The diverse panelists, Dr. Audrey Hudson, Dr. Sandra Jeppesen, Dr. RM Kennedy and Susanne Nyaga, individually spoke about the social change they are heavily involved in. The event was meant to inspire others to also become involved in the social change they would like to see in their communities. We were shown the concrete ways in which education led to an actual change from the new courses that were created by Dr. Audrey Hudson to educate OCAD students on the evolutionary role of hip-hop to how Dr. RM Kennedy helped in leading the strike for educators to be compensated fairly which ultimately resulted in changing legislation. The event’s audience left inspired by the social activism of the panelists and how they created real change within the neoliberal society we are all a part of.
The overall theme of the evening was to dream big, meaning, despite the way things are now, we should always think of making the world a better place for ALL people. Finding, carving out and establishing a space for yourself and others in a world that was not designed for equal opportunity was a message that each panelist expressed. We were also urged to reimagine the role of the university and education as an economic driver but also as a tool to solve social problems that our community faces.
The speakers wanted to share the idea that when we learn about and acknowledge different intersectionalities we can then work on ways to equalize opportunities for everyone despite uncontrollable factors such as race, gender, and class to name a few.
The panel discussed how we can centralize our voices in ways that were not possible before through the power of social media. Each of the panelists voiced the ways in which their intersectionality can be creatively expressed and how those expressions can educate others on the challenges, discrimination, and disadvantages they face. Through this expression, whether it be music, fashion, visual art or spoken word, we can enlighten and share with others the everyday struggles and disadvantages those without privilege face.
Factoring in the intersectionality into the way we interact with one another on a daily basis is how we can elicit real change. Challenging the social normalities that discourage equality is one of the ways we can accommodate those that do not have the equal opportunities that
The event brought together students and educators who were interested in social justice to create change. The discussion of what challenges certain marginalized groups face and what change needs to happen to create a more inclusive society is a dialogue that is necessary in order to actualize said change.
How can change happen if we are not aware of the ways we need to change? Personally, I believe that educating people on the issues they might not be directly affected by is the first step in social equality. The creative ways we can educate is through music, spoken word, blogging, photography, film and much more can and have sparked a social revolution.