Among the first campus activities for the new academic year are – fittingly – those offered as part of the “Strengthening the Bonds of Racial Justice” initiative by Siena’s Mission Office.
On the day of his July 30 funeral, The New York Times posthumously published an essay written by U.S. Representative and civil rights icon John Lewis, entitled “Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation.” Inspired by Lewis’ uplifting message, Nick Ascioti, assistant campus minister at Siena, composed the song “Walk With the Wind” for piano and voice. Medha Palnati ’21 provided the vocals in the video, below.
“It seemed that Congressman Lewis wanted us to look toward the future and think about what people would say about our response to the violence and aggression that occurs not only globally, but within our families and communities.”
Nick Ascioti, assistant campus minister
“We must take action. This can start with introspection; this can start with self-education; this can start with having discussions with your peers; but this must start with an acknowledgement that Black Lives Matter, and that we need to combat systemic racism. To my fellow BIPOC who have been fighting this fight for years, John Lewis' words are for you. Don't let the centuries of complacency be anything other than an invitation to fight harder. ‘Walk with the wind. Let the story of peace be your guide.’ We got this.”
Medha Palnati ’21
Bettina Love, Ph.D., spoke on September 3 via Zoom on “Calling on Co-Conspirators.” Her talk was introduced by Lala Watts ’22 of the women’s basketball team, and Elham Malik ’23, student leader of the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women. It was moderated by Beverly Yuen Thompson, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology.
A “co-conspirator” in social justice terminology is one who adds action to their role as an ally.
She suggested that people can start moving beyond the ally phase by thinking of actual ways they can engage with others – outside of their own families – to effect change, and to accept that some feathers may be ruffled in the process.
Love is an award-winning author of Hip Hop’s Li’l Sistas Speak: Negotiating Hip Hop Identities and Politics in the New South and the Athletic Association Endowed Professor at the University of Georgia.
“Can we trust you to do the work of helping to end racism? You have to know our history, and know us beyond our pain and our trauma. You have to see us as fully human and know that we are beautiful. If you’re doing abolition work, being a co-conspirator, and everybody likes you, you’re not doing it right."
Bettina Love, Ph.D.
