A Long Way Gone:  Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
Fall 2009 Events

Events are FREE and open to students, faculty, staff and the public, unless otherwise noted.   

Synergy Coffee Conversations (UNCWelcome Event)
Sun., August 30, 6:30-7:30 pm (Clock Tower Lounge, Fisher Student Center)

You’ve read it, now talk about it. Join students, faculty and staff for an informal discussion of A Long Way Gone. Free coffee provided at the first discussion with coffee available for purchase at future discussions in Java City. Complimentary copies of the book will be available. 

 

Synergy Coffee Conversations
Sun., September 13, 6:30-7:30 pm (Java City, Randall Library)

 

Leadership Lecture Series and Synergy Common Reading Keynote:
Chris Abani, “Stories of Struggle, Stories of Hope:  Art, Politics and Human Rights”
Mon., September 14, 7-8:30 pm, Kenan Auditorium

First imprisoned at age 18 by a Nigerian regime that considered his first novel a threat to national security, Chris Abani went on to write award winning novels such as Graceland, a coming of age tale that explores the underground world of slums in Lagos, Nigeria and Song for Night, about a West African child soldier who has lost his voice.  Abani, a professor of creative writing at University of California Riverside, will discuss the struggles of socially engaged fiction in addressing what it means to be human, who decides what makes up our humanity and if there is a standard human against whom everyone is judged. Co-sponsored by UNCW Presents, University College, UNCW Student Media and Department of Creative Writing

Above & Beyond:  Chris Abani hosts an informal Q&A session with students from 2-3 pm on Mon., Sept. 14 in the Clock Tower Lounge.  If your class is interested in participating, please RSVP to Shannon Hooker at hookers@uncw.edu.  Space is limited.

 

Film Series:  Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars  
Tues., September 22, 7-9 pm (Lumina Theater)

Celebrating the resiliency of the human spirit in the shadow of loss and madness, this acclaimed 2005 documentary tells the triumphant story of six musicians who escaped the horrific violence of Sierra Leone's civil war, landed in a West African refugee camp and found solace and inspiration through music, forming a band that would go on to travel the world. Sponsored by UNCW Presents

 

Synergy Coffee Conversations
Sun., September 27, 6:30-7:30 pm (Java City, Randall Library)

 

Lecture Series:  “Prelude to A Long Way Gone: Africa’s Geography, Culture and History”
Thurs., October 1, 6:30-8 pm (Dobo Hall, Room 103)

UNCW faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences will explore the geography, culture and history of Africa from an interdisciplinary perspective and respond to questions.

 

Student Exhibition: Peering Into Non-fiction  
Oct. 14-Nov. 5 (Boseman Gallery) Opening Reception:  Wed., Oct. 14, 6-7:30 pm
UNCW students bring to life this year’s common reading by creating a diorama exhibition depicting three-dimensional miniature scenes from A Long Way Gone.

 

Family Weekend Event:  Synergy Coffee Conversations
Sat., October 17, 10:30 -11:30 am (Java City, Randall Library) Sponsored by Randall Library

 

World ACTion Festival
Thurs., November 5, 11:30 am-1:30 pm (Burney Center & Courtyard)

Follow up your common reading experience with a focus on human rights, social justice, and activism. Enjoy creative student performances, student testimonies, music, and informative displays and participate in charitable drives. Numerous student and local organizations and campus departments dedicated to service and global causes will also be available. Learn more about global and local social justice and human rights issues and find out how to get involved. Free giveaways. Enter a raffle drawing to win free prizes.