Voice and Vision The Quarterly Newsletter of

The Hedgeman Center for Student Diversity Initiatives and Programs

2013-2014 Volume XVI, Edition III Esha Seth, Editor

INSIDE THIS EDITION

MLK Commemoration………………………...…………………………......……..2 NCORE Mini Conference……………………………………………………..….….3 Black History Month…………………………………………………………….....4-5 Student Spotlights……………………………………….…………………..………..6 Faculty/Staff Spotlight…………………………………………………..…………...7

2014 Off to a Great Start

Spring semester is well under way! 2014 has just begun but we have had many significant events already. Some notable events thus far have been NCORE Mini-Conference and the Martin Luther King Jr. University Commemoration and Day of Service in January. Another notable event was APAC’s Lu-nar New Year Celebration honoring the Year of the Wooden Horse. Last but not least, PRIDE Black Student Alliance once again programmed a successful Black History Month Cele-bration. These events are many more highlighted in this edi-tion of “Voice and Vision.” Also, this edition of the newsletter has information about the upcoming This is My Story session and the Social Justice Symposium, with spotlight on students Victoria Virasy and Alex Abraha, staff member Margo How-ard and faculty member Dr. Kim McKeage.

The Hedgeman Center for Student Diversity

Initiatives and Programs

The Hedgeman Center for Student

Diversity Initiatives and Programs helps create and sustain an inclusive

community that appreciates celebrates

and advances student and campus

diversity at Hamline University.

We support, empower, and promote the

success of all students with particular attention to U.S. students of color, queer

students and others from historically

marginalized backgrounds. Our services for queer students includes lesbian, gay,

bisexual, transgender, questioning,

intersex students and allies (LGBTQIA). In partnership with other university and

community members, our initiatives help prepare students to live, serve and

succeed in a diverse university and world.

317 Anderson Center 651-523-2423

www.hamline.edu/hedgeman hedgemancenter@hamline.edu

Congratulations 2014 Black Jeopardy Champions TEAM FREEDOM SUMMER

Chaplain Nancy Victorin0Vangerid, Thomas Redd (‘14), Alyssa Volkmann (‘17)

Carlos D. Sneed, Director

Bao L. Thao, Assoc. Director

Maichue Khang, Administrative Assistant

Commemorating Martin Luther King P A G E 2

2014 Dr. Martin Luther King Commemoration & Day of Service “Becoming the Beloved Community:

King on Campus, King in the Community”

Friday, January 17, 2014

Members of the Hamline University and neighboring communities came together on Friday, January 17, to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life, philosophy and legacy. The theme this year was to reflect upon and practice his call for “The Beloved Community”. Speakers for this event included university staff, faculty, and Hamline students,

included President Linda Hanson, Professors Veena Deo and Carolyn Holbrook,

and students Darrian Smith and Heather Hammond. They all spoke passion-

ately about their visions of becoming “beloved community.” The Hamline

University Gospel Choir also sang three songs during the event.

In addition to the university commemoration, the MLK Day of Service was

added as a tangible way for university members to purposefully act to transform Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King,

Jr.’s life and teachings into community building. Seventy faculty, staff and students participated in the MLK Day

by offering two hours of service to local community organizations, Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, Keystone

Community Services, National Youth Leadership Center, Wilder Foundation, and Hamline Elementary School.

This year, the Commemoration and Day of Service were coordinated in collaboration between the Hedgeman

Center, Wesley Center and Student Leadership and Activities, with funding from the Diversity Initiatives Office.

SAVE THE DATE

Social Justice Symposium March 31-April 4

In HONOR of NELSON MANDELA

SJS Keynote Speaker HARRY BOYTE

Tuesday, April 1, 11:30 AM, 112 Anderson Center

Dr. Harry Boyte Harry Boyte is co-director of the Center for Democracy Citizenship, which

he founded at the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.

He is also a senior fellow and graduate faculty member at the Humphrey Institute. He is the

author of nine books on citizenship, democracy, and community organizing, and his writings

have appeared in more than 100 publications including the New York Times, Perspectives on

Politics, Kettering Review, and the Wall Street Journal. In the 1960s, he worked for the Rev.

Martin Luther King, Jr. as a field secretary with the Southern Christian Leadership Confer-

“No one is born hating another person

because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. If they

can learn to hate, they can be taught

to love, for love comes more naturally

to the human heart than its opposite.” ― Nelson Mandela,

Long Walk to Freedom

NCORE Mini-Conference P A G E 3

This year’s NCORE Mini conference used Shakti But-

ler’s new film, “Cracking the Codes: The System of Ra-

cial Inequity,” to examine the causes and consequences

of racial inequities.

