TH6.1: Race Conversation Redirected
BY JEREMY D. POSADAS
The path of community forums on race matters over the past three years turned a new direction on Thursday, September 22. The discussion in the Social Hall that evening – “Race: Questions, Responses, Movements” – was different for a number of reasons. It came at the very start of the academic year, less as a reaction to a particular incident or student-body sentiment, and more as an intentional opening of dialogue around race, racism, and racialization. And it was planned by the leaders of the Students of Color Retreat, in conjunction with that event. Over 35 students, mostly white, attended the forum, along with Seminary administrators Euan Cameron, Mary McNamara, and Karen Jones, and Professors Hyun Kyung Chung and Michael Harris. Alumnae Dionne Boissiere (now Assistant Director of Development) and Jenna Tiitsman each spoke briefly about race issues and anti-racism efforts during their time at Union. “I would encourage that the discussion turn into real action, getting over the ‘fear factor’ in talking about and confronting race and racism,” Boissiere advised. Tiitsman described the immense difficulties and unfairness involved in meaningful anti-racist work, but also the possibilities for transformation. After these presentations, third-year MDiv student Marisol Caballero led several exercises to reveal dimensions of racial, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity among the attendees. The forum concluded by dividing into three smaller, separate discussion groups, based on participants’ experiences and interests in anti-racism work.
The path of community forums on race matters over the past three years turned a new direction on Thursday, September 22. The discussion in the Social Hall that evening – “Race: Questions, Responses, Movements” – was different for a number of reasons. It came at the very start of the academic year, less as a reaction to a particular incident or student-body sentiment, and more as an intentional opening of dialogue around race, racism, and racialization. And it was planned by the leaders of the Students of Color Retreat, in conjunction with that event. Over 35 students, mostly white, attended the forum, along with Seminary administrators Euan Cameron, Mary McNamara, and Karen Jones, and Professors Hyun Kyung Chung and Michael Harris. Alumnae Dionne Boissiere (now Assistant Director of Development) and Jenna Tiitsman each spoke briefly about race issues and anti-racism efforts during their time at Union. “I would encourage that the discussion turn into real action, getting over the ‘fear factor’ in talking about and confronting race and racism,” Boissiere advised. Tiitsman described the immense difficulties and unfairness involved in meaningful anti-racist work, but also the possibilities for transformation. After these presentations, third-year MDiv student Marisol Caballero led several exercises to reveal dimensions of racial, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity among the attendees. The forum concluded by dividing into three smaller, separate discussion groups, based on participants’ experiences and interests in anti-racism work.
posted by JP at 8:10 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home