Maya People Today
Dispelling myths about ancient, modern Maya peoples: Publicnow.com – June 19
Think of the word ‘Maya’ and free associate. Does Mel Gibson’s 2006 film ‘Apocalypto’ spring to mind? Unless you’re a Mayanist, you’re likely to think of ancient peoples who had a taste for blood and writing skills that were ahead of their time.
A new book edited by a UMUC faculty member tells a very different story.
“First, Maya people exist today. And more than 6 million people speak Mayan languages, primarily in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras,” said Bethany Beyyette, assistant professor of anthropology and sociology at UMUC…
Beyyette began investigating in 2000. In 2016, University Press of Colorado published the book, which she edited with Lisa LeCount, associate professor of anthropology at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
Debate Over Historical Markers
Should churches keep their Civil War landmarks?: Christianity Today – June 19
The most recent chapter in the story of America’s relationship with its Confederate past began in church.
Since Dylann Roof, a rebel flag-waving white supremacist, opened fire at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal in Charleston two years ago, the debate over historical markers of the Civil War South has taken on more urgency and more widespread concern…
“There is no such thing as an anti-slavery church in the South at this point,” said Michael Altman, an expert in American religious history at the University of Alabama. “The slavery question was argued on a biblical basis. It was a biblical issue.”
Savage Eagle Leader Course
Romanian, U.S. cadets get ‘Savage’ for a night: DVDIS – June 22
MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania – As the sun set on Mihail Kogalniceanu, 11 U.S. cadets and 20 Romanian Naval Academy students excitedly stuffed the last of their supplies into their backpacks and prepared for the first Savage Eagle Leader Course. The group of multinational cadets knew what they were up against, but nothing could have prepared them for the tasks that awaited them. The event tested the physical endurance, mental agility and teamwork of all participants. The cadets faced multiple challenges to include land-mine reaction, sandbag combination puzzles and memory challenges. . . . Cadet Zemas Andargachew, from the University of Alabama, took time to reflect on Savage Eagle the morning after the event. “As Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets, we have Ranger Challenge, which is pretty intense. But nothing we had done before comes close to how difficult this event was,” said Andargachew.
Saturday in the Park Series
Moundville hosts Saturday in the Park: Tuscaloosa News – June 23
John Parker will lead the session from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the park’s Jones Archaeological Museum. The session is part of the Saturday in the Park series, which highlights the history of southeastern Native American tribes with interactive exhibitions that give attendees glimpses into archaeology, natural history, sustainable gardening and more. Saturday in the Park programs are free with park admission, which is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 55 years and older and $6 for students. Children 5 years of age and younger and Moundville residents are admitted free.
Summer Concerts, Plays, and Festivals
Great summer concerts, plays, and festivals in Can’t Miss Alabama: Alabama News Center – June 23
The University of Alabama presents “Smoke on the Mountain” through Friday, June 30 at the George C. Meyer Performing Arts Center. Celebrate gospel and bluegrass music at the family-friendly musical comedy. Click for tickets or call 251-968-6721. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 8 p.m. For directions, follow this link.