18th Annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies
November 10–12, 2021
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2021 Ray Warren Symposium Photo Gallery -
This year’s symposium co-chairs: Anmol Kahlon ’22, Mateo Telles ’22, Fabi Araya Rodríguez ’23, and Diana Pacheco ’22Nina Johnson -
Matika Wilbur gives her keynote presentation: Indigenous Justice and JoyNina Johnson -
Co-chairs Mateo Telles ’22 and Anmol Kahlon ’22 introducing a keynote speakerNina Johnson -
Keynote speaker Ashon Crawley in a private conversation with L&C students and faculty -
Past and present symposium co-chairs uniteNina Johnson -
Symposium co-chair Mateo Telles ’22 introducing a keynote speakerNina Johnson -
#StandUpFG: Latinx Youth Activism in the Willamette Valley with Israel Pastrana -
Chardi Kala: Joy in Bhangra and Bollywood Dance Workshop led by DJ Anjali -
Former co-chairs Eduardo Beltran ’22, Kasia Enriquez ’21, and Immanuel Harice ’22 enjoy a moment together at this year’s symposiumNina Johnson -
Symposium co-chair Diana Pacheco ’22 -
Engaging with local, BIPOC-run businesses and organizations at the community fair -
Race Across Disciplinary Boundaries: Student Research Showcase -
Keynote speaker Matika Wilbur with student co-chairsNina Johnson -
Symposium co-chairs Anmol Kahlon ’22, Fabi Araya Rodríguez ’23 and Mateo Telles ’22 enjoying a keynote speaker -
Black Joy panel session in Council Chamber -
Students present Race Monologues in Agnes Flanagan Chapel -
A student shares their personal narrative at Race Monologues -
The symposium’s closing event: Race Monologues
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 Rodríguez ’23, Anmol Kahlon ’22, Diana Pacheco ’22, and Mateo Telles ’22