For more information, contact Cindy Young, (937) 775-3232.

January 28, 2000

WILLIS "BING" DAVIS FIRST VISITING SCHOLAR
IN WSU AFRICAN AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES PROGRAM

Wright State welcomes Davis as its first visiting scholar in African and African American Studies. A nationally renowned Dayton artist and educator, Davis brings to the one-year-old, interdisciplinary program a wealth of knowledge about Africa's social and aesthetic traditions. In his art, Davis connects the spirituality, rituals and rites of passage he witnessed in 10 pilgrimages to Africa to the urban experiences of African Americans.

"We brought Bing here because we think we have a major scholar in him. His presence enriches our African and African American Studies program in a way that no one else can," said Paul Griffin, Ph.D., director of the program.

During the winter and spring quarters, Davis will advise and instruct students in art and art history classes. Students will also have a unique opportunity to study his artistic process as he creates masks, paintings, drawings and sculpture.

"I am excited about inaugurating the program. It gives me an opportunity to share my research and my art with students," said Davis. "Already students have been able to integrate this subject material with the other classes that comprise the program."

The African and African American Studies curriculum draws from courses ranging from history, sociology and economics to religion, literature and the visual and performing arts. Students in the program gain a diverse perspective in the study of African and African American humanity, heritage and contributions to world civilization.

"The continent of Africa is taking a significant role in the world community, especially in natural resources. But the rest of the world is only now becoming aware of the rich culture and ancestry of the peoples of Africa," said Davis, who will represent Ohio at the United States' first National Summit on Africa in Washington in February. "Wright State is affording its students the opportunity to develop a global view at a time when society is becoming increasingly multicultural."