Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies
18th Annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies
November 10–12, 2021
Joy & Justice
When it comes to racial justice, we often focus on suffering and struggle, an approach that risks defining the lives of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals only in terms of hardship. However, the 18th annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies asks us to consider what liberation looks like through a lens of joy. How might we understand and communicate the experiences of BIPOC individuals without relying so heavily on narratives of pain as we fight for justice
“Joy & Justice” calls for thinking about what sparks joy for individuals and communities, and how it is expressed. What role can joy play in our liberation, and what is its relationship to suffering and rebellion? Might joy move us beyond burnout and fatigue and toward new spaces for love, strength, and perseverance? Focusing on joy does not disregard or diminish trauma but rather recognizes and honors the humanity of BIPOC communities when systems of oppression so often eliminate the space to do so. Joy is resistance, joy is power, joy is healing.
We hope this symposium encourages reflection within our Lewis & Clark community and ignites all of us to create new spaces for joy in working toward collective liberation.
2021-22 student co-chairs:
Fabi Araya RodrÃguez ’23, Anmol Kahlon ’22, Diana Pacheco ’22, and Mateo Telles ’22
Learn more about this year’s program, keynote speakers, art show, and more!
We are now accepting submissions for the symposium art exhibit.
Learn more and submit your work here.
This year’s events will take place in person on our campus. The schedule will be posted by the end of October.
Per Lewis & Clark COVID policy, anyone who attends or participates in the symposium will be expected to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test conducted within the previous 72 hours.
Please bring a photo of your vaccination card (or your actual card) or your recent test result in order to be admitted. Current L&C employees and students may show a valid L&C ID in lieu of a vaccination card.
Masks are required. Thank you for your effort to keep our community safe.