Listen. Learn. Act.
April 2021
The killing of Black men and women; the history of racism in our country, state, and university; the unkept promises and continued impact of systemic racism; and the current iteration of Black Lives Matter and its awareness by the general public have given rise to new fights and demands in an ages-long struggle.
Sharing the theme “Listen. Learn. Act.” introduced by the UO’s Common Reading Program for the year, the resources here provide opportunities for you to participate, contribute and move toward change. They also highlight and elevate work to help create greater understanding of the full heritage of African Americans and BIPoC communities who endure racial injustice and continue with courage, contributions and creativity. We will continue adding resources and highlighting work throughout the academic year as we know this is a journey our community and society as a whole must continuously walk.
In the shadow of recent, heinous crimes, we have reflected with sorrow back to spring 2020, when the Asian Desi Pacific Islander Strategies Group and allies denounced then-increasing acts of discrimination and violence targeted against Asian and Asian American communities locally and nationally. Now, as President Schill and Provost Phillips have called on the entire University of Oregon community to “stand up against all forms of hate, bias, and bigotry,” We also look forward to May and the abundant opportunities to show support through the Asian Desi Pacific Island-American Heritage month. We can work toward an inclusive and safe community, not only during heritage months though, but every day.
Denouncement of Anti-Asian
Discrimination & COVID-19
President, provost condemn violence
against Asian Americans
Loving Our Asian, Desi, and Pacific Islander American Brothers and Sisters As We Love Ourselves
In her April 29 talk, “The Social Life of DNA: Race, Reparations, and Reconciliation after the Genome,” Alondra Nelson will address how genetic testing affects race, and share her work on national policy and the social implications of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, and human gene editing. Nelson is the new Deputy Director for Science and Society in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “As we think about the ethics of vaccine distribution, Nelson’s perspective will be illuminating and helpful,” said Ellen Herman of the Wayne Morse Center, who along with the Division of Equity and Inclusion and the President’s Office, are sponsoring Nelson’s talk.
Previous Listen Links
In tune with UO Common Reading, the annual “Common Seeing” exhibition at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art features works by Hank Willis Thomas and Alison Saar from the collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer, and works by Lezley Saar and Kara Walker from the JSMA’s permanent collection. The JSMA believes that art can move people to change. As an academic art museum, it is critical for us to listen, learn, and act to build trust and understanding. We are committed to the advancement of antiracism in museum culture and diverse and equitable approaches in our work. LOOK. Listen. Learn. Act. is generously made possible by the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation.
Previous Learn Links
This year’s Undergraduate Research Symposium has new awards for projects in Asian Studies, Black Culture and Identity, Latinx Studies, Indigenous Race and Ethnic Studies, and Native American and Indigenous Studies. The awards will recognize exceptional poster, oral, creative, and data-story projects while raising awareness of these areas. “We wanted to recognize the depth of student and academic interest in these fields,” said Kevin Hatfield, assistant vice provost for undergraduate research and distinguished scholarships. “Research will be one of many ways to advance social and cultural change.” Visit the Symposium website in early May for the schedule of live presentations and again May 27 for the live virtual event. The list of 2021 award recipients will be posted in June.
Previous Act Links
Resources
Visit these resources—a small sampling of the many on campus—for ways to listen, learn, and act in the fight for social justice