The Social Justice Initiative (SJI) Alumni are returning to campus for two major in-person events happening this weekend in honor of the Days-Massolo Center’s (DMC) 10th-anniversary celebration and the third week of Black History Month. The anniversary celebration is focused on “connecting narratives long untold into a catalyst for shared experience.”
The SJI was a 2007 student coalition whose efforts resulted in the creation of the DMC. The group was “dedicated to creating positive change in the experiences of marginalized groups on the Hill and to promote interaction and awareness among all members of Hamilton College.” From 2007 to 2011, the group spread awareness on how marginalized groups and minority students, especially those with intersecting identities, often felt isolated and alienated by the “implicit social and structural racism” on campus.
The coalition was comprised of members of historical multicultural groups on campus, which at the time were known as Black Student Union, La Vanguardia, Brothers, Rainbow Alliance, Women’s Center, West Indian and African Association, Asian Cultural Society, Muslim Student Union and the International Students Association.
The Social Justice Initiative went on to develop numerous proposals to the College, resulting in the establishment of the DMC in 2011. They envisioned a dynamic, vibrant place on campus that would host speakers, events and workshops. They hoped to not only “amplify marginalized voices, facilitate student community organizing and push for inclusive educational initiatives,” but also to create a sense of community and home for students.
The SJI alumni will come on Friday, Feb. 18, for Cafecito Friday, hosted by the DMC and BLSU. It will be followed on the next day, Saturday, Feb. 19, by a full-length discussion panel with the alumni, with a Q&A session and a luncheon.
A guided Black History Month art walk at the Wellin Museum, led by the student docents, will take place from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21. The event will depict American history through the lens of Black artists and creators, featuring works of art from the Wellin’s collection as well as the current exhibit,
Yashua Klos: OUR LABOUR
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When asked about their personal motivations and goals for the 2022 Black History Month, the BLSU e-board jointly said, “As BLSU we bring this programming to campus to celebrate with joy and pride the achievements and experiences of African Americans, specifically in regards to Hamilton College. BLSU, partnered with many people and departments across campus, joined this committee because it aligns with our goals as an organization to empower our members based on the pillars of advocacy, activism, education, appreciation, celebration and community.”