the
UNITY Upcoming Events December
12
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and Celebration
25
GU Iron Chef
January
February 6 11 24
Cultural Awareness Night: Slavery By Another Name Crafting Unity: Brazilian Carnival Mask Color of Fear Presentation and Discussion
Crafting Unity Hamsa
Pictured right: Students coming together in the Crosby Student Center to learn and create their very own Hamsa—a handshaped amulet popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa as a sign for protection.
MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION etter CENTER newsl Volume 5, Issue 2
December 10, 2014
inside this issue...
Director’s Corner Why Society Can’t Ignore Indian Mascots Where Are They Now? Cultural Awareness Night: Color of Fear Ally Connection International Day of Tolerance (IDOT)
Director’s Corner Disillusionment. Solidarity. Hope. Change. Love. Magis. These are the words that have been resounding in my thoughts as I try to understand the lack of indictments in the case of Mike Brown and Eric Garner, or the violent death of Tamir Rice, a 12 year old child who was shot by a police officer while playing with a toy in a park. All three unarmed and killed, all three Black men. At times like these, it is easy to become disillusioned by our country’s current state and lack of social justice or that “liberty and justice for all” is only applicable to some based on the color of their skin and doesn’t seem to be intended for all. However as quickly as I become disillusioned, I am also reminded that I have the ability to do something about it. I can be upset and disillusioned or I can be proactive and listen to what others are sharing, read articles from different sources, participate in local peaceful marches, and engage in conversations with those around me. But what I cannot afford to do is be apathetic. Apathy, whether intended or not, contributes to the problem plaguing our country. It is apathy that prevents us from voting, from demanding that more resources be invested in our schools and not in the privatized industrial complex system, and that the use of deadly force is not the society we accept to live in.
The following quotes by three social justice activists remind
me that our fight for social justice and demand for change has been happening for centuries, and while we have seen change happen, there is still so much more that needs to be done. This gives me hope, hope that through the spirit of love for our fellow brothers and sisters, solidarity can become a guiding light.
Director’s Corner continued on page 5 502 e boone ave msc#2466, spokane, wa 99258
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Why Society Can’t Ignore Indian Mascots Presentation by Dr. Cornel Pewewardy
Student Reflection “Why We Shouldn’t Ignore Indian Mascots.” This topic could not be more applicable at a time like this, with both the controversies in all levels of sports in addition to the Halloween weekend approaching. In a packed Wolff Auditorium, with over 150 attendees composed of students, faculty, staff, and members of the community, the message was well spread. The speaker was Professor Cornel Pewewardy from Portland State University. Before the event took place, I had the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with a smaller group of students in UMEC, where each student had the space to ask him questions on a personal level. It was great to hear some of his opinions and his side of things before jumping into the larger crowd. During the event, Pewewardy held the attention of the crowd throughout. His information was relevant to the college students using examples from colleges in the past, as well as facts and figures from current sports and other media outlets. It definitely left an impact on me because those teams have names such as the Cleveland Indians and the Kansas City Chiefs that I see on a daily basis, but most of us don’t stop to reflect on how that may be hurtful to others. His personal experience left a mark that I could not have felt anywhere else, and we were very blessed to hear his story. Gonzaga university
Pictured above: Scenes from the powerful public talk by Dr. Pewewardy. The night provided an arena to discuss this compelling topic and engage in meaningful dialogue about history and cultural identity. This speaker was brought by UMEC and Dr. Laurie Arnold, GU’s Native American Studies Department. Event cosponsors included: IMPACT Group, College of Arts & Sciences, and the Institute for Hate Studies
STUDENT REFLECTION BY RYAN SONGCUAN, GU SENIOR
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Where Are They Now?
Catching up with Gonzaga Alums
What do you miss most about Gonzaga? There are a lot of things I miss about Gonzaga. The admissions office, the staff from UMEC, my BRIDGE family, and my friends. However, I must say that living with two former Gonzaga Alumni has eased the transition to the east coast and to the “real world.” Thuy Anh Vo, who was also a BRIDGE coordinator and Kelsey Hood, who has been my roommate and housemate since sophomore year at GU. What was your favorite moment at Gonzaga? My favorite moment(s) at Gonzaga was planning for the BRIDGE program and getting an opportunity to be a part of that community. I don’t think my experience at Gonzaga would have been the same, especially since I was a first generation student and often needed that support that you normally don’t get inside a classroom. What was one challenge you faced while at Gonzaga? The most challenging part of Gonzaga was being a first generation student and trying to navigate through college. I was an undeclared major for about two years and didn’t really know what to expect.
