The Luminary - Issue 10

8/13/2019 The Luminary - Issue 10

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The Luminary

The Ofce ofDiversity andInclusion Newsletterof Emerson College

February 2014

A note from Dr. Sylvia Spears

Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion

The Birmingham campaign against racism and

racial segregation began in Birmingham,

Alabama, on April 3, 1963. The campaign

included a series of direct actions including

marches and sit-ins. On April 12, Dr. MartinLuther King Jr. was imprisoned for his

participation in a nonviolent demonstration,

which was in violation of an injunction against

parading, demonstrating, boycotting,

trespassing, and picketing.

Amid the harsh conditions of the

Birmingham Jail, King wrote the now famous

Letter from Birmingham Jail, which became

the roadmap for the nonviolent social change

movement. His letter was in response to a

public statement of caution issued by eight

white clergymen in Alabama. The letter also

became the core of his book, Why We CantWait.

The white clergymens so called Call to

Unity condemned Kings methods of

nonviolent resistance and called people to

exercise their concerns through more passive

means. Kings letter

defends the strategy of

nonviolent resistance and

argues that people have a

moral responsibility tospeak out against

injustices.

We know through

painful experience that

freedom is never voluntarily given by the

oppressor, it must be demanded by the

oppressed. Frankly, I have never yet engaged

in a direct action movement that was well-

timed according to the timetable of those who

have not suffered. For years now I have heard

the word wait. This wait has almost always

meant never. It has been tranquilizing a

thalidomide, relieving emotional stress for a

moment. We must come to see with the

distinguished jurist of yesterday that justice

too long delayed is justice denied.

I am condent that some of you who are

reading, while appreciative of the history

lesson, are also wondering what this has to

do with Emerson. However, as I reect on the

lack of engagement and concern about bias

incidents on our campus, the low turnout at

the sexual assault advocate interviews and

presentations, and the minuscule attendance

at Martin Luther King Jr. week events, I cant

help but wonder if we, just like those white

clergymen in Alabama, have swaddledourselves in a blanket of complacency. I cant

help but wonder if we have succumbed to the

tranquilizing effects of gradualism. I cant help

but wonder if we are content to wait.

I am not. I feel the deep urgency of now.

The Urgency of Now


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Civic Engagement

On Friday, January 24, the Emerson community

showed their dedication to civic engagement

with a Day of Service. Organized by Suzanne

Hinton, Director of the Serving Learning

and Community Action, and Steven Martin,

Director of Off-Campus Student Housing and

Community Engagement, with assistance

from the City Mission Society of Boston, the

Emerson community rolls up sleeves for Day of Service

day was the culmination of the colleges week-

long series of events to celebrate the legacy of

Martin Luther King Jr.

On-campus, volunteers busied themselves

writing letters to local legislators in support of

immigration reform, making blankets for St.

Marys Center for Women and Children, and

assembling Family Literacy Kits for Jumpstart

Photo courtesy of Suzanne Hinton

Family Night. Off-campus, a group spent th

afternoon preparing and serving food to peop

experiencing homelessness at the Bosto

Rescue Missions Kingston House; anothe

group tutored grade school children at th

William E. Russell School in Dorchester.

Lindsay Pacheco, a rst year VMA major an

student employee for the Elma Lewis Cente

for Civic Engagement, Learning, and Researc

found her service at Kingston House to b

rewarding and thought provoking.

It was just incredibly humbling to see a

those people, Pacheco told The Luminary.

Dylan Manderlink, a senior studyin

theatre for social change and an Arts

Lectures Coordinator for the Ofce of Servic

Learning, also commented on the service as a

opportunity for reection.

Its important to recognize that [peop

experiencing homelessness] are human being

and they deserve our respect, attention, goo

spirits, warmth, and care, Manderlink said.

By Blake Campbell

Ofce of Diversity & Inclusion staff

Photos from Martin Luther King Jr. Week


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Feature

It is easy to draw parallels between the cultural

impacts of Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson

Mandela. Both men are known for combating

racial inequity (albeit on different geographic

fronts), and have both been incorporated into

the narrative of social progressivism as

symbols of self-sacrice, inspirational oratory,

and the forgiving of ones enemies. A more

troubling thread, however, has emerged to link

the two men, especially in the time since

Mandelas passing. The gures and institutions

that adamantly resisted Mandelas and Kings

respective calls for change are now the most

visible forces at work in shaping the two mens

legacies.

Like King before him, in the medias rush

to lionize Mandela in death, the aspects of his

legacy that acknowledge him as a revolutionary

who worked against a ferociously defended

status quo have been glossed to oblivion.

British Prime Minister David Cameron

memorialized the fallen giant as a towering

gure of our time; a legend in life and now indeatha true global hero. The mythical

connotations of the word legend are

particularly apt when considering the

posthumous understanding of Mandela.

