Krishna Janmashtami Culture/religion: Hindu Date: August 11 Janmashtami is an annual Hindu festival celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Lord Krishna. Krishna is known as the 8th incarnation of the god Vishnu. It is observed, according to the Hindu luni-solar calendar, on the eighth day of the dark fortnight, which overlaps with August/September on the Gregorian … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – August 10-16, 2020
We're having another Tough Talks session! Join us in a virtual discussion about the impact of our current situation on those on the margins. Share your thoughts or just listen in. All are welcome! WHEN: Wednesday, August 5 TIME: 2:00 p.m. WHERE: Zoom RSVP to Ashley at araines@missouristate.edu to get the Zoom link. … [Read more...] about Join us for the next Tough Talks session
Culture or religion: Pagan/Wiccan Date: August 1 Lughnasadh (pronounced loo’nass’ah) is a harvest festival that derives from Old Gaelic and falls about halfway through summer solstice and autumn equinox. Pagans celebrate at a time when traditionally the first crops were ready to harvest. The celebration includes the ritual cutting and offering of the first grain, making the … [Read more...] about Lughnasadh
Yesterday, I learned of the passing of two people upon whose shoulders we stand. Mrs. Mary Jean Price Walls and Rev. William E. Pitts were people whose local connection to the City of Springfield and Missouri State University changed us forever. Both passed from this earthly plane after living lives that changed many of us who knew and learned from them. They transcended … [Read more...] about Remembering two Springfield icons
Many are hopeful that today's protests and social movement will result in an America that is looking forward rather than to the challenging history which is our past. But others wonder if the institutional structures that have haunted us are just too embedded. Are efforts today just window dressing that will not lead to anything fundamentally different? What do you think? Is … [Read more...] about Tough Talks: We can’t breathe