November 06, 2009

Student-organized symposium explores the politics of hybrid identities

With three days of lectures, readings, and panel discussions, the 6th Annual Ray Warren Multicultural Affairs Symposium brings leading academics from across the country together with voices from within the Portland community.

With three days of lectures, readings, and panel discussions, the 6th Annual Ray Warren Multicultural Affairs Symposium brings leading academics from across the country together with voices from within the Portland community.

The student-organized symposium, titled “Mixed: The Politics of Hybrid Identities,” includes the popular “Race Monologues” performed by students. In poetry and prose, students explore their experiences with race, ethnicity, and personal identity.

Race Monologue performers include students Christabel Escarez, Adrian Guerrero, Temesghen Habte, Christina Herring, Jessica Houston, Nico Jose, Yollie Keeton, Jasin Nazim, Jared Schy, and Goldann Salazar.

In this video, students reflect on creating their monologues and what it means to participate in the symposium.

Listen to a discussion between keynote speaker Dmae Roberts and symposium director Kimberly Brodkin on Roberts’ KBOO program Stage and Studio.

The 2009 Multicultural Affairs Symposium, Mixed: The Politics of Hybrid Identities

The symposium is scheduled Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 11-13. All events are free and open to the public. Keynote lectures include:

  • “Obama and the Biracial Factor: Race, Sexuality, and the Battle for a New America,” featuring Andrew Jolivétte, an educator, writer, and social/cultural critic, on Nov. 11 at 3:30 p.m.
  • “Secrets of a Mixed Race Child,” featuring Dmae Roberts, a radio artist and writer, on Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.
  • “The Future of Multiracial Politics,” featuring Kim Williams, associate professor of public policy at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.

Additional afternoon sessions will address interracial family dynamics, performance and popular culture, indigenous identities, and related topics. View complete event information at the symposium website.