Camerons own predecessor and fellow

Conservative Party leader, Margaret Thatcher,

staunchly opposed sanctions to the apartheid

regime, even calling the African National

Congress a typical terrorist organization.

Camerons conferral of praise on Mandela is

an act on behalf of a state that contributed

greatly to the upholding of a system which

Mandela dedicated his life to dismantling.

A similar erasure of nuance pervades

public knowledge of the American Civil Rights

Movement. Kings role in the successful

Montgomery Bus Boycott is well chronicled in

most public school curricula, but the FBIs

surveillance and attempted subversion of the

civil rights advocate under its Counter

Intelligence Program is a story largely untold.

That Dr. Kings own government viewed him

as a credible danger to, rather than savior for,

the then-existing social and political order is

an uncomfortable truth not in keeping with

the platitudes about freedom and equality the

nation touts each January.

It is worth considering what the powers

that be stand to lose by acknowledging their

complicity in the maintenance of the conditions

that King and Mandela worked to redress. A

celebration of these mens respective lives

that resists illuminating the familiar faces of

the forces that opposed them diminishes theenormity of their accomplishments.

A movie about either gure is inevitably

tasked to contend with these complexities,

and Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedomdoes

a better job than most. Based on Mandelas

1995 autobiography of the same name, the

conventional but enjoyable biopic chronicles

both the personal and political exploits of the

iconic former South African president with

sensitivity and depth. At the heart of the lms

charm is Idris Elbas deft portrayal of the titular

The Deradicalization of Mandela and Kingcharacter. Elbas studied approximation of

Nelson Mandelas speech and mannerisms

anchors a script that moves (at times abruptly)

through several decades, laboring over aspects

of Mandelas development while shortchanging

others. For instance, a substantial chunk of

screen time is allocated to Mandelas 27 years

in prison, but scenes intended to allude to his

marital indelity are brief and perfunctory.

Naomie Harriss powerful performance as

Winnie Mandela also helps to counter the

uneven pace.

The movie is particularly notable for its

depiction of Mandelas participation in

desultory tactics to undermine the South

African regime. In contrast to the sanitized

narrative coalescing around Mandela since

his passing, the lm uninchingly conveys the

activists refusal to condemn black South

Africans who used violence to resist apartheid.

Though Mandelas belief in compassionate

nonviolence is emphasized in the lm, it is

also made apparent that the former presidentperceived nonviolence as a tactically expedient

choice rather than a moral absolute. This

willingness to engage the more unsavory

elements of Mandelas ideology helps the lm

to achieve a richness that is tting of its layered

and complex subject. The broader discussion

of King and Mandela might benet from taking

on the lms stance as a template.

By GRa Asim


Photo courtesy (right)obaixetudodownloads.com


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Opinion

As our educational community and the nation

at large takes time this month to reect upon

the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is

important to recognize the broader scope of his

message. In addition to being a frontrunner in

the ght against racial injustice, King was a vocal

advocate of the poor and an incisive critic of

capitalism. While the countless advancements

in race relations that have occurred since Kings

assassination in 1968 are often trumpeted as

evidence of the realization of his dream, his

vision of the struggle for human rights included

more than the achievement of a desegregated

society.

It is especially apt to examine the

implications of Kings message as it applies

to poverty in view of the recent passing of the

50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnsons

declaration of war on poverty. As the architect of

the Poor Peoples Campaign in the late 1960s,

an economic rights effort spearheaded by the

Southern Christian Leadership Conference,

King demonstrated a belief in the importance of

nancial dignity for all.

This component of Kings legacy is of

particular import to our student body. As the

artists and communicators of tomorrow, it

behooves Emerson students to appreciate the

impact that popular perceptions of the poor

have on the means used to combat economic

inequality. Fifty years into the War on Poverty, the

narrative that paints poverty as a consequence

of decient character, initiative, or integrity

continues to have considerable currency in the

public imagination. The notion that capitalism

only fails those who rst fail themselves is a

falsehood that King hoped to eradicate.

As producers and consumers of culture,

we may advance the cause by recognizing

the power we have to reshape class-related

attitudes and expectations. Whether one

is addressing economic inequity via news

reporting, writing nonction, screenwriting, or

otherwise, rendering the issue with recognition

of the societal structures that propagate it is a

revolutionary act. Let Kings legacy serve as a

reminder of the opportunity we have to elevate

the national discourse through media portrayals

of class that embrace complexity and nuance.

