CNN Redemption Project with Van Jones, 549793
MARTIN, Tenn. – The schedule for the 2026 UT Martin ENTICE Series features discussions
from CNN commentator and political analyst Van Jones, who is a UTM alumnus, and former
U.S. Department of Education representative Chase Moore. Jones will appear February 17.
Dr. Henri Giles, assistant professor of African American studies, is the coordinator for the
ENTICE series.
“We are thrilled to welcome Van Jones back to campus,” she said. “We’ve followed Van’s work
for years as an environmental advocate and political analyst. He is from Jackson and has strong
ties to West Tennessee. This is a great opportunity for our students to meet one of the country’s
leading media personalities who is a graduate of UTM.
“The theme ‘Come Together’ was inspired by a desire to help build community. In our fast-
paced lives, everyone is moving in different directions with little time to stop and engage. The
ENTICE Series presents many ways we can connect with each other. There will be music, film,
dance, art, food, historical presentations and conversations about our current world. We’ll come
together in the spirit of understanding our past and future as Americans.”
Now in its 26th year, ENTICE stands for “Evolving Narratives: Tennessee Initiative for Civic
Engagement.” The theme of this year’s conference is “Come Together.”
The schedule of events for the 2026 ENTICE Series includes:
• Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m., 206 Dr. Edward J. and Carolyn P. Boling University Center: Mental
wellness advocate Jay Michael Martin Jr. shows the benefits of cooking to enhance our state of
well-being and promote togetherness.
• Thursday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m., Phillip W. Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center:
“Community Celebration of Music,” a musical collaboration featuring The New Pacer Singers,
The UTM Gospel Choir and the Discovery Park of America Choir.
• Monday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m., Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center: “Dreaming Out
Loud: The American Dream Under Review,” a student panel exploring the attainment of the
American dream today and an examination of America’s promises to its citizens.
• Thursday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m., Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center: “The Divine Nine:
Legacy, Unity and Impact,” a presentation by members of the UTM National Panhellenic
Council highlighting historical and cultural contributions of Black Greek organizations.
• Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6 p.m., Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center: Van Jones, CNN
commentator and political analyst and 1990 UTM alumnus discusses navigating journalism and
news cycles.
• Thursday, Feb. 19, 6 p.m., Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center: “Night of Dance,”
UTM dance students present a choreographed overview of various African American dance eras
and legends.
• Thursday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m., Nick and Cathy Dunagan Alumni Center: Student Pop-Up Art
Event, featuring artwork created by UTM students that embraces the “Come Together” theme of
the series.
• Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m., Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center: Student Leadership
Summit, with sessions focusing on building and sharpening leadership skills among college
students and local high school students. The keynote speaker is Chase Moore, a national
education advocate who formerly served in the U.S. Department of Education.
• Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m., Watkins Auditorium, Boling University Center: Screening of
“Echoes of the Forks of Cypress,” featuring director Frederick Murphy. He will discuss his film
that explores the shared pasts of Black and white descendants of a plantation in Florence,
Alabama. Two of those descendants will join him.
Other events may be added to this schedule. Times and locations of events are subject to change.
For more information, visit www.utm.edu/visit-ut-martin/entice.php.
For more information about UT Martin, visit www.utm.edu or call 1-800-829-UTM1 (-8861).
###
Photo – CNN commentator and political analyst Van Jones. Jones, a 1990 UT Martin graduate, will be a guest speaker in the UT Martin ENTICE Series on Tuesday, Feb. 17.