Alpha Mu Chi, NTCC's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, recently received its fifth grant from the Mellon Foundation. The chapter will use the $1,000 to explore northeast Texas Folklore. The month of October is being nicknamed "Folk-tober," and each Monday in the month the chapter is showcasing a different aspect of the unique folklore and culture of the region. October 7 is the Choctaw Cultural Center Presentation, October 14 is M.J. Hayes local author and storyteller, October 21 is Bigfoot Booth, and October 28 is tales from the Northeast Texas Ezekiel Airship and Rural Heritage Museum. Pizza and drinks are served at each event, held at 12:30 each Monday.
Dr. Susan Edwards, Senior Director of Honors Programs at Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, commended the chapter on its "strong" grant application. "We are proud of your work at your college and community and your participation in a robust Honors in Action project."
The grant made it possible to purchase folklore-themed t-shirts designed by co-advisor Professor Athena Hayes. The design shows the Greek goddess Athena emerging from Zeus' forehead, holding a shield with the Greek letters "Alpha Mu Chi." At the bottom of the image are the Greek letters "Phi Theta Kappa." Professor Hayes stands to the left in the picture of chapter officers wearing the design in the photo above, taken just before the Choctaw Cultural Center Presentation. The Mellon Foundation funds will also enable chapter members to attend and participate in the Annual Texas Bigfoot Celebration in Jefferson, Texas on October 19. The "Folk-tober" events and local folktales being collected will appear in a mini-documentary about the truly unique culture of northeast Texas.
Please participate in the project by scanning the QR code below and sharing your unique local folktale!
