WSCC Presents The Human Kind Series

This semester, West Shore Community College’s Humankind Series is continuing its exploration of the parallels between Sub-Saharan Africa and Western Michigan and will focus on farming and agriculture, health, arts, and culture.

WSCC is sponsoring the Humankind Series to examine different regions of the world. With speakers and exhibits, music and movies, the college and its guests are exploring Sub-Saharan Africa and science this academic year; the Middle East and home, culture, and conflict in fall 2018; and Cuba and the Caribbean and how politics affect the ways people live, work, and learn in fall 2019.

Here are the remaining events in the series:

March 15 – Why is simple disease not so simple in Third World countries?

Effects of parasitic diseases in Michigan and Sub-Saharan Africa
11am – Arts & Sciences Center, Room 357; 7pm – Ludington Area Center for the Arts

Imagine the impact on our culture if we did not have access to a simple solution for something as common as swimmer’s itch or heartworm. These parasites we deem treatable are a threat to all living things in Africa. Dr. Judith Humphries will compare the effects while providing perspective on their impact here and in developing countries.

March 16 – Out of Africa: A Dynamic Music and Dance Experience

7:30pm – Center Stage Theater

Join us for an unforgettable music and dance experience featuring world renowned percussionist Dane Richeson, the leading Ghanaian dancer of this generation, Nani Agbeli, and the award-winning player of the African kora and oud instruments Kane Mathis.

Earlier in the day, the performers will conduct workshops in area high schools.

Tickets for the concert are on sale now at the WSCC Box Office, 231-843-5507 or online.

April 17 – Is AIDS more than a single story?

11am – Arts  & Sciences Center; 7pm – Ludington Area Center for the Arts

HIV is a world-wide problem and it does not discriminate. Dr. Robert Root Berstein presents an expanded perspective of HIV and AIDS helping his audience to think beyond the borders of traditional stereotypes of the disease and its transmission. In his presentation, he offers an unconventional view to help our community better understand this disease and shares his research on potential advancements in slowing progression.

April 17- Why is creative thinking important?

12:30 – 2pm – Technical Center (Room 218): 6 – 9pm – Manistee County Education Center (Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital – US 31)

Michele Root-Bernstein explains the value of creative thinking across the arts and sciences illustrating the importance of imaginative play in childhood and adulthood, particularly play involving the collaboration of alternate places and peoples.

April 18 – Celebrating the year of Sub- Saharan Africa and Michigan – Year one of Humankind on display
11am – 2pm – Arts & Sciences Center Center Stage Theater lobby

The final event – an open house- to year one of our Humankind series showcases food, art, and culture. Experience delectable African food, enjoy student art by WSCC and regional high schools, and explore the thoughts and feelings of our students and faculty as they reflect on a year discovering Su-Saharan Africa while drawing parallels with everyday life in Africa.