Key for Events
W = workshop
P = presentation with discussion/dialog
F = film screening with Q&A
1 = first steps
2 = deepening our understanding
3 = challenging ourselves
Monday, October 7
What are Races? Why Does it Matter? (P, 2)
Presented by: Matt LaVine from 5 – 6:30 p.m. in the Knowles MPR
The philosophical field of the metaphysics of race asks what, if anything, are races, and do races actually exist in the world? This talk will present three positions. First, race naturalists hold that races do exist and that they should be studied by the natural sciences. Race eliminativists hold that races would be naturalistic if they existed, but all of our best genetics shows that such naturalistic divisions between racial groups do not actually exist. Finally, social constructionists believe that races are brought into existence by social processes, so they are best studied by the social sciences. I will argue for a social constructionist account of race.
Health Justice—Black Women’s Lives Matter (P, 1)
Presented by: Claudia Ford from 7 – 8 p.m. in the Knowles MPR
In the United States, the death and disease statistics for black and brown women of childbearing age are appalling. Why are African American and Native American women, in particular, dying in childbirth at rates worse than some developing countries? This presentation will review the underlying causes of black and indigenous women’s health challenges and look at the most helpful means of bringing improvement and justice to these women, their families, and communities.
Tuesday, October 8th
Iakhinikonraketskwas: We All Uplift the Mind: Efforts in Akwesasne Time (W, 1)
Presented by: Chanel Cook and Jocelynn Martin from 5 – 6:30 p.m. in the Knowles MPR
Stigmas around Behavioral Health often keep people away from treatment. In Native communities, this is compounded by historical trauma, lack of resources, and fear of stigma from non-native professionals. Through activities and discussion, we will explore various mental health disabilities and the impact of stigma on receiving help. We will look to find areas of strength for each of us, should we be struggling with mental health currently or in the future.*Seating limited to the first 35 attendees*
How the Model Minority Myth of Asian Americans Affects Other Ethnic Minorities (P/F, 1)
Presented by: Sabel Bong and Shiho Imai from 7:00pm – 8:00pm in the Knowles MPR
The "model minority" myth of Asian Americans is a misleading concept that all Asians have become successful in America through their own hard work ethic, therefore, other ethnic minorities should be able to do the same. By placing the myth in the context of the Civil Rights era and the recent discrimination lawsuit again Harvard University, our presentation will consider how and why this myth has created a wedge between Asians and other ethnic groups.
Wednesday, October 9th
Spanish is Forbidden in Here: The Case for Bilingualism (P, 2)
Presented by: Oscar Sarmiento from 5 – 6 p.m. in the Knowles MPR – Lower Level
This session will center on the bilingual experiences of Latinx communities. As we know, many members of the Latinx community also speak Spanish. But Spanish has been historically suppressed in schools because the educational system privileges monolingualism as a crucial feature of assimilation. Frequently racialized and deeply aware of the push for assimilation, Latinx parents may prefer for their children to become English monolinguals so as not to see them discriminated against. In this session, we will discuss both the history of linguistic and pedagogical biases as well as possible ways of actively embracing bilingualism for a multicultural democracy to come.
Addressing Bias Incidents on Our Campus (W, 1)
Presented by: Katie Agar and Matt LaVine from 5 – 7 p.m. in the Knowles MPR – Upper Level
This workshop was designed to raise awareness of issues related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on our campus. It will help us understand our roles in fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community. The workshop will help participants to understand and develop the necessary skills in addressing bias. Throughout the session, participants will learn about various bias incident categories, the impact of bias, and appropriate language and terminology. Participants will be provided with a number of techniques which they can use to interrupt bias-related incidents when they encounter them.
The Other Side of Immigration by Roy Germano (F, 1)
Presented by: Michael Popovic, Lydia Rodriguez, & Sabena Thomas from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Knowles MPR
Based on over 700 interviews in Mexican towns where about half the population has left to work in the United States, The Other Side of Immigration asks why so many Mexicans come to the U.S. and what happens to the families and communities they leave behind. Through an approach that is both subtle and thought-provoking, filmmaker Roy Germano provides a perspective on undocumented immigration rarely witnessed by American eyes, challenging audiences to imagine more creative and effective solutions to the problem. After the film, we will have a panel discussion in which we will address questions the audience may have.
Thursday, October 10th
What Not to Wear: Cultural Appropriation or Appreciation? (P, 2)
Presented by: Faris Khan and Tewentenhawihtha Aldrich from 5 – 6:30 p.m. in the Knowles MPR
This session will examine the concept of cultural appropriation, a hotly debated topic in contemporary popular culture. We will explore several examples of cultural appropriation, both past and present, in the US and other world regions. Taking a historical and cross-cultural perspective will reveal not only the concept’s relationship with race, sexuality and power, but also the significance of context in determining the boundary between appreciation and appropriation.
At 7 p.m., please consider attending a talk by Korva Coleman, National Public Radio newscaster, in Snell Theater.