The Griot Institute for Africana Studies, in partnership with Bucknell Library and Information Technology, will again host the Dancing Mind Challenge on Saturday, Oct. 21. The Dancing Mind Challenge began in 2010 in response to Toni Morrison’s essay, “The Dancing Mind,” wherein Morrison advocates for disconnecting from the sometimes overwhelming electronic influences in our modern lives. Organizers intend this event to be an opportunity for our community to practice this often difficult idea by committing to “unplug” for four or eight consecutive hours (from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and to spend that time engaged exclusively in reading.
In addition to the pure challenge in isolation, organizers will also offer a public space in the Bertrand Library (available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) where someone can participate with friends, classmates and colleagues. In order to participate, all that students, faculty, administrators and staff have to do is pledge online at the registration site, to disconnect from their phone, computer and television, and any other electronic device and to commit to “dance” with the mind of a new or favorite author, to complete the Challenge, and then to reflect on the experience with a thoughtful response on the Dancing Mind blog site.