Free Events During Unity Through Diversity Week
Come to campus April 27 to May 1 for Highline College’s annual celebration and exploration of diversity and contemporary social justice issues. Now in its 18th year, Unity Through Diversity Week will explore how culture can be a source of power and strength when navigating issues of oppression and injustice.
The weeklong program will feature free educational events, programs and activities. (See event schedule for details.) United by the theme “Your voice, your culture, our diversity,” Unity Through Diversity Week looks at the diversity of our community in all forms: race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ability and religion.
“Unity Through Diversity Week is beyond a signature Highline College event. It is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and members of our greater community to reflect and appreciate our diversity,” said Doris Martinez, Highline’s Inter-Cultural Center Leadership Coordinator and chair of the Unity Through Diversity Week committee. “From community service to student involvement, Highline students strive to step outside of their comfort zone and continuously partake in courageous conversations. We hope that this week of programs will continue to challenge the exploration of their voices, cultures and diversity.”
All events are free and open to the public and will be held on the college’s main campus.
Questions? Contact Doris Martinez at (206) 592-4319 or dmartinez@highline.edu.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Race & Classism in Sports: Sports and Resistance in the United States
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Building 7
They say sports and politics don’t mix. But as long as there have been sports, there have been people—for good and ill—attempting to use these games to advance social change. In this lecture presented by Dave Zirin, political sports writer for the Nation magazine, we will look at this history and try to understand what makes sports so powerful a societal force.
Race & Classism in Sports: Race, Power and Seattle’s Final Play of the Super Bowl
1:30–3:30 p.m.
Building 7
The Seahawks and their fans had their hearts broken during the most bizarre ending in Super Bowl history. Since then, accusations and questions have arisen both inside and outside the locker room about how certain decisions at the end of the game were made. In this lecture presented by Dave Zirin, political sports writer for the Nation magazine, we will examine those decisions and the controversy through a political lens.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
(Dis)Unity in Diversity Rhetoric: The Ableism Crisis & Disability Justice
12:15–1:20 p.m.
Highline Student Union (Building 8, Mt. Constance/Mt. Olympus)
Lydia Brown, disabilities rights activist, will present “(Dis)Unity in Diversity Rhetoric: The Ableism Crisis & Disability Justice.” Brown says, “Our bodies are sick, disabled, mad, wobbly, flappy. We are everywhere, working, loving, playing, laboring for liberation, yearning for community. But most representations of disabled people are relegated to little more than inspirational stories of overcomers and supercrips. Most discussions of disability are limited to patronizing awareness laced with pity and fearmongering campaigns to cure the ‘cripples’ and ‘mentally challenged.’ Too often, disability is thought of as someone else’s private medical problem instead of a diversity and social justice issue. We must critically examine how ableism impacts disabled people and centers the bodies and minds of those who are more or less considered “normal” as if the rest of us don’t exist. Undoing ableism means examining our unspoken assumptions, ease of access taken for granted, and public discourse about bodies labeled ‘other’ and ‘less than.’ It is time to recognize how we ‘dis’-unify our communities even and especially when we talk about diversity and inclusion. When disabled people live with the constant threat of violence throughout our lives, we must take up a call to action. Disability justice calls for us to move beyond blindness simulations, buddy programs, and superficial inclusion—and toward social justice movements where radical access is the norm and disabled people are integral, valued parts of our communities.”
Unveiled: A One Woman Play
1:30–3:30 p.m.
Building 7
Enjoy the thought-provoking “Unveiled: A One Woman Play,” written and performed by Rohina Malik, who is an American Muslim. It tells the story of five Muslim women and their lives in the U.S. after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Malik has performed “Unveiled” at universities, churches, mosques, synagogues and theaters across the country. She was awarded the Y award with the Evanston YWCA for her work to end racism.
Theater of the Oppressed
See a range of performances by Highline students throughout the day across campus.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Design Yourself
10–11:30 a.m.
Building 7
In this highly visual and interactive presentation, Seattle-based Native artist and activist Louie Gong will show images of his art while weaving together humorous personal stories, empirical information and unique analysis on the challenge of maintaining a strong cultural identity while succeeding in higher education.
Retaining Culture in Eurocentric World Through Asian Pacific Islander Experiences
12:15–1:30 p.m.
Building 7
Michael Tuncap will present “Retaining Culture in Eurocentric World Through Asian Pacific Islander Experiences.” Tuncap is the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Green River College.
Health, Wellness & Pacific Islander Performing Arts
2–3:30 p.m.
Building 2
Come to campus for “Health, Wellness & Pacific Islander Performing Arts,” a workshop facilitated by Carmen Tuncap.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Empowerment Through Words
12:15–1:30 p.m.
Highline Student Union (Building 8, Mt. Constance/Mt. Olympus)
Words are the bedrock of creativity. Get exposed to revolutionary ideas on this phenomena and hone your personal skills in this interactive workshop facilitated by local hip-hop artist Sharp Skills.
Open Mic Night
6–8:30 p.m.
Highline Student Union (Building 8, Mt. Constance/Mt. Olympus)
Have a passion for spoken word, poetry, and live musical performances? Join us for an evening of artistic expression as local hip-hop artist Sharp Skills and local performing arts organization Freshest Roots co-host an open mic that will leave you empowered.
Friday, May 1, 2015
Modern Activism Online and Offline
2–4 p.m.
Highline Student Union (Building 8, Mt. Constance/Mt. Olympus)
Times have changed. Being an activist in 2015 offers its challenges, from social media communication to marching in the streets. Activists find themselves organizing in a time dealing with flash-point issues. In this interactive workshop, you will learn how to navigate the often dangerous minefield, but rewarding path, of being an activist. Hear from Shaun Knittle, founder of Social Outreach Seattle.