Writing Assignment: (Due 9/29, 8P) - Reading Response + Cultural House Visit
Part 1: Reading Response:
Joy Ann Williamson, author of several of our assigned readings this week, reminds readers that "The federal government initiated various policies amid the growing urgency of racial reconciliation in the 1960s. The 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Higher Education Act were enacted against the backdrop of the Black liberation struggle. Higher education institutions were affected by these federal policies, and many, including the University of Illinois, genuinely believed that universities had an important role to play in alleviating racial injustice and took steps to use their campuses as tools for societal reform." (Williamson, 2013, 56). Read and review the assigned readings on Project 500 & Nevada Street. Using the Williamson chapters and Hoxie & Hughes reading, consider how the authors assess the campus' success in this work and transformation process. List at least 5 different strategies used by campus based groups, students and administrators to disrupt barriers to press for innovations in inclusion and diversity policies at UIUC. Which tactics successfully promoted diversity, which failed and why? Using two citations from different readings, consider whether the authors would argue today that these innovations furthered inclusion and diversity on campus. Is the work complete? Elaborate why or why not.
Part 2: Visit a cultural house or campus resource center:
2. Sometime during this next week, take an hour to visit a cultural house or campus resource center [see a list of locations and weekly activities is at the bottom of this page].
3. In no more than 1 page, describe and summarize what you observe to be strategies and services that the cultural house/resource center use to address barriers of representation for inclusion and diversity today. How do the center's building and physical design assets represent that work? What interdisciplinary partnerships do you see them developing and leading today that further those aims? Take two to three photos of objects that address a "politics of visibility" faced by the cultural house/resource center in the past or present. Take along a notebook and make note of memorable details from your visit. What specific challenges do you think the centers face today in extending their story and impact?
3a. Make sure to upload and add your reflections to your page. We'll take some time to each share these in class on Monday 9/30.
Post Parts 1 and 2 of your written assignment to your Scalar site's Week 4 Assignment Page and send us (asaychan@gmail.com and MACS265TeachingTeam@gmail.com) the link by 8P Sunday 9/29.
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Cultural house - Campus Resource Center locations and weekly activities:
1. The all important "lunch on us" events, generally from 12 - 1 pm: https://oiir.illinois.edu/events/lunch
Monday, September 23 • Dish It Up at WRC
Women's Resources Center, 616 E. Green St., Suite 202, Champaign
Disney Tames Girl Power and Hybridity through Elena of Avalor, Diana Leon-Boys, Institute for Communications Research
Tuesday, September 24 • Food For Thought at AACC
Asian American Cultural Center, 1210 W. Nevada St., Urbana
Let’s talk About Suicide Prevention and Well-being, Counseling Center Staff
Wednesday, September 25 • Food For the Soul at BNAACC
Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, 1212 W. Nevada St., Urbana
C-U Black & African Arts Festival Workshop, Dr. Teresa Barnes, Center for African Studies
Thursday, September 26 • Lunch @ La Casa
La Casa Cultural Latina, 1203 W. Nevada St., Urbana
Suicide Prevention in Latinx Communities, Counseling Center Staff
Friday, September 27 • DiversityEd Conversation Cafe
University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign
From Athlete to Activist: One Person’s Story on Finding Their Voice, Mia Ives-Rublee, Alumna and Founder of the Women’s March Disability Caucus
3. Diversity Calendar: https://calendars.illinois.edu/list/2040
4. Center for Advanced Study - Has event this Wed, 9/25 at 12 pm: https://cas.illinois.edu/node/2230
5. List of potential visit locations:
Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center (BNAACC)
The mission of Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center is to provide a network of programs and support services promoting the individual, social, cultural and academic well-being of Illinois’ African American students. Opened in fall 1969 in response to calls from students, the African American Cultural Center at Illinois was rededicated in 2004 to former Director Bruce D. Nesbitt, a trailblazer for opportunity and equality who inspired more than two decades of university students. BNAACC continues this work today as a vehicle for self-expression and leadership enhancement for students of African descent through workshops, seminars, and performing arts groups. Learn more about the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center.
Asian American Cultural Center (AACC)
The University of Illinois has one of the largest and most vibrant Asian American university communities in the Midwest, where 1 in 4 students is Asian American or Asian international. The Asian American Cultural Center promotes cross-cultural understanding of Asian American and Asian international experiences, and provides educational and cultural support for Asians and Asian Americans in our university community. Opened in fall 2005, the Asian American Cultural Center provides the University of Illinois community with space to gather and share the diverse and rich cultures that are a part of the Asian American experience. Learn more about the Asian American Cultural Center.
Diversity & Social Justice Education (DiversityEd)
Diversity & Social Justice Education provides courses, programs, workshops, and professional trainings to prepare Illinois students to work and live in a diverse global society. DiversityEd offers students, faculty, and staff opportunities to build their own capacity to promote critical thinking, compassion, and equity. Learn more about Diversity & Social Justice Education
La Casa Cultural Latina (La Casa)
Since its founding in 1974, La Casa Cultural Latina has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Latina/o students and the campus community, as well as local and global communities. La Casa reflects the diversity of Latina/o cultures and exemplifies el éxito Latino that shapes the Americas in our contemporary world. The mission of La Casa Cultural Latina is to promote a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere through the development of educational, cultural, socio-political, and social programs that lead to greater recruitment, retention, advancement, and empowerment of Latina/o students. Learn more about La Casa Cultural Latina.
LGBT Resource Center (LGBTRC)
The mission of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center is to foster an environment that is open, safe, and inclusive for people of all sexualities and gender identities. The Center is a resource not only for the LGBT community but for the entire University community. It exists for anyone who is interested in learning about LGBT people, issues, and concerns. The LGBT Resource Center seeks to help in the efforts to address homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and heterosexist attitudes and beliefs on the campus, and to work to make the environment safe and affirming for all students, faculty, staff, and LGBT students, faculty, and staff in particular. Learn more about the LGBT Resource Center.
Native American House (NAH)
Native American House serves as a support and resource center for all students and the community, providing programs that allow students the opportunity to enrich their cultural and academic experiences at the University of Illinois. After nearly 15 years of Native student protests and lobbying efforts, the Native American House opened in 2002 with the mission to build a Native-centered learning community. All students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the many educational, cultural, and social events and programs tailored about Native American culture, people, and current events. Learn more about Native American House.
Women’s Resources Center (WRC)
At the Women’s Resources Center, we aim to support and connect students by linking them with faculty, alumnae, staff, community leaders and other women students through programs, workshops, mentorship, meals, fun activities, and networking events. The Women’s Resources Center was established to empower women and strengthen alliances with men, offer opportunities for all students, including trans and gender non-conforming students, build leadership skills, challenge sexism, racism, heterosexism, ableism, and all forms of social oppression, and achieve greater gender equity and cultural diversity. We’re committed to creating community among students, student groups, and the University of Illinois. We’re committed to YOU! All genders are welcome at the Women’s Resources Center! Learn more about the Women's Resources Center.
International Education
International Education enhances opportunities for students to engage with cultures from around the world. We promote deeper campus internationalization through supporting the success of international students, enhancing the global competencies of all students, and creating meaningful cultural exchange between international and domestic students. Learn more about International Education.