“FreeWall Jam” event encourages students to express themselves through art

University of Nevada, Reno honors Black culture with empowering events during February

“FreeWall Jam” event encourages students to express themselves through art

University of Nevada, Reno honors Black culture with empowering events during February

RENO, Nev. — In honor of Black History Month, the University of Nevada, Reno Multicultural Center’s Black Diaspora Program will hold “FreeWall Jam” on Feb. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. on the University campus. The event will teach students about the art of spray painting and its influence on counterculture.

During the event, street artist and University alumnus Terrence Hammond, known as Doomed Movement, will provide a live painting presentation. Students will also have the opportunity to try spray painting on freewalls set up on the lawn in front of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center. “FreeWall Jam” is one of several events hosted by the Black Diaspora Program in celebration of Black History Month.

“Black History Month is a time for celebration of culture, community and Black excellence,” Brandon Sanders, the coordinator of the Black Diaspora Program, said. “Although February is the designated month, which is recognized as Black History Month, we honor Black culture 365 days a year. The purpose of the Black Diaspora Program is to create space and opportunities for our students to feel safe, heard and empowered as well as have a sense of community – a space that cultivates connection and growth for all who engage.”

WHAT: The University Multicultural Center’s Black Diaspora Program will hold the “FreeWall Jam” event to teach attendees about the art of spray painting and its influence on counterculture.

WHEN: Feb. 22

  • 12:30 p.m.: Media interviews will be available with Doomed Movement and Serene Townsell, a University student who helped coordinate the event.
  • 1-3 p.m.: Dr. Fredrick Gooding (known as Dr. G), a professor of humanities from Texas Christian University, will open the event. Doomed Movement will then hold a live painting presentation, and attendees will have the opportunity to try spray painting.

WHERE: Lawn in front of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center

Media Contact

Jessica Lozada
Communications Officer
Marketing and Communications 
Phone: (775) 784-6186
Email: jfagundes@unr.edu


The University of Nevada, Reno is a public research university that is committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University serves 21,000 students. The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Additionally, it has attained the prestigious “Carnegie Engaged” classification, reflecting its student and institutional impact on civic engagement and service, fostered by extensive community and statewide collaborations. More than $800 million in advanced labs, residence halls and facilities has been invested on campus since 2009. It is home to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and Wolf Pack Athletics, maintains a statewide outreach mission and presence through programs such as the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Small Business Development Center, Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Through a commitment to world-improving research, student success and outreach benefiting the communities and businesses of Nevada, the University has impact across the state and around the world.

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