A&S in the News: October 6-12, 2019

Million Dollar Band

Alabama’s Million Dollar Band to perform in 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Madison County Record – Oct. 6

The Million Dollar Band at The University of Alabama has accepted an invitation to march and perform in the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The band will represent the state of Alabama in New York City on Nov. 26, 2020. Their 2020 performance will mark the first appearance by the UA band in the iconic parade.

Black Warrior Mural

UA students create mural to draw attention to richness of state’s environment: Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 7

The Black Warrior mural, created by University of Alabama students to raise awareness about the state’s environment, is now on display in Temerson Square at 2300 Fourth St. The mural has been on the side of the Copper Top lounge since Oct. 1 and will remain on display until the end of the month. Students in the spring semester environmental history of the Americas class at UA selected the topic for the mural and conducted research along with Teresa Cribelli, associate professor of history and a collage artist.

Native American Festival

Moundville celebrates culture with 31st annual Native American Festival: Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 8

The Moundville Native American Festival isn’t just about the past, it’s about today. “We hope everyone who comes to the festival will leave with a greater appreciation of Native American cultures,” said Alexander Benitez, director of The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park. “Many people have this misconception that Native Americans are a people of the past. The festival is an extraordinary showcase that tribal nations and their cultural traditions are still thriving.”
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 11

Dean Joseph Messina

Michigan drones help crops, fight malaria in Africa: The Detroit News – Oct. 11

Jon Carroll knew drones were useful. The assistant professor of anthropology at Oakland University had flown them to locate archaeological sites in North America, Europe and the Middle East.  Beginning a couple of years ago in southeastern Africa, working on a program with researchers and faculty at Michigan State University through the United States Agency for International Development, Carroll used drones to help manage irrigation and monitor crops in Malawi. Joseph Messina, a former professor at Michigan State and now the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama, spearheaded the agricultural program in Malawi, along with Michigan State professor Sieglinde Snapp.

Imitation Offenders

Do media reports create imitation offenders?: Welt.de – Oct. 11

In a study from 2017, the criminologist Adam Lankford of The University of Alabama could detect no short-term contagion effect. However, he did find evidence that media reports such as Halle could have a long-term imitator effect and increase the frequency and severity of subsequent events.

Religious History

The Civil War, Biblical (Re)considered: Patheos – Oct. 12

George Rable is Professor Emeritus at the University of Alabama. He is the author of several highly regarded books on the American Civil War. This interview revolves around his book, God’s Almost Chosen Peoples: A Religious History of the American Civil War.