ADEGBALOLA SHARES LIFE EXPERIENCES, BLUES

Posted on October 21, 2010

UPDATE: Adegbalola's Nov. 4 presentation moved to Gallagher Hall

The location of Gaye Adegbalola's presentation of "History of Women in the Blues" has been moved to Gallagher Hall. The presentation will still occur in two sessions from 12:30-3:15 p.m.

Also on Nov. 4, Adegbalola will perform a neo-classic blues concert with accompanist Roddy Barnes beginning at 7 p.m. in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. This free concert is open to the public as well as the Cal U community.

Original Release

Entertainer, educator and activist Gaye Adegbalola will discuss her personal struggles for equality when she makes a return visit to Cal U in November.

She will present "Gay Rights vs. Civil Rights" from 1-1:50 p.m. and 5-5:50 p.m. Nov. 3 in Dixon Hall 327. On Nov. 4, she will present "History of Women in the Blues" in two sessions from 12:30-3:15 p.m. in the Performance Center. These presentations are open to faculty, staff and students.

Also on Nov. 4, Adegbalola will perform a neo-classic blues concert with accompanist Roddy Barnes beginning at 7 p.m. in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. This free concert is open to the public as well as the Cal U community.

"We are so pleased to have the opportunity to bring Ms. Adegbalola back to Cal U to present on her life experience and vast knowledge of the civil rights movement and the similarities and differences with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender movement," said Sheleta Webb, a resident director and coordinator of the Cal U Safe Zone Program. She also advises the Rainbow Alliance, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender student organization

"Her presentation, ‘Gay Rights vs. Civil Rights' will offer our students a perspective of the oppression and struggles for equal rights that have affected both people of color and members of the LGBT community, through her own stories and experiences," Webb said.

"In light of the recent tragedies involving the suicides of six young people who had experienced homophobic bullying/harassment, I hope her presentation will broaden the minds and hearts of Cal U's community."

Adegbalola came to Cal U in March for two days of lectures and a performance. The Office of Social Equity, Office of Student Affairs and the Women's Studies Department are collaborating to bring her back to campus.

Before making music her full-time career, Adegbalola taught science in public schools in Fredericksburg for 18 years. She was named Virginia State Teacher of the Year in 1982.