Phot of Professor Emeritus Alfred Bright
He was the founding director of the Black Studies (Africana Studies) Program at YSU from 1970-1987. As the “Father of Black Studies at YSU,” Professor Bright developed a program of study and coursework that brought curricular diversity to the University and the greater Youngstown area. Students of all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds enrolled in Black Studies courses and gained insight, perspective, and appreciation for cultures (African and African American) that previously was not possible.
For over forty (40) years, Professor Alfred Bright has directly influenced by teaching or mentoring the careers and lives of thousands of YSU students. The direct impact of his teaching of art while great on the students enrolled in his classes, extended beyond his classroom. He influenced the artistic careers of many local and non-local artists with his teaching, knowledge of and passion for art, moral support, and nurturing. His external activities, i.e. his art exhibitions and artistic performances (painting to music) had a direct impact on his teaching. The exposure and ability to practice his craft made him a more consummate professional, better teacher and more dedicated adviser to his students. Students greatly benefited from his consistent and persistent honing of his skill – his art.
Professor Bright’s work in permanent collections include: The Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio; Kent State University Gallery, Kent, Ohio; Roanoke Museum of Fine Arts, Roanoke, Virginia; Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts; The Harmon and Harriet Kelly Collection of African-American Art, San Antonio, Texas; Canton Museum of Art, Canton, Ohio.
Professor’s Bright’s awards/honors/listings include but are not limited to: Distinguished Teaching Award, Youngstown State University, 2006; Phi Kappa Phi National Artist Award Nominee (2001-2004), Nominated by Chapter 143, The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, 2001.