By GRa Asim


On Wednesday, January 22, I had the good fortune to be invited to Emersons reception

for Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The reception had delicious

desserts, a wonderful bar, amazing singing (including a particularly impressive rendition

of We Shall Not be Moved by the Berklee Reverence Gospel choir), and a few elegant

speeches by President Pelton, Sylvia Spears, and others. The highlight of the event was

an address delivered by MJ Knoll-Finn, the Vice President of Enrollment Management. Her

speech was a powerful account of how the words of King spoke to her as a woman. She

spoke about the struggle of education for women, how Kings work allowed her, and the

past female generations in her family, a chance at education, although he might not have

realized it at the time, and how Kings words can, and should, inspire everyone. The whole

event from start to nish was a well-executed celebration of Kings l ife and achievements.I could tell as I sat in my chair that a lot of heart had gone into making something that

students would feel good about.

There was just one small problema lack of the aforementioned students. When I

arrived there were only a few people, but I had hopes that more people would show up as

the event got into swing. A large number of staff from the 10th oor of the Walker Building

did eventually show up, but the lack of students was frankly disappointing. At one point I

even tried to envision what the room would have looked like had more people attended.

I bring up my disappointment not to make people feel guilty, but to question why more

of the Emerson community did not attend. I dont regret that the whole of the student

body didnt show up; Im sure that some of them had classes, and that some of them

had homework to do. Yet there was a stillness in the room that I found disquieting. As an

Emerson graduate, I know rsthand that Emersons student body cares about civil rights

issues. But the poor attendance made me question that notion, if only for a moment.

When you put your whole heart into something, to educate and to provide enjoyment forpeople, you want what you have made to be shared by as many people as possible.

I dont want to live in a complacent world, where people forget how we got here and

where there is not celebration for the achievements we have made and the growth we

have experienced, especially now, when there are still gures intent on forcing us back

to a time when the voices of people of color, women, LGBTQ people, and other minorities

were silenced. I want to enter a room where many people from different walks of life

come to discuss and grow from their shared and diverse experiences. In the end, all I

want is what King wantedthe forward movement of all lives, through conversation and

togetherness. And I have the audacity to hope that I will see it someday.

By Clare Wilson-Pelton


The Dreamers Take on the

Capitalist Nightmare

Activism Needs ActivityPhoto courtesy of Suzanne Hinton


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Events on Campus

Victory Stride

Multiple events throughout FebruaryThis campus-wide celebration of AfricanAmerican History Month includes a hostof events. Featured guests range fromBoston city councilor Michelle Wu to rapperProfessor Lyrical (who is also a real-lifeprofessor at Northeastern University).A group of Emerson faculty memberswill also participate in a teach-in fromFebruary 3 to 25, each dedicating one

class to a social justice issue. For moreinformation, please visit word.emerson.edu/victorystride.

Self-Reection: African American

Heritage Month 2014

The Ofce of Multicultural Student Affairs

and GLBTQ Resources is hosting aseries of events throughout the month ofFebruary to celebrate African AmericanHeritage. For a full listing of events,please visit ecampus.emerson.edu. Formore information, please contact [email protected].

Covering Civil Rights

Thursday, February 1311:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m.Multipurpose RoomMax Mutchnick Campus CenterJournalist-in-Residence Cindy Rodrguezwill moderate this discussion about themedias treatment of contemporary civilrights issues, featuring guest speakersWGBH senior investigative reporter PhillipMartin and Farah Stockman, a columnist

for the Boston Globe. This is a free eventonly open to members of the Emersoncommunity. For more information, pleasecontact Professor Rodrguez [email protected] or 212-810-1100.

Bright Lights: Cutie and the Boxer

Tuesday, February 18, 7:00 p.m.Bright Family Screening Room, Paramount

CenterZachary Heinzerlings documentaryexamines 40 years of marriage betweentwo creative people, the famed and

Events

eccentric boxing painter Ushio Shinohara

and his wife, Noriko. As Ushio navigatesthe ne line between commercialism and

genuine creative expression, Noriko worksto advance her own artwork and gaina new sense of independence. This is afree event. For more information, pleasecontact Anna Feder at [email protected].

Fefu and Her Friends

Multiple showings from February 20 to 25;check website for detailsTufte Performance and Production CenterSemel Theater, 3rd Floor

Mara Irene Fornss feminist dramafollows the lives of a close-knit group ofseven women. Admission to the show is$8 for the Emerson community and $12 forthe general public. For more information,please contact Megan Wygant at [email protected] or 617-824-8000.Directed by Maureen Shea.

Bright Lights:Fruitvale StationThursday, February 27, 7:00 p.m.Bright Family Screening Room

Paramount CenterRyan Cooglers 2013 lm tells the true

story of Oscar Grant, an African AmericanBay Area resident who was fatally shot bythe police in 2009. This is a free event. Formore information, please contact AnnaFeder at [email protected] by EBONI as part of African

American Heritage Month

Boston Events

Reelabilities Boston: Disabilities Film

Festival

Now through Thursday, February 6;see website for screening informationThis festival features a variety of lms from

around the world that tackle the issue ofdisabilities. Many of the screenings are freeevents. For tickets and more information,please visit boston.reelabilities.org.

