19th Annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies

Art of Storytelling
November 9–11, 2022

The 19th Annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies examines the practices, purposes, and impacts of storytelling for BIPOC individuals and communities. Exploring storytelling in a variety of historical and cultural contexts and through a range of forms, including literature, music, dance, visual art, and oral narrative, we hope to think critically about dynamics of power in storytelling.

“Art of Storytelling” asks us to consider which stories are told and by whom. What is the relationship between telling stories and telling the truth? When might storytelling be dangerous, and for whom? How might storytelling create joy, grief, anger, or wonder? What role does storytelling play in fostering connections and forging identities? As a spoken, written, visual, and embodied art, how has storytelling been a space where BIPOC communities envision and produce a more just future?

2022-23 student co-chairs:

Azucena Morales Santos ’24, Carolina Ruíz ’22, and Rocío Yao ’24

  • Every Ray Warren Symposium event that I attended both affirmed and challenged my academic experience by making me think of thought-provoking questions.

    Azucena Morales Santos BA ’24
    Hillsboro Oregon, but my roots are from Juxtlahuaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
    More about Azucena
  • My involvement in the International Affairs and Ray Warren Symposiums gave me greater understanding of my fields. I learned the power of academics in provoking questions and starting conversations.

    Rocío Yao BA ’24
    Cuidad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Guangzhou, China; Northglenn, Colorado, United States
    More about Rocío
  • I felt drawn to be a cochair for the Ray Warren Symposium because of its ability to build community and center scholarship focused on race and ethnicity.

    Carolina Ruíz BA ’22
    Grants Pass, Oregon
    More about Carolina