Belmont announces 2020 debate programming theme: 'The Ideas of America'
The debate is approaching rapidly — and with it comes a slew of programs, speakers and unique opportunities for the Belmont community.
Belmont released a list of scheduled events to happen on campus and virtually for the upcoming Presidential Debate centered around the theme, "The Ideas of America."
Though COVID-19 has changed how events can be held, Belmont University has prepared numerous virtual and in-person events for student and community engagement.
The "Ring the Bell" campaign kicked off the debate festivities on Sept. 18th, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment's ratification — students and community members were either socially distanced on campus or tune in virtually to hear the Carillon bells ringing out 100 times.
More events throughout the semester include:
Now through Dec. 11: The Unity Flag Project
Faculty from Belmont's Watkins College of Art invited artists to create a unity flag to promote "empathy for bipartisanship in a time of political unrest." These flags and statements from the artists are on display in the university's Leu Center for the Visual Arts.
All flags and statements will soon be available for online viewing.
Sept. 17: TEDxNashville "We the People" presented by Belmont's Executive Learning Network
TEDxNashville talks will cover topics such as "civil engagement in a time of divisiveness, using our differences as our strengths, the impact of a new era of media" and more. All will be streamed with tickets available here for $10 — but for Belmont students, faculty and staff, the events will be free.
Sept. 22: Rock the Vote at Belmont University: Nashville's Colleges Celebrate Democracy
"In collaboration with Rock the Vote, Belmont's Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business is hosting a virtual event featuring performances from Belmont and other area universities, along with voter registration information and promotion."
Sept. 23: Culture Care with Renowned Painter Makoto Fujimura
"Culture Care is an alternative to the 'culture wars' that have characterized politics in recent decades." Blending the art of Makoto Fujimura with Christian perspectives, this event aims to connect various perspectives in art creation and politics.
Sept. 24: White House Style – A Four-Part Series
Sponsored by Belmont O'More College of Architecture and Design. Libby Callaway, a Nashville-based creative consultant will lead a four-week program on exploring White House style.
The series will look at the wardrobes of the "modern inhabitants" of the White House as well as examine the personal styles of the 53 couples who have lived in the White House.
The White House Historical Association's Lina Mann will also cover "additional programs looking at the White House interior design, kitchen design and first couple fashion."
Sept. 24: "The Role of Social Media in a (Mis)informed Electorate" with John M. Seigenthaler
Sponsored by Belmont's College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, John M. Seigenthaler, a former anchor, and correspondent for NBC and MSNBC and current partner of Nashville-based PR firm DVL Seigenthaler will explain how social media impacts political views.
Sept. 28 – October 2: Humanities Symposium "A More Perfect Union: Dialogue and Democracy"
"Belmont's 19th annual Humanities Symposium, sponsored by the School of Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, will consider how conversation impacts voting enfranchisement, racial reconciliation and healing political divisions through engaging these topics from a multidisciplinary perspective."
Sept. 30: Lee C. Camp On "Politics and Christianity"
"Lee C. Camp's 'Scandalous Witness: A Little Political Manifesto for Christians' makes the case that a renewed Christian politics is more essential than ever, one that is 'neither left nor right nor religious,' but a prophetic way of life modeled after Jesus of Nazareth. Christian identity is in moral and political crisis, scandalized by the many ways in which it has been co-opted and misrepresented."
Oct. 21: Habitat for Humanity: A Home for Everyone
CEO for Habitat for Humanity International since 2005, Jonathan Reckford is motivated in helping to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Reckford wants to follow in the footsteps of his parents who were active in the Civil Rights movement and grandmother U.S Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick.
Oct. 27: Integrity in Journalism During an Election Year
"Belmont's Kennedy Center for Business Ethics welcomes NPR National President and CEO John Lansing for a conversation about integrity in journalism."
This article written by Madison Bowen.