Center for Culture Equity and Empowerment

Mason’s Pride Week offers educational and enrichment opportunities for the campus community

Sarah Holland — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 15:13:13 +0000

Mason’s Pride Week offers educational and enrichment opportunities for the campus community Sarah Holland Mon, 04/08/2024 - 11:13

“Queer people have been here forever, and we are an integral part of the community.”

Photo by Rafael Suanes/��AV.

With that powerful statement, Lisa Thrasher, ��AV associate professor of film business and producing and independent film producer, concluded her presentation. Focusing on her work in making space at the proverbial table of film production for marginalized voices, Thrasher showed a collection of select clips from her films, all of which centered LGBTQ+ stories, voices, writers, and directors.

Thrasher and McKinley Green, assistant professor of English, presented their research as part of the inaugural LGBTQ+ Faculty Fellows Symposium, a new event added to the slate of activities and events commemorating Mason Pride Week.

While most of the nation celebrates Pride Month in June, Mason’s LGBTQ+ Resources Center hosts Pride Week during spring semester. This allows the whole campus community to be involved and also gives students who may not feel comfortable or safe participating in Pride Month events at home a chance to celebrate.

Josh Kinchen, director of the LGBTQ+ Resources Center, notes that many of the Pride Week events are developed and hosted not by the LGBTQ+ Resources Center, but by offices around campus, such as the Global Education Office’s “Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers Abroad” seminar, for example, or “LGBTQ+ Literacies for Our Future,” part of the Leadership Summit series hosted by the School of Integrative Studies, LEAD Office, and the Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment.

“Mason Pride Week is a Mason event—the whole community is involved, coming together to celebrate, educate, and support LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff so everyone can have a positive and affirming experience at Mason,” Kinchen said. “Everyone can feel a connection to Mason through the work we do.”

Victoria Barrett, one of the graduate assistants for the LGBTQ+ Resources Center, believes that the is one of the most valuable aspects of Pride Week. “It shows that this isn’t just one niche part of campus; the support is campus-wide,” she said.

Barrett served seven years in the United States Army and is now working toward her master’s degree in higher education and student development. “Things were much different when I was an undergrad,” Barrett said. “I’m sure their LGBTQ+ community did events, but they weren’t as visible. And when I was commissioned as an officer, ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ had just been repealed, so the culture of keeping quiet hadn’t shifted yet. I was nervous about sharing my true self. But so much has changed over the past 10 years. Now, I’m able to make things different for other students, to give them a better experience than what I had.

“I’m really grateful and proud to have a part in making this community welcome to all.”

That dedication to a welcoming and supportive campus climate is what keeps Mason at the top of the Campus Pride Index and the Athlete Ally’s Athletic Equality Index. The university has maintained perfect scores on both indexes for multiple years.

“It takes work to maintain those designations. We must keep improving the ways in which we support all our students,” Kinchen said.

Pride Week’s focus on education is deliberate, Kinchen added. “We’re making an intentional shift toward expanding our partnerships and educational opportunities,” said Kinchen, “like giving faculty who are doing relevant research a platform to share their work, discussing student opportunities for civic engagement, and deepening our knowledge of LGBTQ+ history.”

This transition is one that the center is bringing into their year-round connection to the academic mission of the university.

“There are faculty, staff, and students in every single college, school, and unit at Mason doing work and engaging in research that’s relevant to the center. We want to work on deepening those connections to support both faculty engagement and student learning,” said Kinchen.

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Student artwork honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and civil rights leaders

John Hollis — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 20:31:56 +0000

Student artwork honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and civil rights leaders John Hollis Wed, 02/08/2023 - 15:31

Freshman Skye Callaway won the MLK Art Competition.
Photo by Cristian Torres/Strategic Communications

He walked so that those following behind could run.

That was ��AV freshman Skye Callaway’s powerful message with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in mind behind her winning submission in this year’s MLK Art Competition. Winners of the competition, which was sponsored by the Center for Culture, Equity and Empowerment, were announced during the MLK Evening of Reflection on Jan. 30.

“Being a student and an activist, I realized that without Martin Luther King, we wouldn’t really know a lot about peaceful protests and the right things to do,” said Callaway, an integrative studies major from Long Island, New York. “We are the next generation of activists, but he really paved the way for what we do.”

Callaway dubbed her work “The Blueprint” and used blue ink as a reference to the blueprint left by Dr. King that she aimed to celebrate in her artwork.