The Mirror of Race: Seeing Ourselves

through History

Now through Tuesday, February 25Adams GalleryDavid J. Sargent Hall

Suffolk University

120 Tremont St.

Boston, MA 02116This exhibition features representationsof race in early forms of photography,including ambrotypes, tintypes, anddaguerreotypes. These stark imageschallenge viewers to think critically aboutrace relations and the history of peopleof color in the United States. Admission

is free. For more information, please visitsuffolk.edu/adamsgallery or mirrorofrace.org.

Ayesha Mattu and Nura Maznavi discuss

Salaam, Love: American Muslim Men

on Sex, Love, and Intimacy

Tuesday, February 11, 7:00 p.m.Harvard Book Store

1256 Massachusetts Ave.Cambridge, MA 02138

Photo from suffolk.edu

Photo from hufngtonpost.com


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Events

Ayesha Mattu and Nura Maznavi arethe editors of Salaam, Love, a collection

of writings by Muslim men on sexualand emotional intimacy and how itintersects with their faith. Forgoing Muslimstereotypes, the book presents thetestimonies of a wide array of men. This isa free event. For more information, pleasevisit harvard.com.

Events for African American History

Month

Massachusetts Historical Society

1154 Boylston St.Boston, MA 02115The Massachusetts Historical Society will

be hosting these events exploring thehistory of race in America: A tacit proclamation of achievement by

the Race: Landscapes Built With AfricanAmerican Civilian Conservation CorpsLabor in the Rural Midwest (Tuesday,February 11, 5:15 p.m. 7:30 p.m.) Created Equal: The Loving Story

(Wednesday, February 12, 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.) How can the wife submit? African

Families Negotiate Gender and Slavery

in New England (Thursday, February 13,5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.)These events are free but require

registration. To learn more or RSVP,

please visit masshist.org.

Can Kemal: Dreams of Bosphorus

Tuesday, February 18, 8:15 p.m.Berklee Performance CenterBerklee College of Music136 Massachusetts Ave.Boston, MA 02115Turkish drummer Can Kemal will performtraditional and modern pieces fromhis home country in his senior recital.American and Middle Eastern musicianswill accompany him to invoke the musicalheritage of Bosphorus, the strait inIstanbul which forms a border between

Europe and Asia. This is a free event. Formore information, please visit berklee.edu/events.

Mili Bermejo and Soa Rei in Concert

Wednesday, February 19, 8:15 p.m.Berklee Performance CenterBerklee College of Music136 Massachusetts Ave.Boston, MA 02115Mili Bermejo and Soa Rei represent two

generations of soulful singers in LatinAmerican music traditions. At this concert,they will combine their talents to presenta new set of original music. Admission is$8 in advance and $12 on the day of the

show. For tickets and more information,please visit berklee.edu/events.

Poetry Days Presents Tracy K. Smith

Thursday, February 20, 7:00 p.m.Gasson 100Boston CollegeChestnut Hill, MA 02467Celebrated African American poet Tracy K.Smith will read at Boston Colleges Gasson

Hall as part of the Lowell HumanitiesSeries. Smiths 2011 collection, Life on

Mars, won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize forPoetry. This is a free event. For directionsand more information, please visit bc.edu/ofces/lowellhs.

Edmund White reads from Inside a

Pearl: My Years in Paris

Monday, February 24, 7:00 p.m.Brookline Booksmith279 Harvard St.

Coolidge CornerBrookline, MA 02446Gay novelist Edmund White, author of theacclaimed novel A Boys Own Story and

many other works of ction and nonction,reads from his new book, a memoir ofhis years living in Paris. This is a freeevent. For more information, please visitbrooklinebooksmith-shop.com.

African American History and Its

Expressions: A Festival of Plays, Dolls,

and Oral History

Thursday, February 27 toSaturday, March 1

The Factory Theatre791 Tremont St.

Boston, MA 02118

This three-day celebration of AfricanAmerican culture features a puppetadaptation of The Purple Flower, a playby Harlem Renaissance playwright MaritaBonner; Obie-Award-winning playwrightEd Bullinss The Man Who Dug Fish;a presentation of historical dolls by thefounders of the National Black DollMuseum of History & Culture; and a poetryperformance by theatre artist and Emersonfaculty member Robbie McCauley. Fortickets and more information, please visitsleepingweazel.com.

Photo from berklee.edu

Executive EditorsSylvia SpearsAlayne FioreRobert Amelio

EditorBlake Campbell

DesignJudy Jun

Copy Editor

Published monthly by

the Office of Diversityand Inclusion

Send news suggestions and tips to

[email protected]

Blake Campbell

Advisory GroupGRa AsimJeeyoon KimAndrea Gordillo

ContributorsClare Wilson-PeltonGRa Asim

[email protected]

Photo from sleepingweazel.com

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The Luminary - Issue 10