For over three decades, Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Gender Institute for Teaching and Advocacy has hosted the Bridge Speaker event, an annual gathering that connects Black History Month and Women’s History Month by spotlighting groundbreaking voices in activism, scholarship and the arts.
This year’s speaker, J Finley, is a scholar whose work delves into Black women’s history, performance and cultural expression, with a focus on the performative and political power of humor.
In addition to her keynote, Finley will lead an interactive comedy workshop designed for students interested in exploring stand-up writing as a form of personal and cultural expression. All workshop participants will receive a copy of Finley’s book “Sass: Black Women’s Humor and Humanity.”
“J Finley’s work on Black women’s humor as both an art form and a means of resistance brings a fresh and timely perspective to this year’s event,” said event organizer Netty Rodriguez Arauz, associate director of GITA. “We’re excited to host a speaker whose research and storytelling highlight the power of laughter and joy as tools for change.”
Event Details
Date: February 27
Keynote Address
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Tivoli 320s
Comedy Workshop
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: GITA Conference Room
About J Finley
Finley is an interdisciplinary scholar. Her current research focuses on the performative and political efficacy of Black women’s humor and comedy. Specifically, Finley conducts ethnographic and interdisciplinary analyses of humor and comedic materials, paying close attention to how various aspects of history, identity and experience influence and saturate Black women’s expressive practices.
A tradition of powerful voices
The Bridge Speaker event features leaders, activists and artists who challenge and inspire. Past speakers include author and scholar Bell Hooks, political activist Angela Davis, actress Pam Grier, Nobel Peace Prize nominee Patrisse Cullors and political trailblazer Shirley Chisholm.
For details, visit the GITA events page.
