Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s extraordinary convocation

By Brinda F. Willis, Ph.D.

JA Contributing Writer

Tougaloo College was the site of the Convocation: A Gathering of Black Women Artists. This Convocation was extraordinary and cannot be compared to any other event Tougaloo has hosted. The Convocation spotlighted the artistry and creativity of Black women who have been marginalized and excluded from the mainstream of music, film, musical theater, masterclasses, and literary consumption by gatekeepers in the entertainment and publishing industries.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, raised in Magnolia, Mississippi, and a Tougaloo alum, put a punctuation mark on what Black women artists have to offer that is not being given the exposure, notoriety, elevation, and monetary rewards others receive with half the talent and/or creativity. The Convocation brought a Black sisterhood to life, one existing in an underground way but not been acknowledged or presented openly, as it was during the 3-day gathering October 31 to November 2, 2025.

Aunjanue hopes to present this outstanding program at Tougaloo annually. She credits the college for providing an artistic foundation. Aunjanue explained: “When I arrived at Tougaloo College, I was taken under the wing of Dr. Regina Turner-Barclay, who nurtured me, and my best friend, Sinetra Bowdry. Dr. Turner saw something in us that no one else had ever taken the time to see, let alone put us in a caravan of old raggedy cars and took us to New York to see and expose us to the theater on the big screen live stages that ignited a spark and turned on a light that would burn in us forever.” Aunjanue said, “In the future, my vision is to have a School of the Arts at Tougaloo College.”

During the Convocation’s Opening Ceremony on Friday evening, Aunjanue and Sinetra presented Dr. Turner-Barclay with accolades, accompanied by sincere words, tears, hugs of appreciation, and gratitude. Dr. Turner Barclay gave props to her husband, Lawrence, as the person giving her the idea to take Aunjanue and friends to New York so long ago. Dr. Turner-Barclay said, “I thought Aunjanue was a little off her rocker, but he looked beyond her faults and saw her need, a need to be exposed to a world bigger than Magnolia, Mississippi, and the Tougaloo campus… Aunjanue was a beacon of light that Tougaloo had never seen before. Her talent was awesome. But I soon saw the need in her and my other students to be taken to the next level…leveled up by seeing Serafina and Fences that allowed Aunjanue to see James Earl Jones in person.” Finally, Dr. Turner Barclay told the audience there are two magical secrets to resilience: faith and sisterhood.

Aunjanue introduced Dr. Donzell Lee, president of Tougaloo College. He delivered closing remarks at the Opening Ceremony, urging attendees to listen, learn, and be inspired by this remarkable Convocation, as Tougaloo College is an enduring legacy.

The Opening Ceremony provided an opportunity for the audience to hear a capella offerings by Moriah Terry, “The Greatest Love”, and Tougaloo’s choir singing “We Have Nothing to Lose but Our Faith”, which brought forth standing ovations for their tributes to Assata Shakur. Assata recently died in Cuba – she was a legendary revolutionary and member of the Black Panther Party and The Black Liberation Army. Two Assata tribute poems, “Youngblood” and “I Believe in Living”, were beautifully recited by a Tougalooian.

Short and full-length films also debuted, including Fragments of Venus, Fresh Water, and Fannie, directed by Alice Diop, Dream Hampton, and Christine Swanson, respectively. The full-length film Daughters was directed by Angela Patton, founder of the nonprofit Girls for A Change. The Daughters film showing was followed by a Talkback Chat led by Aunjanue with director Angela Patton and a live Q&A with audience members.

Aunjanue closed the opening event by presenting flowers and thanking Sidra Smith, producer of the 3-day event. Smith is an award-winning producer and media executive, known for the acclaimed documentary Free Angela and All Political Prisoners, the docuseries Time of Essence, and the Amazon hit film Sylvie’s Love. Additionally, credit was given to Kasi Lemmons, the director known for the critically acclaimed and award-winning Southern Gothic film Eve’s Bayou and Harriet, her Academy Award-nominated biopic about Harriet Tubman.

The second day of the Convocation focused on Mastering Your Craft: Creative Workshops. These workshops were led by Sidre Smith (producer), Lisa Michelle Payton (TV screen writer), Sanaa Lathan (actress), and Kasi Lemmons (director).

Film screenings also were featured on day two of the Convocation. Among the films showcased were: All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, Earth Mama, and Eugene’s Cove. Aunjanue moderated the Filmaker’s Talk Back session.

Jackson-based comedian Rita Brent also participated in the experimental performance on day two and the finale concert on day three of the Convocation. Rita said, “I was honored to get the call from Aunjanue to be a part of The Shed experimental performance, where women’s voices and work are heard, a place where women’s voices are amplified.”

Day three of the Convocation focused on “Literary Voices”. Among the gifted Black writers featured were Addie Citchens, D. Danyelle Thomas, Victoria Christopher Murray, Erin Crosby Eckstine, Lisa Michelle Payton, Imani Perry, and Ambre Dromgoole. Each author read excerpts from her work and engaged with members of the audience. Dr. Ebony Lumumba served as the moderator. Films also were shown on day three, including The Making of Curtis Mayfield (directed by H.E.R.) and the documentary Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Own Words (directed by Nneka Onuorah).

During the Convocation, it was announced that Mayor John Horhn is set to present the Key to the City Award to Actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor in December.

(Photos: i.khayyamphotography)