Over the weekend, Winthrop University welcomed students and scholars on campus to present their work at the university’s “Movement Conference: Movement(s) in a Dynamic World: Interdisciplinary Perspectives” on Feb. 22, 2023 and Feb. 23, 2023.
In addition to the students and faculty from Winthrop University presenting, scholars from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Coastal Carolina University, Appalachian State University, Newberry College, Wake Forest University, University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina at Beaufort and Wichita State University presented at the conference.
The conference began in Plowden Auditorium in Withers with a welcome from Ginger Williams, the conference chair, and Takita Sumter, the college of arts and science dean.
After the welcome, the first panel of the conference discussed “Rock Hill Jail, No Bail Campaign of 1961.” Phyllis Hyatt, David Williamson and Olivette McClurkin were contributors to this panel and it was moderated by Jennifer Dixon-McKnight.
Topics covered at the conference consisted of “The Impact of a Changing World through the Lens of Critical Race Theory,” “Haunted by Ghosts of the Past: Dead Media and the Evolution of New Technologies,” The HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Yesterday and Today,” “Sports and Politics” and Visual and Performing Art Presentations.
Graduate student Stephanie Martin presented on Saturday in the panel “Movements Affection Woman and Children” and presented her paper “Monogamy as a Means of Control”.
“I’ve only had the opportunity to present in two conferences, but each time has been an honor,” Martin said. “While I was initially nervous about presenting, the individuals watching my panel were all very inviting and encouraging. I presented my research on Kate Chopin’s novel, “The Awakening.” My research focused on Edna’s changes throughout the novel. Specifically, I examined the way in which Edna struggles to free herself from the oppression of the patriarchy by pursuing polyamory.”
Sarah Costner, an English graduate student, presented in the panel “Haunted by Ghosts of the Past: Dead Media and the Evolution of New Technologies” alongside associate professor Devon Ralston and senior English major Amber Nelson.
“My project was on Vine and its evolution and inevitable downfall,” Costner said. “I also got to talk about how websites like “Vine” proves that they fail their content creators of color.”
The conference had a professional atmosphere which allowed students to become familiar with conference settings in the future.
“I was quite nervous before I presented because the atmosphere was high-key professional,” Costner said. “But as soon as I presented and people started asking questions about my project, I felt more at ease and secure in my knowledge of my findings. I could answer every question asked of me and then some.”
At the end of the conference, those presenting were invited to the “Walking History and Brew Trail” where they would meet at Legal Remedy Brewing Co. and end at Dust Off Brewery. At this event, attendees would walk about 1.1 miles while stopping to sample at local breweries and learn about the history of Rock Hill.
“My greatest advice to anyone doing a conference is not to stress and just be passionate about what you’re presenting on,” Costner said. “It will help you maintain the facts you need to present so much easier.”