The documentary gives insight that in the U.S., race ,

more than any other demographic factor – determines

levels of individual educational attainment, health and

life expectancy, possibility of incarceration, and wealth.

This film reveals a self-perpetuating systems of inequity

in which internal factors play out in external structures:

institutions, policy and law. Cracking the Codes works

to disentangle internal beliefs within, as it builds skills

to recognize an address the external drivers of inequity

through dialogue, reflection and learning with and from

leading experts in social justice.

Additionally, the mini-conference featured presenta-

tions on intersectionality and structural racism in the

US.

Over 50 faculty, staff and student participants reflected,

shared, discussed, and critically analyzed their own as-

sumptions, experiences and identities; engaged in self-

reflection and conversation with others about race and

other forms of oppression; and learned strategies for

resisting and interrupting systems of oppression.

This is My Story: 1st Generation, Immigration & National Identities

March 6, 11: 30—12:40 pm 100E Learning Center

This discussion series invites members of the community to share their personal stories about their social and cultural identities and journeys. We explore issues of discrimination and oppression, racial justice, cross-cultural alliances, reconciliation and specific issues facing different communities.

PANELISTS:

Robert Rivera (Assistant Director of Programs,

Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching)

Yakasah Wehyee, Hamline University Student('14)

Jesse Lee, (Parent Empowerment Administrator, Think

Small)

Cracking the Codes of Inequity: The Complexities of Identity, Intersectionality,

and Inclusion.”

Friday, January 24, 2014

Celebrating Black History Month P A G E 4

Black History Month Open House

Thursday, February 6 at 4 p.m. 111 Anderson Center

Join PRIDE Black Student Alliance

for this kick-off event and reflect on

the tradition, relevance, and impor-

tance of recognizing the past, pre-

sent, and future. In addition to an

overview of the Black History Month

events, there will be games, food,

trivia, and fellowship as well as trib-

utes to Nelson Mandela and Nina

Simone.

Talking Gender, Being Gendered

Tuesday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. 111 Anderson Center

Participate in a candid conversation

on Black Transgender Identity. This

panel aims to create a dialogue about

how blackness and trans-ness inform

and shape one another. We will be

joined by panelists Andrea Jenkins,

CeCe McDonald, Jayden Miles, and

Jay Masika.

“The Ballad of Emmett Till” at Penumbra Theatre

Sunday, February 16 Transportation departs at 1:15 p.m.

for the 2:00 performance

Penumbra Theatre, 270 N Kent St, St

Paul, MN 55102. The Ballad of Em-

mett Till introduces you to the boy

and celebrates his life through the

eyes of those who loved him and

knew him best. Limited Tickets

Available. Contact the Hedgeman

Center to reserve your ticket.

Transportation Provided.

Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual

celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central

role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,”

the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African

Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of

February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada

and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.

PRIDE Black Student Alliance invites everyone to participate in the annual Black

History Month celebration at Hamline University. This year’s theme, “Talking Black,

Acting Black, Being Black: Expanding the Boundaries of Blackness” will recognize Afri-

can Americans who have made a difference within our community. Throughout the month of February, PRIDE BSA

will host several events to celebrate a unique culture through entertainment. discussions and the keynote address

and speeches.

Black History Month Schedule

Celebrating Black History Month P A G E 5

Lunar New Year Celebration February 9

APAC celebrated the Year of the Horse this year!

The celebration opened with a amazing Dragon

Dance performance that showed athletic and

acrobatic abilities, from the Ha Family. There were amazing performances from current students, such

as Sandy Lo (’17) and the Wheels Don’t Listen

Band, a heavy Hmong heavy metal band in which

Xao Vang (‘14) and former Hamline student Calvin Dejvongsa are members. Also, fabulous food was

served included roast duck, steamed vegetables,

sweet buns and moon cakes.

Participants played games to test people’s chopstick skills, and learned how to say

“Happy New Year” in Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Korean. In addition, there was a phenomenal Tae Kwon Do demonstration by Tony Dinh (’15) and two other classmates

showcased discipline and strength with their martial arts skills. In summation,

the celebration welcomed a new year with excitement, laughter, and reflection!

“Why We Laugh” Documentary and Discussion

on Black Comedy Tuesday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m.

