Philosophy 444 (#PHI444)

This is my second semester teaching Philosophy 444 (I Cram to Understand: Hip Hop, Sex, Gender and Ethical Behavior). It came out of discussions with MC Lyte and she was the co-instructor last term. I was only going to teach the class once a year but there was still interest so I am continuing it this semester. This is a flipped class, where most lectures, videos, etc. are viewed before class and then we have the time in class to work through issues and have rich discussions.

Skype has been an important tool. I have been able to have some great guests, including public intellectuals Michael Eric Dyson and James Peterson, Industry Ears founder Lisa Fager, and pastor of Impact Church in Atlanta, Rev. Olu Brown. Above, Attorney Deanne Arthur in San Diego spoke to us about a case where her client (Tiny Doo) is being tried on conspiracy charges for rapping about gang life. They are trying to tie him to some murders even though his lyrics are not about any specific crimes. This case has been covered by national media including CNN, so it was a coup to get her for class.

This past week journalist Rajul Punjabi stopped by to discuss issues including cultural appropriation. I was in New York for the UNCF meeting so I had to Skype in, which was cool because I could still hear her presentation and engage the class as well. There are just so many more options with technology these days.

I am looking forward to the rest of the semester. Killer Mike is coming to visit March 25th, hip hop industry exec Shanti Das will be here April 1st, and hopefully I can get a surprise guest in soon (hopefully this week!)

So I think I will teach the class every semester now. It is extra work, but it has been a great way to interact with students I might not normally meet. I have 17 this semester but going up to 24 in the fall. That might be the ceiling for enrollment.

Follow the class on Twitter using the hashtag #PHI444.


The Prez

Arthur J. Winfield '70

It is hard finding a picture of someone who often has a camera in his hands. But this picture was taken on my birthday last year with the staff development committee. On the far left is Mr. Arthur Winfield whose funeral was held Saturday at Dillard. I would guess that over 600 people attended, and as many say, if you live your eulogy every day, you will see this kind of outpouring of love and support at your service of celebration.

Mr. Winfield always had a camera available to take photos. It really was a symbol that he was a servant leader- he didn't have to be in front at all, but working behind the scenes to make things happen. I learned yesterday that he served as the undergraduate advisor for our Kappa Alpha Psi chapter for over 15 years, and that his line brother is former NBA champion George Johnson (6'11" tall), so they were the bookends of their line in the late 1960s.

Some people you can just say are "good people." You never hear any bad words spoken about them, and they are always positive. That's how I would describe Mr. Winfield - good people. He lived his life in a manner that many of us should emulate.

And it starts with understanding that we need not be in front of the camera all of the time. Sometimes we need to get behind it so we can help others see what they might not normally see. Because being behind the camera can give you great perspective.

Here's to a great son of Dillard, Arthur James Winfield.

The Prez