“I wanted to focus on how all the division, discrimination, and more happening right now has led to a new age of protesters and ‘freedom fighters,’ ” she said in the artist’s statement about her work. “And how we now know what path to follow because MLK was the blueprint. He walked so we can run.”

Anna Simakova, a freshman art and visual technology major originally from Moscow and now living in Vienna, Virginia, was the contest’s runner-up with her painting, “On the Edge of the World.” The painting depicts a little girl holding a balloon, symbolizing endless possibilities.

“I focused my attention on the central object,” Simakova said, “highlighting that the girl enters this life stage alone and the whole universe is open for her. She is small, fragile and as light as a balloon, but she fearlessly pursues her dream.”

Mason's annual MLK Evening of Reflection was held this year on January 30. Photo by DeRon Rockingham/Creative Services

Acknowledging that activism takes many forms, including art, the Center for Culture, Equity and Empowerment put out a call for illustrators, painters, and graphic designers of all backgrounds wishing to have their works displayed during the MLK Evening of Reflection, which also included a panel discussion on ways to help in the fight for justice.

“Often forgotten is the importance of visual art in the realm of activism," said Caroline Jacques, assistant director of the Center for Culture, Equity and Empowerment. "Throughout history, we’ve seen the power of art and how it can evoke many different emotions, from pain to pride. This year, we wanted to remind the Mason Nation of the relevance of this medium in the continuous fight for justice.”

Artists were asked to speak to the theme of this year’s MLK Remembrance events of “Lighting the Pathway: Renewing, Reviving, Restoring and Remembering the Dream.” Artists submitting work were asked to speak to what the theme meant to them and the ways that Dr. King has inspired people to find their path in the fight for social justice, equity and access for all people.

During the Evening of Reflection, event participants voted on the artwork, and the results were announced near the end of the event.

See more student art entries.

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Martin Luther King

Black History Month Student Exhibit

Jeannine Harvey — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:43:00 +0000

Black History Month Student Exhibit Jeannine Harvey Mon, 01/30/2023 - 10:43

Remembering History and Celebrating Black and African Heritage

Student Exhibit

In honor of Black and African Heritage Month and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students were asked to submit works of art to be displayed during the MLK Evening of Reflection. Please enjoy the powerful works below.

A Look Beyond by Isabella Cuevas

Artists Statement: A look beyond — a profound vision transforming minds while transforming through the minds. His inspiration revitalizes seeds of justice and freedom, reflected in each of us in a unified but unique way. The timeless message is filled with life and humanity, something embedded in all, potential deep within.

Hidden in plain sight by Asiya Freeman

Artists Statement: I created the "Hidden in plain sight " piece in 2019 for my Painting 1 final. After researching how the police originated, I wanted to use a white police officer with a KKK hood to represent racism, police brutality, and white supremacy. Some people aren't aware that The origins of modern-day policing can be traced back to the "Slave Patrol. The mission of the slave patrol was to "establish a system of terror and squash slave uprisings with the capacity to pursue, apprehend, and return runaway slaves to their owners. Tactics included using excessive force to control and produce desired slave behavior". Many people, especially at a PWI, don't know the history or are simply avoiding the truth. " Hidden in plain sight" is the elephant in the room; it makes some people uncomfortable, but the message is clear and exposes the history.

Freedom Fighters by Skye Callaway

Artists Statement: I wanted to focus on how all the division, discrimination, and more happening right now has led to a new age of protesters and “freedom fighters.” And how we now know what path to follow because MLK was the blueprint. He walked so we can run.

"they tried to bury us but they didn't know we were seeds" by Aseeyah Walker

Artists Statement: This painting is inspired by the quote: "they tried to bury us, but they didn't know we were seeds." I have placed a black power fist in the middle of a sunflower. In American history, black people have had many challenges and barriers placed in front of us to prevent us from succeeding. However, we have persevered, fought against oppression, developed a beautiful culture, and flourished in black excellence. This painting demonstrates how African Americans created something out of nothing. It shows what unity and black pride does for the people.

On the Edge of the World by Anna Simokova

Artists Statement: In the painting “On the edge of the World,” I depicted a little girl holding a balloon, thus symbolizing new endless possibilities. I focused my attention on the central object, highlighting that the girl enters this life stage alone, and the whole universe is open for her. She is small, fragile, and light as a balloon, but she fearlessly pursues her dream!