111 Anderson Center Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on

Black Comedy is a no-holds-barred

documentary that is both an insiders’

take and a critical examination of the

cultural influence of Black comedy.

Tribute to Black

Cultural Icons Friday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. Sundin Music Hall Experience a night of musical, poetic,

and theatrical performances honor-

ing performers, artists, leaders and

activists that make us proud to be

black, including Angela Davis,

Muhammad Ali, Luther Vandross,

Queen Latifah, Audre Lorde, James

Brown and others. Performers in-

cluded local Twin Cities’ artists, rap-

per The Lioness, singers Ashley Com-

modore and Patricia Lacy (The

Sounds of Blackness) and Hamline

students.

Traditional Soul Food Dinner Sunday, February 23 at 6:00 p.m.

Klas Center Ballroom Annual Soul Food Dinner: Join

PRIDE BSA for a traditional soul

food dinner in celebration of Black

History Month. By invitation only.

Limited space available. Reserve your

space with the Hedgeman Center.

Black Jeopardy XVI Wednesday, February 26, 6:30 p.m.

112 Anderson Center

Faculty, staff and students participate

in a lively, competitive test of their

knowledge of Black history and cul-

ture. Have Fun, Test your knowledge,

Cheer for your favorite team. Prizes

for all, including audience members!

Student Spotlights P A G E 6

My Voice My Vision: Victoria Y. Virasy (‘15) My name is Victoria Vi-rasy. I’m a third-year student dou-ble majoring in Public Health Sciences and East Asian Studies with a double minor in Biology and Chinese. I work at Hamline Elementary and Jie Ming Mandarin Immersion Academy as a tutor. I re-cently finished my internship with Hamline Midway Elders as their Communications and Technology Intern. This year, my on-campus in-volvement has been limited to being the HUSC Multicultural Alliance Representative and extending a helping hand for event set-ups when I’m able to. One of my goals this year is to learn how to be an effective advo-cate for public health policy. I want to focus on this area because on the policy level what often is overlooked

is how cultural barriers may limit the effectiveness of health programs; and that is a barrier that I would like to work towards minimizing. I have held various leader-ship positions before such as the Public Relations Chair and President of APAC as well as Secretary of Hamline China Club. I’ve taken up other informal leadership positions volunteering as an student leader for Hedgeman Center’s Multicultural Mosaic Pathway. I’m very passionate about women’s rights. I try to find ways of educating myself on current issues concerning women’s rights, like health care coverage. As a student, I feel that the best way to advocate in women’s rights is educating myself and those around me. As the Communications and

Technology Intern, I was tasked with starting and creating a monthly e-newsletter, revamping the elder services database, updating the tri fold, document-ing events, and training the staff on how to use technology to increase their efficiency. I also helped elders troubleshoot computer and phone problems and pass out flyers throughout the Hamline Midway community.

Student Spotlight: Alex Abraha (’15)

Alex Abraha is a sopho-more and a transfer student at Hamline, pursuing a degree in Social Justice with a minor in

Non-Profit management. Alex enjoys “helping people and support-ing others when it comes to organiz-ing events for a good cause.” Alex likes his Social Justice major be-cause it is flexible and focuses on many different topics leaving him with the option to branch out in the future. Alex chose Hamline because of the small community and the class size. He also chose Hamline because of the Non-Profit Management mi-nor which is not offered by many other schools. Alex grew up in St. Paul in a diverse neighborhood and then moved to Lino Lakes. Alex feels that coming to Hamline has helped him learn “a new and deep meaning of what the college classes should be like.” Alex also appreciated the close-knit community Hamline has.

Alex appreciates the mem-bers of Hamline African Student As-sociation (HASA) for inviting him to join their events. Alex thanks Profes-sor Colleen Bell for the lasting im-pression she has made on him. Alex encourages all under-graduate students to attend a Stu-dents Today Leaders Forever (STLF) or a Catalyst/ Social Justice trip be-cause it gives students a first hand experience and gets them thinking more on the social justice issues faced by others. In his spare time, Alex enjoys spending time with his friends and playing sports. Something not too many people know about Alex is that he is double jointed.

