The overarching goal of the first ever ARTISTS REUNION for both Universities is to reinvigorate the dynamic reputation of the Arts Programs at each University.  Each Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has experienced a regional “renown” for the excellence and vivacity of the Performing and Visual Art Departments. It is an undisputed fact that some of the greatest Artists “from” Louisiana got their academic start at Southern University Shreveport and/or Grambling State University. 

However, recently, as priorities have changed and an emphasis on STEM Education has emerged, the reputation of the Arts programs is reduced.  With less community admiration, comes less enrollment in the Arts, which comes full circle to less academic emphasis on the Arts Curriculum.  Therefore, an expected outcome of this huge community engagement is that potential prospective students (and their parents) will see the dynamic career opportunities that the Alumni Artists have pursued and become personally “famous/celebrated” in their success.  When the community sees the phenomenal LEGENDARY TALENT, Arts classrooms will fill and the ARTS Programs will grow!