Name: Elizabeth Martinez Year Graduated: 2013 Majors: International Studies, Art, and Spanish From: Fairfield, CA / Nogales, AZ Activities while at GU: La Raza Latina, Comprehensive Leadership Program, Gonzaga in Florence, Campus Kids, Student Communications Team, Teach For America Campus Campaign Coordinator, Student Counselor, Public Relations and Program Coordinator for BRIDGE. What are you currently doing since graduating? Since I graduated I’ve been teaching in Bronx, New York as part of the Teach for America 2013 cohort and also working on my master’s at Fordham University. My first year here I taught 6th grade Math, Science, and Reading. This year I am teaching 6th grade Social Studies, Science, Reading and starting an enrichment program afterschool for students who are at risk and a yearbook/ publishing/media club. It is clear that my majors had nothing to do with education, as a matter a fact I never saw myself as a teacher, but being part of this community and exposing myself has been a life-changing experience. While it has changed my perspective on education and has been a great learning experience, it has also allowed me to grow as a person and at a professional level. 502 e boone ave msc#2466, spokane, wa 99258
Were you able to overcome them? How so? Absolutely! I graduated with a triple major and was involved in a lot of activities on campus. I was able to do this with the support from mentors, staff from UMEC (especially Tracy Ellis-Ward, former director) and my Academic Advisors. Gonzaga is full of so many resources, opportunities and individuals who want to help undergraduates succeed academically and personally, it is amazing. No matter how confident and knowledgeable you are about your major or academic standing there is always someone who is willing to support you even more! What was your biggest takeaway from your Gonzaga experience that is most applicable to you after graduating? The experiences I had outside of the classroom. Being involved in clubs and programs allowed me to acquire many skills that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. As a teacher I am not only a mentor, but a leader, sister, counselor, a friend, resource provider, learning facilitator, academic coach, learner and so many other roles that I also got to experience as an undergraduate. What advice do you have for current Gonzaga students? Although there are so many things to do and be a part of, it is important to find a balance and learn to say “no” to things that you simply can’t be a part of. In order to complete your undergraduate career you need to be emotionally, physically and mentally stable! What’s next for you? I will be completing my master’s degree this year and will continue to teach here in the Bronx. I am not sure how many more years, but I do know that I want to continue to be a part of this community and eventually partner with a non-profit organization to start afterschool enrichment programs for students here in the community. (509) 313-5836
unityhouse@gonzaga.edu
Student Reflection
BY KEISHA HOOD, ACT SIX SCHOLAR AND FIRST-YEAR STUDENT
Viewing Lee Mun Wah’s film, “The Color of Fear” was an eyeopening experience. The film explored racial inequalities and conflicts among different ethnic groups. Wah, the director of the film, chose eight outstanding candidates from various racial backgrounds to discuss issues surrounding racial differences. Even though this film was made twenty years ago, some issues and conflicts that were presented in the film are still relevant today. At one point in the discussion, David, one of the eight participants in the film, said of minority groups, “Why don’t they be happy and get along? There is no struggle.” David, as part of a majority group was not the victim of racism and discrimination; thus, he was unfamiliar with others’ experiences of racial inequalities and discrimination. The group went through a process of frustration and intense anger before they reached a resolution and understood each other’s perspectives and experiences surrounding race.
The Color of Fear is one of the most powerful and influential race relations documentaries of the 21st Century U.S.A. The November 6th program was the first part of a series of programs for students, faculty, and staff to engage in educational opportunities based on The Color of Fear.
Moving from Ethiopia to the United States, I have experienced and witnessed racial remarks and microaggression racism. Like David, I have encountered people who are blind to racist comments and discrimination. From the movie, I learned that it is extremely important to raise awareness of the discrimination and racism that is present in my community. It is also important to understand the perspectives and different backgrounds of people in order to understand the issues and struggles they face without making assumptions.
