Civil Rights to be new focus of social justice study this year
African-American struggle to get attention this fall
Christina Faust
Issue date: 9/29/05 Section: News
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While faculty and students were enjoying their summer break, members of the Center for Social Justice were planning the next in-depth study of an issue of justice for this coming year.
After examining current issues, the center has decided to focus on civil rights. The purpose of the study, according to Dr. Christine Bennett, is to prompt thought and interest from the students, faculty, and outside community.
The NDNU Center for Social Justice, headed by Bennett, branches out of the School of Arts and Humanities and extends into different schools within the university.
Bennett said Dr. Philip Gasper, a philosophy professor, has dedicated a great deal of his time and thought into the preparation for this year's study.
During 2005, the death penalty was the main focus of study and this year the center has taken on civil rights. The center's planning committee consists of students, faculty and staff from the residence halls. The center not only encourages, but challenges students and members of the community to view issues pertaining to social justice through different channels of the arts. This year marks the second year that the Center for Social Justice will conduct a study with such direction and detail.
Unlike last year, Bennett said the study will not prompt as many conflicting viewpoints, but it will educate and push the students to measure how far the community within the university, and in a greater respect, the nation have come, and how much further it's still necessary to go in the quest for civil rights.
In order to properly convey the struggles of many civil rights activists, the center has dedicated the fall semester to the life, the preaching and the overall impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in regards to the African American struggle for civil rights.
To fully illustrate his struggles and nation-altering teachings, the center will portray his works through an array of media, ranging from powerful performances in the theater, guest speakers, films and a 78-picture photo exhibit.
The mission statement of the Center for Social Justice mirrors the university's mission. Both prompt students to take what they have learned at the institution and to work for a better world. This civil rights study will allow the center to fulfill its statement, Bennett said. Students will leave with the proper tools and hearts to promote good in this world.
"Through this workshop there will be some realization of what we mean by, systemic racism, and hopefully eradicate it, and create an atmosphere and environment on campus where it is not tolerated," Bennett said. She stressed that we must "educate ourselves and learn how to cross barriers."
Like last year's focus, she said this study will prompt awareness on campus on a pertinent social justice issue.
Bennett noted that members of the Black Student Union have pressed the university for a more diverse staff on campus to broaden the scope and introduce possible role models. The push for a diverse staff, and recent national and worldwide events bring the issue of civil and human rights to the forefront.
This study has come at the right time, she said. Civil rights still is a huge issue throughout the United States. Just because laws protect assumed rights, it does not mean racism has disappeared in this country.
"Racism is not a one-way street," Bennett said. "This in-depth study pertains to what this country is still struggling with today."
This semester's events fall under the category, "The African American Struggle and Its Legacy," and are available to all students, faculty and the general public.
The first feature is titled "Countdown to Eternity," which is an exhibit of 78 photos taken of Dr. King only a year before his assassination in 1968. The exhibit will run from Sept. 21-Nov. 7 in the Wiegand Gallery, noon to 4 p.m.
A reception will take place on Oct. 2 from 2-4 p.m. in the art gallery as well.
The Center for Social Justice was also able to arrange a presentation from Tom Houck, Dr. King's chauffeur. This event will take place in the Wiegand Gallery on Oct. 3 from 1-2 p.m.
A film festival featuring films with themes of social justice is scheduled for Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9.
During the spring semester, the center will narrow the scope of its study to the Chicano struggle for civil rights.
For more information please visit the Center for Social Justice's website