Under the baobab: State College events mix art and culture

“The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” – Bad Bunny

There was a lot of love at this year’s Super Bowl. The game was alright, but the transformative event of the evening was Bad Bunny’s halftime show. It celebrated his Puerto Rican home and culture. Presented mostly in Spanish, the performance appearances included a plethora of guest celebrities like Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Jessica Alba, Karol G, Cardi B and Pedro Pascal.

Musically and theatrically, the show was brilliant and uplifting, reminding us that we share these American continents with diverse people who proudly come from different ancestries, speak different languages and share our same hopes and dreams.

In State College, the shindig of the season was at the Palmer Museum’s opening of its new exhibit, “Insistent Presence: Contemporary African Art from the Chazen Collection.” Acting director Joyce Robinson invited patrons, members and just about anybody who is anybody in our community. The evening included a sampling of delicious cuisines from across Africa provided by Good Grace African Diner and Market. The event was an opportunity to meet and welcome the new director, Amanda Hellman, who comes to PSU from Vanderbilt University where she was director of the Museum of Art. She pointed out to the packed house how pivotal this time is for arts and cultural organizations in our country.

The exhibit is organized into three sections that explore the presence and absence of the human body: 1) The Body in Society, 2) The Artist is Present and 3) The Absent Body. Artists in the exhibit represent countries that span the continent of Africa. Margaret Nagawa, a Ugandan artist, curated the exhibit with expertise in African art and in the relationship between visual, literary and performance art. The exhibit will be on display until May 10.

Elsewhere, conveners Leslie Laing, Carmin Wong, Chiluvya Zulu and Gary Abdullah brought together a packed house at the Fraser Street Commons to hear stories from Black elders, sharing their journeys of growing up, working and being part of the State College community. Speakers were: myself and Jo Dumas, Nadir Muntaka, Dr. Audrey Kharem, Shushanna Castro, Dr. Cathy Bowen, Deyo Olorunnisola, and Drs. Edgar & Barbara Farmer.

The Center for the Performing Arts offered a unique and special program, Cirque Kalabante’s “Afrique en Cirque.” The Guinean Company founded by Yamoussa Bangoura performed a kinetic, vibrant show inspired by daily life in West Africa before a well-attended audience at Eisenhower. Combining African rhythms and dance, circus dexterity, contortionist agility, intermixed with authentic village scenes, the company invited us into their world, which is also our world.

And the resistance continues. Because of the relentless struggle of the people and leadership of the people of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the federal occupation of their city is being drawn down. Seven hundred troops have been withdrawn with more likely to follow.

A “No Kings” rally is being planned for the spring. Candles for Peace meets at the Allen Street Gates on Monday from 5-5:30 p.m. Thompson Tuesdays protesters gather at U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson’s Bellefonte office on Tuesday from noon-12:30 p.m.

Ray Bilger, one of the organizers of Thompson Tuesdays, is carrying his efforts to the next level. Bilger, a Bellefonte native and 35-year Air Force vet, has announced his candidacy for Democratic nomination in the PA. 15th. His potential opponent, Congressman Glenn Thompson, dean of the Pennsylvania Republican delegation, has announced that will seek a 10th term. He is the chair of the House Agriculture Committee.

Primary day in Pennsylvania is May 19. The general election will be Nov. 3.

Sisters and brothers, Happy Valentine's Day. You are not alone. We are all in this together. To build community make sure you have your neighbor’s back.

And happy Lunar New Year, Blessed Ash Wednesday and Ramadan Mubarak.

Charles Dumas is a lifelong political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Party’s nominee for the U.S. Congress in 2012. He is a Lions Paw honoree. He lives in State College with his wife and partner of over 50 years.