Human Resources Coordinator Tonya Wilson looks at “Seat Jazz Lounge” by Kimberly Hopkins Feb. 5 on the fourth floor of Moody as part of Black History Month. Hopkins, a Houston native, opened the Black History Month launch party with her photography exposition and lecture “African American Families Through Her Eyes (The past, the present, and the future).” Lionel Ramos
*Correction: The “African American Families Through Her Eyes (the past, the present, and the future)” exhibit will run until march 31, not until the end of the semester.
Activities continue with Taste of Soul 11 a.m-1 p.m. Feb. 13.
By Michael Smith
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Black History Month at this college kicked off Feb. 5 with a reception opening a photography exhibit “African American Families Through Her Eyes (the past, the present, and the future)” by Kimberly Hopkins.
The exhibit will remain on display through the end of the semester on the fourth floor of Moody Learning Center.
President Robert Vela explained the importance of black culture.
“It is important to understand the why — why we do what we do,” he said. “ “We do this to showcase the wonderful talents, values and contributions black cultures have not only contributed to SAC, but to the entire world.”
The exhibition featured historic photos consisting of Hopkins’ grandmother, collard greens, a church at the Whitney Plantation 10 miles outside New Orleans, and a picture showing “no color allowed” sign used during segregation.
These photos focused on “migration, strength, and values of African-American families that have been passed on from one generation to another,” Hopkins said.
A native of Houston, Hopkins has resided in San Antonio since 2011.
She has received a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Prairie View A&M University and a master’s in urban and regional planning at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Hopkins’ passion for photography started when she picked up a digital camera in architecture school and has been a passion of hers ever since.
Hopkins believes that every photo taken is a memory.
“There is no better way to explore it than how you see it, not how a camera sees it,” she said.
Hopkins said the photographs also represent “the strength of human spirits and promote social reform as our society continues to move forward.”
In an interview Feb. 5, Hopkins expressed the importance of having knowledge on how far African- Americans have come.
“Your history is very important, she said.” “In order for us to have this opportunity, for me to actually stand here, is because of the sacrifices of our ancestors.”
Dr. Barbara Knotts, chair of creative multimedia and the Black History Month Committee, spoke about why this event is important for students at this college and why everyone, regardless of their race, should be involved.
“No matter what your nationality is, it is important to be exposed to other cultural events that effect human beings alike,” she said. “This way they can see some of what other cultures experience and maybe relate to their own backgrounds.”
Students and faculty said they enjoyed the ceremony at this college for multiple reasons.
Computer programming freshman Kyle Crouse said the photos gave him a “good sense of community.”
“The photographs represent where we come from, why we are here and where we would like to go.” he said.
Library assistant Leticia Alvarado also spoke about why she enjoyed the event.
“It made a lot of sense,” she said. “It was nice of her (Kimberly Hopkins) to share her personal information with everyone.”
Regarding the celebration of minorities, Vela is far from finished.
“I still want to see more,” he said. “This needs to be integrated in the curriculum and a part of who we are every single day we are here.”
Upcoming events include Taste of Soul 11 a.m-1 p.m. Feb. 13 and a black trivia game 11 a.m-1 p.m. Feb. 14. Both are in the round in Loftin Student Center.
For additional information, contact Knotts at 210-486-0593 or visit www.alamo.edu/sac/BHM19.
