2012 Schedule
“Social Justice, Activism and New Media”
Thursday, November 8
1 p.m.
Keynote address: “Against Pearl Clutching: Rebels, Renegades and Critical Resistance,” by Latoya Peterson, digital media consultant
Peterson’s talk will be preceded by opening remarks from Pamela Nolan Young, adviser to the president and director of institutional diversity and equity; a performance by the Smith College Glee Club; a welcome by President Carol T. Christ; and a recitation by Meredith Nnoka ’13 of Maven, a poem commissioned by Smith in honor of Otelia Cromwell, written by award-winning poet Nikky Finney.
3 p.m. (following keynote event)
Afternoon workshops:
- “Bridging the Gaps: Solidarity Beyond Clichés,” a workshop focusing on reading, journaling and partner exercises designed to explore the difficulties in creating broadly inclusive spaces and creating frameworks and language that will allow for the formation of lasting coalitions. Presented by Latoya Peterson; Earle Recital Hall, Sage Hall.
- “Pearls and Complacency? Tumbling Elitism, Co-opting Resistance.” In February 2012, the Sophian published an ’84 alum’s letter to the editor which lamented the decline of heterosexual, high-income, U.S.-born, white Smithies “in cashmere coats and pearls” among the current student body. Within hours, a range of students challenged the alum’s sentiments by sharing 500+ photos and testimonials on a Tumblr cheekily titled “Pearls and Cashmere.” This workshop will facilitate a retrospective, loving critique of the form and content of last year’s “Pearls and Cashmere” Tumblr, and how it reveals to us: 1) the possibilities (and disappointments) of activist organizing via social media; and 2) the norms we diligently uphold about who the “ideal” Smithie really is. Presented by Neda Maghbouleh ’04, lecturer, Department of Sociology; Neilson Browsing Room.
- “Learning from the Civil Rights Movement: The Problem of Political Activism in the Age of (Corporate) Social Media,” a workshop drawing upon the history of the civil rights movements to investigate the prospects for political activism in the age of new media. Protestors and activists increasingly look to new media as a venue for publicizing and advancing their causes. What are the implications for the ways protest has to be “staged” today? Presented by Kevin Rozario, associate professor of American studies; Ford Hall 240, Case Study Room.
- “Shaha: The Storytellers Interactive Workshop.” Shaha members provide learning opportunities to students around issues of inclusion, social justice and multiculturalism through theater-based peer education. McConnell 103.
For Smith Faculty and Staff
- “Diversity’s Promise for Excellence: Building Capacity for a Pluralistic Society.” This workshop will engage participation on the next generation of diversity work and its relationship to building capacity for excellence in a pluralistic society, with particular emphasis on the academic core and the role of faculty. Presented by Daryl Smith, professor of education and psychology, Claremont Graduate University; Campus Center 103-104.
7:30 p.m.
“Shaha: The Storytellers,” a diversity peer education troupe from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. John M. Greene Hall; free and open to the public.
Friday, November 9
8 p.m.
“Weaving Voices,” a student-led spoken-word/open mic, Earle Recital Hall.
