HOUSTON – What brings you joy in pop culture? That’s the question Lone Star College-University Park is asking at the 2021 POP-UP Academic Conference, which takes place October 28-29. The community is invited to “pop in” either virtually or in-person to hear presentations on global popular culture.
“This is an opportunity for the community to join an academic conversation about pop culture, a topic so relevant to everyone,” said Rhonda Jackson-Joseph, associate professor of English at LSC-University Park. Jackson-Joseph is spearheading the event, which is sponsored by the college’s English department. “Pop culture spans music, books, film, art, and more.”
The keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Regina Bradley, one of the foremost authorities on contemporary Black culture in the American South. She is the author of “Chronicling Stankonia: The Rise of the Hip-Hop South.” Dr. Bradley's presentation is titled “The Audacity of Southern Black Folks' Joy and Where to Find It.”
“The goal is to start an upward trend of bringing joy to others, which personally, hip-hop does for me,” said Jackson-Joseph. “Hip-hop is usually an East Coast or West Coast thing, so it’ll be exciting to see it thru the lens of the South from Dr. Bradley, who has established herself as an authority on the topic.”
In addition to Bradley’s presentation, attendees can expect scholarly research presentations or lectures by various academics. Some are professors in higher education, and some are independent scholars.
“For many, this research is their life’s work,” said Jackson-Joseph. “The topic is approached from higher level research but will be presented in common vernacular in an approachable, down-to-earth manner.”
Jonathan Anderson, dean of arts and humanities at LSC-University, says the conference will provide value for faculty and students, but also bridge the gap within our own community.
“Pop-culture can take so many different forms,” said Anderson. “But it’s something that bridges the gap between different folks and bridges conversations. The focus of this conference is on academia, but it places the value in celebration of pop culture.”
There will also be panels of students and their professors in attendance from colleges across the country, including Fort Hays State University, Prairie View University, and Belmont Abbey College. Other colleges represented will be Kennesaw State University (keynote speaker), Butler University, East Texas Baptist University, Kadir Has University, and University of Southern California.
“The extent of intellect being brought to our campus conveys the passion behind what we do daily,” said Dr. Shah Ardalan, president of LSC-University Park. “This continues our mission of providing access to opportunities that bring people together to share, learn, and grow. Our faculty with a global view bring a focus on the local community”
Jackson-Joseph explained the conference is a chance for LSC-University Park students to get a first-hand look at the academic conference atmosphere.
“There’s not a lot of widespread opportunity for students to attend an academic conference,” said Jackson-Joseph. “Students who do attend can ‘get their feet wet’ in the conference and presentation arena.
“I really hope this grows to be an annual event, and something that people put on their calendar every October,” added Jackson-Joseph.
The POP-UP Academic Conference begins Thursday, October 28, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., in the West Dining area at LSC-University Park. The event continues Friday, October 29, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the same location. Attendees may also attend via a Zoom link, which is on the conference webpage.
To learn more about the event, visit https://www.lonestar.edu/popup. For questions and additional information, email Rhonda Jackson-Joseph at Rhonda.JacksonJoseph@Lonestar.edu.
Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative institutions of higher education in the country. Under its founding president, Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Park is devoted to holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs. The college's facilities include the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs and the Geology Rock Wall. For more information on how to enroll at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/UP-Enroll or call 281.290.2600.
Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 93,000+ students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of nearly $3 billion. LSC consists of seven colleges, 10 centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.