The Activism Lab Speaker Series. What exactly is the meaning behind the word “Activism”. On February 6th 2018, students of Ryerson University were able participate in a Activism lecture. Students had the opportunity to listen and engage to many guest speakers and their intake on how they individually created a change in our community. Ryerson University has already created a platform where they have branded theirselves as Canada’s most comprehensive innovation university. Ryerson has also promoted the idea of creativity and entrepreneurship by having a numerous amount of clubs and groups allowing students to feel comfortable while undertaking a post secondary or masters degree. During the first portion of the Lab we had a guest speaker who is apart of the Activist research in the disability group and introduced the purpose of her discussion. Being disabled, she disccused the factors she had to face and more importantly that she had a voice. Among her we had four other guest speakers who were apart of The Activism Lab panel. Audrey Hudson is an artist, educator, researcher and is a teacher at the University of Ontario College of Arts. She believes that art is the way to bring education to younge people. Throughout her speech Audrey discusses about “special acts”, and how she can be in an institution and not feel invited. Adurey also discusses the many factors that revolve around Hip-hop’s origins and the political views of how’s it’s looked down up as a negative impact in the world.
Anna Kennedy is a college professor that fights for academic freedom. Kennedy discussed the actions she’s taken in Toronto to improve academics. During the strike Kennedy had a huge role in protesting for the students so their voices can be heard.
Sandra Jefferson is a professo at Lake Head University and is also the chair in transforming media. She’s been interested in having a positive influence in peoples lives, and believes in the power of words. Sandra has conducted her studies of media with students to allow them to grasp certain concepts in understanding the work force.
Susanna is the president of Ryerson University. Being a black activist student she believes everyone one deserves a equal chance and not be based on their religion, gender and especially skin colour. She is a social media activism and is involved in many campaigns that promote the Ryerson student life.
Listening to all these gust speakers made me realize they all had something in common, they’re all fighting for a change. However, out of all the guest speakers I was able to relate to Adurey the most. Growing up I was always a visual learner and listening to Adurey allowed me to relate to her on a personal level, as she educates through art. Growing up in a Caribbean household, I understood many of the topics she was discussing that revolved around making urban topics more relevant schools. This also allowed me to tie in RTA 893 Social Justice Media, as many of the reading disuses the legal issues and topics that are relevant in understanding culture.