Dear Panther Family,
It was great to see so much campus engagement at the annual Mario A.J. Bennekin Black History Symposium held on our Dunwoody Campus. Since 2020, the Mario A.J. Bennekin Black History Symposium has served as a key placemaking initiative that offers Georgia State students an opportunity to gain new insight and build community around scholarly endeavors. Mario A.J. Bennekin was a beloved history professor and chair of the History and Political Science department at Perimeter College. He taught at GSU for 20 years before passing in 2019.
We were happy to welcome this year’s keynote speaker, Tim Fielder, back to GSU! Tim is an award-winning illustrator, concept designer, cartoonist, animator, and Perimeter College alumnus with an inspiring story. Born and raised in Mississippi, Tim is the creator of the graphic novels, “INFINITUM: An Afrofuturist Tale,” the Glyph Award-winning “Matty’s Rocket” and “The Graphic History of Hip Hop.” Tim is also known for participating in the Carnegie Hall Afrofuturism Festival exhibit: “Black Metropolis” and The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture exhibit: “AFROFUTURISM A History of Black Futures”.
As one of the largest R1, urban universities in the nation, I’m proud to say that GSU’s diverse student body, faculty, and staff is one of our greatest strengths. Through exposure to a variety of initiatives across a vast array of academic programs, and cultural events such as this symposium, GSU students gain unique knowledge and perspective that enhances their academic and professional journey.
Thank you to all who attended and to the members of the Bennekin family, including Professor Bennekin’s wife, Dr. Kimberly Bennekin, a professor of mathematics at Perimeter College and symposium co-chair.
Sincerely,
