Multicultural Center’s FreeWall Jam event brings inspiration, camraderie and discussion to campus

As part of a series of events in honor of Black History Month, the University of Nevada, Reno Multicultural Center’s Black Diaspora Program invited street artist and student Terrence Hammond, aka Doomed Movement, to the FreeWall Jam on the 22 short. In addition to Hammond, Dr. Frederick Gooding (aka Dr. G) attended the event as part of his two-day campus series.

Doomed Movement’s Terrence Hammond works the piece as he talks to attendees about the art and expression of graffiti.

During the activity, Hammond, Dr. G, students, faculty, staff and community gathered outside on the lawn in front of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center and talked about artistic expression through spray painting.

Dr. G, a professor from Texas Christian University, opened the event with a brief introduction, discussing the art of hip-hop music and graffiti and how events celebrating those art forms spread awareness, encourage expression and vulnerability, and help bring due respect and recognition that those art forms deserve.

Dr. G participated in creating art with artists, students and event participants.

After his opening, the group received some instruction from Hammond on how to paint. Everyone was then welcomed and encouraged to spray paint a FreeWall while Hammond worked nearby on a piece that will be donated to the Multicultural Center.

“Black History Month is a time to celebrate black culture, community and excellence. Although February is the designated month known as Black History Month, we honor black culture 365 days a year,” said Black Diaspora Program Coordinator Brandon Sanders. “The goal of the Black Diaspora Program is to create space and opportunities for our students to feel safe, heard, and empowered as well as have a sense of community—a space that cultivates connection and growth for all of them that engage.”

One student in particular was instrumental in bringing Dr. Townsell spoke about the importance of events like these.

“Black History Month helps bring attention to events like these. It’s a great way to build community, but it’s important to then continue that conversation and remind people to support events like these throughout the year,” Townsell said.

Her main goal for other students is that if they have an event they want to see on campus, there are resources and people available to help make those events come to life, all they have to do is talk and find some support.

“It’s nice how we’re building the community and it’s all done around. It’s easy to reach out and make these connections and then make these events happen.”

To learn more and get involved, please visit the Black Diaspora Program website.

Serene Townsell helped bring Dr. G on campus and helped organize various events to celebrate Black History Month that the Multicultural Center hosted in February.