Faculty & Staff Spotlights P A G E 7

Faculty Spotlight: Kim McKeage Kim K. McKeage is the Associate Professor of Quanti-tative Methods for the Econom-ics, Accounting, and Finance Department in the Business School. Professor McKeage has been a part of the Hamline commu-nity for four years now. Before com-ing to Hamline, McKeage was the MBA Director of Quinnipiac Uni-versity in Connecticut. Professor McKeage also served in the Market-ing faculty at the University of Maine for 13 years. What gives her energy in her position is to be able to work with students and she added, “I believe that knowledge is power and I hope to empower students to accomplish their dreams by helping them de-velop their knowledge and skills.”

Professor McKeage taught her first class as a gradu-ate assistant through which she “fell in love with teaching.” She advises current undergraduate students to always think about what they are learning. It is im-portant to see the big picture, while “realizing that you’re changing and growing every-day.” McKeage encourages students to take every opportunity “to try new things, take some risks, and get out of your comfort zone-you’ll learn a lot more that way.” The person that currently inspires Professor McKeage is Rich-ard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group. When she is not working, McKeage enjoys cooking, volunteer-ing for food-related issues, taking

MOOCs (Massive Online Open Courses), walking in the woods and researching all kinds of things. Not too many people know that Profes-sor McKeage was in the National Enquirer. Professor McKeage’s office is located in 219E Giddens Learning Center, and she can be reached at kmckeage01@hamine.edu

Margo Howard, a Ham-line alumna, is the Coordina-tor of Social Justice Initiatives and the Hamline to Hamline Collaboration at the Wesley Center for Spirituality, Service and Social Justice. This is the third year Margo will be serving in this position at Hamline. Before coming to Hamline, Howard worked

with adults with developmental dis-abilities at Community Involvement Programs.

At Hamline, Howard enjoys having the opportunity to collabo-rate with other staff, students and faculty. She further added “I believe our community functions best and is most successful when we collaborate for a common goal.” Her least fa-vorite daily task is the scheduling conflicts that make it difficult to plan meetings. Working with stu-dent in Hamline and the greater community keeps her motivated in her position. “I love to be able to work together with students in the pursuit of the common good.”

As an alumna of Hamline, Howard attended many retreats and found that the intense education out

of the classroom enabled her to grow in a unique way. Margo en-courages all current students to “take advantage of all the fantastic resources and opportunities around you while also putting a priority of knowing your own limits and taking care of your whole self.” Howard also encourages students should not be afraid to say “no” and push them-selves to try something new. In her spare time, Howard enjoys going to the movies and spending time with her partner and friends. She is also currently pursu-ing her masters degree in Education at Hamline! Not too many people know the Howard can solve a Ru-bik’s Cube in less than three min-utes!

Staff Spotlight: Margo Howard

DATE Feb. 6 4:00 pm Feb. 7-9 Feb. 9 2:00-5:00 pm Feb. 1 1 7:00pm Feb. 16 2:00 pm Feb. 18 6:30 pm Feb. 19 4:10 pm Feb. 23 6:00 pm Feb. 26 6:30 pm Feb. 28 7:00 pm

The Hedgeman Center

Student Diversity Initiatives and Programs 317 Anderson Center

651-523-2423 www.hamline.edu/hedgeman

hedgemancenter@hamline.edu

EVENT Black History Month Open House Spectrum to attend MBLGTACC in Kansas City, MO Lunar New Year Celebration Black History Month Panel Discussion BHM Outing to see “The Ballad of Emmett Till” Black History Month Documentary & Discussion Student Worker Diversity Training (contact Hedgeman) Black History Month Soul Food Dinner Black History Month’s Black Jeopardy Contest Black History Month Culture Night

LOCATION 111 Anderson Center 111-112 Anderson Center 111 Anderson Center Penumbra Theatre 111 Anderson Center 112 Anderson Center Kay Fredricks Room, Klas Ctr. 112 Anderson Center Sundin Music Hall

Black History Month

March 4 1:00-5:00 pm March 5 March 6 11:30-12:40 pm March 6 6:30 pm March 12 4:10 pm March 14 12:00 pm March 18 5:30-7:00 pm March 22-30 March 31-April 4

Safe Zone I Training (register with Hedgeman Center) APAC Movie Night “This is My Story” SOSA: Bollywood Dancer Student Worker Diversity Training (contact Hedgeman) HSA & PRIDE House Applications Due Hedgeman Scholarship Applications Due Racial Justice Award Nominations Due Career Development Center Dinner (contact CDC) SPRING BREAK! Social Justice Symposium (visit Hedgeman website for details

305 Anderson Center TBA 100E Giddens Learning Center Anderson Center 111 Anderson Center 111 Anderson Center