Author Archives: Iris Outlaw

Fall Break Rejuvenate and Reflect

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Sunday, most ND students left campus after watching an exhilarating game between ND and USC despite the rain. Some were homebound for rest, home cooked meals and socializing with family members; others opted to remain on campus or participate in one of the numerous seminars offered by the Center for Social Concerns. ND students give generously of their time and talents to help those deemed   disenfranchised, while on campus or during breaks.

BA ND Dinner 2 Fall 2013BBA ND Dinner Fall 2013A

Throughout my tenure at Notre Dame, I have been impressed by the students who take advantage of the CSC seminars or volunteer opportunities within the targeted communities.  Those who experience a true immersion view these events as a chance to partner with the communities to help and learn from the residents.  Several ND students shared how they were graciously welcomed into the homes of residents, where stories of celebration and trials were shared.  The students emerged enlighten, more appreciative of their lot in life and with a deeper understanding of the phase “but by the Grace of God.”

When we are in these situations and in a contemplative mood, how are our personal values challenged? Do they supersede what we are witnessing or experiencing? Do they shift, because our worldview has been augmented? Or are we kinder, because we realize the world is “bigger than us?”  Does this challenge us to take a stance that would positively affect not only those we feel are in need; but also our peers?

Whether you are in Appalachia, Chicago, Home under the Dome, or with family, think about what you stand for, who has “your back” and whose “back” do you have? Monday, November 4 begins the GRC’s Stand Against Hate week campaign.  The theme covers a variety of discriminations from economic to gender to racial issues.  In support of this effort, the November 6 Interrace Forum will address “The Power of Kindness” at 5:30 p.m. in the Coleman Morse Student Lounge.  Please rsvp to join us for dinner and discussion at msps@nd.edu with Interrace in the subject line.

November is filled with lectures and events hosted by MSPS and student groups. The month begins with Black Images, a talent show, on November 2 following the Navy game; Asian Allure, talent and cultural fashion show, November 8 & 9 in Washington Hall. University of Baltimore Law School Professor F. Michael Higginbotham will discuss “Ending Racism in “Post Racial” America” on November 14.  The Native American Students of Notre Dame are sponsoring several events in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Watch for more information in regard to these and other activities.

As we prepare to give thanks for our blessings, remember to offer deep appreciation for the opportunity to expand our horizons and perspectives.

Peace,

Iris L. Outlaw

Iris L. Outlaw `90 MSA

Director

Multicultural Student Programs and Services

Broaden Your Perspective

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Branch 2

Njeri Williams and Taylor Branch

As we enter into the Fall season witnessing the changing landscape, I cannot stop thinking about the fruitful conversations that I have had with first year students regarding the impact of diversity and creating a healthy, welcoming community this month. It is apropos since they are beginning to explore various aspects of their identity and evolve into adulthood.  This is a critical time to determine the stances that they will take regarding social justice, politics and other issues.  It is imperative that one realizes that intersections of our personal being and these issues are inevitable.  How we conduct ourselves when interacting with our peers and those beyond Notre Dame is integral. Often we give freely in our volunteer efforts to those deemed disenfranchised, but are not receptive to our peers.  I challenge myself and others to remember we all have gifts and talents that we are willing to share if given the opportunity in genuine conversations. Let’s maintain open hearts, minds and spirits.

September was filled with lectures included in the Africana World series.  Pulitzer Prize winning author Taylor Branch spent October 1 giving a  keynote address at a community luncheon at the Charles Martin Youth Center and discussing journalism with Notre Dame Communication students and professionals. His day concluded with his “Myth & Miracles From the King Years” lecture in the Eck Hall of Law. He shared his motivation to become involved in writing about the Civil Rights Movement and its’ pivotal moments.  Many of his stories gave the audience a personal perspective of Dr. King, which had never before been revealed. The Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, MSPS and the Center for Civil & Human Rights sponsored the event.

The October Interrace Forum, Retail Me Not, began with What Would You Do? Shopping While Black 2 segment. Professor Tonya Bradford provided commentary on the impact of consumerism and the unknown power of consumers.  Read the blog written by Shanice Cox `15 for a complete review of the event (http://sites.nd.edu/msps/2013/10/03/retail-me-not-interrace/). Thank you, Professor Bradford for engaging the students, administrators and Michiana community members in an enlightening conversation. Knowledge is power; those present were charged to use their economic power in their fight for social justice.

I ask that you join the community in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by participating in the upcoming events.  La Alianza is sponsoring Fiesta del Sol and El Día de los Muetros with the Institute of Latino Studies and MSPS. Other events will be announced in the near future, please read the MSPS announcements closely.

Good Luck on your mid-terms and have a safe Fall Break.

Iris L. Outlaw

Iris L. Outlaw `90 MSA

Director

Multicultural Student Programs and Services

Retail Me Not – Interrace

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By Shanice Cox

If you were not at yesterday’s Interrace Forum: Retail Me Not you truly missed out on great food and even better conversation. Dr. Tonya Bradford graced us with her thought-provoking insight and down to earth spirit. We began with a clip from the episode What Would You Do- Shopping While Black and then Dr. Bradford proceeded with defining Consumerism, and the “power of the dollar”.  This discussion went from discrimination within the retail market, to understanding the value of the lives of human beings. She went on to explain that although injustice might not affect you directly, as a member of the human race we should take action in regards to retail corporations who take advantage of workers that are of a certain age, race, or gender. Furthermore, Dr. Bradford explained the differences between hyper-consumerism and hyper-loyalty, and used anecdotes of people who are racially profiled that go back to the store consecutively to prove that they do in fact belong and can afford to shop in the high-end retail markets. When the crowd got involved in the discussion, we concluded that society as a whole does not truly value human life if the issues has not affected them, and even so, no one is passionate enough about taking a stand and making a change. Overall, thumbs up MSPS. I can’t wait for the next month.