Save the Date Two of the film’s cast members and who are considered race relations experts, Hugh Vasquez and Victor Lewis will visit Gonzaga University on February 24, 2015. Their visit will include a classroom visit, staff/faculty workshop, student meet and greet, and culminate with a public lecture titled, Lessons of the Color of Fear: 20 Years Later. The public lecture will is scheduled for February 24th, 2015 at 7:00 pm in the Wolff Auditorium in Jepson Center.
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Director’s Corner continued...
“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
Ally Connection
--Martin Luther King, Jr.
Keith Kelley, Case Manager, Center for Cura Personalis
“Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent then the one derived from fear of punishment.” --Mahatma Gandhi
“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. We have seen the future, and the future is ours.” --César Chávez Three leaders, all from different ethnic backgrounds but who had one shared premise – their yearning for social justice and a community where everyone would be treated equally and fairly. Their actions, their words, and their solidarity were their magis in the wake of seeing injustice happening around them. So I encourage you during these times of distress, choose to be active and seek your magis to truly be men and women of and for others. My thoughts are prayers go out to the families who will for the first time be celebrating the holidays without their loved ones. And my solidarity, hope, love, and desire for change towards reaching an America where #Brownlivesmatter for all.
Juanita Jasso, Director, UMEC
As a Case Manager here at Gonzaga, one has to be prepared for just about anything. Our office’s primary function is to support students who are dealing with some form of adversity, which in large part consists of referring students to resources where they can receive the support they need. In the last year alone my colleagues and I have served hundreds of students struggling with major physical or psychological health issues, family emergencies, extreme financial stress, interpersonal conflict, assault, and much more. In the thick of things it would be easy to say, “I’ve seen this concern before and know exactly what to do.” While referrals to other resources on or off campus are an easy thing to give, there are myriad factors to consider before we arrive at any conclusions about what we need to do in order to best serve our students. We need to understand the underlying dynamics that may have had a causal impact with the presenting concerns. It is also imperative to understand what someone’s cultural or family background prescribes when it comes to services such as counseling. If someone’s care is going to involve utilization of insurance, does the student concerned about family know more about what’s going on? Can culture or religion be a protective factor with a student who presents concerns regarding suicide? What protective factors or risks might be at play with someone who is pregnant and not married? What unique support might a military vet need, or perhaps the student who decides to ‘come out’ to their family while in college? As Zags, we are family, but that does not mean we can ever assume we know what others in our community are experiencing. The Jesuit tradition is deeply rooted in striving to understand and serve our brothers and sisters, and this tradition has manifested at times in some beautiful examples of intercultural competence going back hundreds of years. It is a tradition worth preserving; in fact I would contend it is an essential tradition to maintain.
502 e boone ave msc#2466, spokane, wa 99258
(509) 313-5836
unityhouse@gonzaga.edu
IDOT: International Day of Tolerance
Standing for Global Justice
Pictured on this page : Gonzaga University faculty, staff, and students, Spokane City officials like Spokane’s Mayor David Condon, and representatives from the local Spokane community came together to stand for justice by linking arms and forming a line of solidarity on Friday, November 14, 2014 outside of the Crosby Student Center.
“That was awesome; I loved how Big Bing Theory closed it out with that unifying song and Raymond Reyes call to action. It’s a beautiful event, linking arms in front of Crosby, so it’s always an awesome day at Gonzaga.” -Connor House, Gonzaga Student Body Association President and GU Senior student
I’m a sophomore and that was really emotional for me. The part where Dr. Reyes started talking about how we should all just be tolerant; that really touched me. So it was awesome!” -Sarah Ghods, GU Sophomore student
I’m a freshman here at Gonzaga. I think it is a really cool event that Gonzaga recognizes because there are issues of lack of diversity on campus but the university does all that it can to make everybody feel at home; and I really enjoyed that.” -Carlo Juntilla, GU First-year student
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Gonzaga University invites you to the first
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass & Celebration
7:00 pm MASS | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
STUDENT CHAPEL COLLEGE HALL 3RD fLOOR
Join us after mass in College Hall 101 to share some Pan Dulce & hot chocolate For more info contact: unityhouse@gonzaga.edu | (503) 313-5836 502 e boone ave msc#2466, spokane, wa 99258
(509) 313-5836
unityhouse@gonzaga.edu
Gonzaga university
unity multicultural education center