The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hosted an event, The Chauvin Trial and Our Nation's Current Experience: Collective Understanding, Support for Our Community, Implications and Responses.
On April 29, esteemed members of our faculty, representing different schools and disciplines, came together to discuss concrete ways for students to use their Adelphi University degrees to make actionable changes in the world. The participants discussed how various forms of art could be used as powerful vehicles for combating social and racial injustice, and how they can speed the journey toward resilience and change.
Initially convened as a way to provide students with specific, concrete tools to process widespread and repeated exposure to the images of violence so prevalent today, the event centered around the need for personal self-care while engaged in this transformative work. In addition to unpacking the trauma experienced as a result of multiple viewings of the murder of George Floyd, the panel also addressed the power in allyship: of being present, engaged and responsive. There is an ongoing need to stand in solidarity with our Asian and Asian American community and all others who have experienced assaults and violent attacks because of who they are and to develop the tools to be an agent for change.
Here are four tools that you can employ to take care of yourself while doing the taxing work of allyship:
- Engage in intentional and radical self-care.
- Immerse yourself in the ongoing reflective process of becoming aware of others’ experiences.
- Learn to be an active participant in the work of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist practices.
- “Play” to your strengths—use your degree to get involved in the criminal justice system and in other areas that will amplify underrepresented voices.
Panelists for the Event Included:
Sidney Marquez Boquiren, PhD
Chair and Associate Professor
Department of Music
Charles E. Cal, MS ’01, MBA ’03
Clinical Assistant Professor
College of Nursing and Public Health
Daniel Lim, PhD
Assistant Professor
Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology
Laura Quiros, PhD
Associate Professor
School of Social Work