedom, the makeup of the Supreme Court, the state of US democracy, an inclusive US society, economic and environmental wellbeing, gender equality, and race relations. In this context, humanities research and scholarship provides an important platform to discuss, debate, and tackle the difficult topics plaguing a nation. As such, the Taft Research Center saw this as an opportunity to bring together different constituencies from across campus and the broader community to share their thoughts and concerns with the general public. The Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice, and the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences co-sponsored the event.
January 24: Religious Diversity, Race Relations, and Immigration
Shakila Ahmad, the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati President
Ervin Matthew, from the Department of Sociology
Carlos Gutierrez, Chair of the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures
January 31: US Economy, Environment, and Gender Relations
Debashis Pal, Chair of the Department of Economics
Adrian Parr, UNESCO Water Chair and Taft Research Center Director
Amy Lind, Mary Ellen Heintz Professor and Chair of the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
February 7: Democracy, Freedom of the Press, and the future of the US Supreme Court
Laura Jenkins, interim Chair of the Department of Political Science
Jeff Blevins, Chair of the Department of Journalism
Verna William, interim Dean of UC College of Law
BEN SOLOMON
Continuing the goal of deepening and expanding humanities based educational opportunities for the Cincinnati community, the Center worked with the University of Cincinnati Master of Public Health program and its Gamma Rho student chapter of the Delta Omega Public Health Honorary Society, the Department of Environmental Health, and the Graduate Student Governance Association to celebrate National Public Health Week. The focus was “Refugee Health.” Journalist Ben Solomon, of The New York Times, was part of a Pulitzer-winning team that covered many of the sobering and vivid stories on Ebola in Africa. Since 2011, Solomon has reported from more than 20 countries, including Tunisia, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Syria. Not only did Solomon share his experiences of the Ebola outbreak, but he also spoke about his recent reporting in the wartorn Middle East. More specifically, he described the myriad challenges Syrian refugees face.
Louder Than A Bomb
Louder Than A Bomb is a Spoken Word contest where teenagers can voice their opinions, hopes, dreams, and fears. Through this event, teenagers are provided with an incredible opportunity to have their voices heard. The event is politically charged, emotionally moving, and artistically captivating. The Finals occurred on April 8 at the School for Creative and Performing Arts.
Lena Alpern of Walnut Hills High School took home first prize in the individual’s category; Miah Harvey of DePaul Cristo Rey took second prize; and Noelle O’Neal of Seven Hills took third place. In the team category, DePaul Cristo Rey High School took first place, Walnut Hills High School took second place, and Elementz won third place.
LTABcincy is sponsored by the Kroger Corporation, the Goldsmith Family, the Taft Research Center, the UC Office of Equity and Inclusion, and the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences. It is the result of a lively collaboration between Taft, Elementz, Cincinnati Public Schools, Seven Hills High School, and DePaul Cristo Rey High School.