March 23, 2006

 LIVINGSTON, Ala.—The 2006 Black Belt Symposium, held in conjunction with the Sucarnochee Folklife Festival, brings together scholars, authors, playwrights and teachers to discover the unique literature of the Black Belt region. The two-day event, sponsored by the University of West Alabama and the Department of Languages and Literature, features lectures, a wine and cheese reception and a luncheon with entertainment from the Alabama Readers Theatre on April 20-21. All sessions will be held in the Bell Conference Center on the UWA campus.

“I believe we are offering some wonderful variety at the symposium,” said Dr. Pat Beatty, Chair of the Department of Languages and Literature. “I am excited that we will begin with a tribute to Coretta Scott King by the mayor of York, Carolyn Mitchell-Gosa. Also, everyone will really enjoy looking at the photographic essay on the Black Belt and the short play by one of our previous faculty members, Joe Musso.”

The symposium includes presentations from UWA and Auburn University Montgomery professors, as well as several scholars-at-large. Planned lecture topics range from folklore writers to character class structures in Black Belt literature. One highlight of the Thursday morning session is “The Black Belt in Time and Space: A Photographic Essay,” presented by Dr. Richard Anderson.

In addition, the Livingston Press will present the annual Tartt Short Fiction Award and give its winner, Melissa Fraterrigo, the opportunity to read from her short story, The Longest Pregnancy. Several other Black Belt authors will also read from their works Friday morning.

Friday also includes a special lunch presentation, the Alabama Readers Theatre performance of “Brother Bobby’s Eye.”

“The Alabama Readers Theatre, presented at lunch on Friday, is great entertainment,” Beatty said. “I believe there’s a great deal this year to learn about and be entertained by our literary Black Belt heritage.”

The cost of registration for both days and for the luncheon is $10, and the deadline for registration is Friday, April 14. Please mail registration to Dr. Patricia Beatty, UWA Station 22, Livingston, AL 35470. For more information about the 2006 Black Belt Symposium, please call (205) 652-3460.

2006 Black Belt Symposium flyer and registration form