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Student artwork honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Civil Rights leaders

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MLK Evening of Reflection encourages living with 'dangerous unselfishness'

Colleen Rich — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 13:08:50 +0000

MLK Evening of Reflection encourages living with 'dangerous unselfishness' Colleen Rich Wed, 02/23/2022 - 08:08

Photo by Sierra Guard/Creative Services

With the theme of “Dangerous Unselfishness,” ��AV hosted its annual MLK Evening of Reflection and awards ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 15. The event honors the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognizes members of the Mason community who actively live out his vision.

“What makes the Spirit of King Awards unique is that these awards are given to students, alumni, and professional members of our community that do the active work of social justice not in performative ways, but in ways that are authentic and unapologetically transformative to the lives they touch,” said Hamal Strayhorn, director of the Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment at Mason.

The event was presented in a hybrid format in the Hub Ballroom and livestreamed on GMU-TV.

The theme comes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Mountaintop speech” delivered in support of the striking sanitation workers at Mason Temple in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 3, 1968—the day before he was assassinated. King said: “Be concerned about your brother. You may not be on strike but either we go up together or we go down together. Let us develop a kind of dangerous unselfishness.”

Strayhorn said the MLK Commemoration Committee wanted a theme that speaks to current events and connects a younger generation to past social movements for equity and justice.

“We wanted to awaken the fire within this generation to actively participate in the work to dismantle racism and structures of hierarchy of human value,” Strayhorn said.

As part of the event, a panel discussion, led by Jamie R. Riley, NAACP's national director of race and justice, examined how leaders are fulfilling the theme of being “dangerously unselfish” in teaching a new generation to understand the work of social justice, to address moving beyond performative ally-ship to being a co-conspirator, and ultimately looking beyond self-preservation for the preservation of others.

Speakers included Whitney Bunts, policy analyst, youth policy, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); Payton Head, DEI strategist; and Derrick Lewis, national director, youth and college, NAACP.

Riley shared three questions to live by: Who am I? What do I believe? Why do I believe it? He asked attendees to then spend time in that uncomfortable space to reflect and be honest with themselves and then be willing to make appropriate adjustments to live in “dangerous unselfishness.”

“The panelists challenged us, in their individual ways, to reflect deeply on our own commitment to creating positive change toward collective liberation,” said Creston C. Lynch, assistant vice president, University Life. “They challenged us to be courageous, bold, and aspirational.”

“I was inspired by the collecting energy, and passion from the people in the room,” said Lynch, “from the incredible panelists to the students who asked such challenging, but important questions, and on to the award recipients and nominees who are doing so much meaningful work at Mason and beyond.

“It was an honor to be in the room with so many change makers,” Lynch added.

These awards were presented to those engaged in activism to improve our community:

Spirit of King Award (undergraduate student): Corwin Matthews, Global Affairs.

Spirit of King Award (graduate student): Shauna Rigaud Matthews, Cultural Studies.

Spirit of King Award (staff): Saskia Campbell, Executive Director, University Career Services.

Spirit of King Award (faculty): David Corwin, Term Instructor, Associate Director for Academic Affairs, Women and Gender Studies.

Resounding Voice Award: Stacy Chai (undergraduate student), Biology, College of Science; Sharrell Hassell-Goodman (graduate student), Education.

Emerging Alumni Award: Tauheeda Martin-Yasin, Cultural Studies.

Superior Service Award: George Mason NAACP.

Yara Mowafy Award (undergraduate student): Fiona Klotz, Integrative Studies.

Yara Mowafy Award (graduate student): Ayondela McDole, Cultural Studies.

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Center for Culture Equity and Empowerment

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Mason Lighting the Way: Deion Maith

Colleen Rich — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 19:46:58 +0000

Mason Lighting the Way: Deion Maith Colleen Rich Wed, 01/12/2022 - 14:46

Mason Lighting the Way

Spotlights from the Task Force

More than 130 faculty, staff and students are working on ��AV’s Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence Task Force, which is taking a hard look at the current state of diversity and inclusivity efforts at the university and making recommendations for the future.

These individuals come from across our campuses and bring their different skill sets and expertise to this work. In this series, we will spotlight members of the task force and find out what drives them.

Mason graduate student Deion Maith. Photo provided

Deion Maith

Graduate student, Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights

Committee: Student Voice

��AV graduate student Deion Maith said he will never forget July 13, 2013, when he heard on the radio that George Zimmerman had been acquitted of killing Trayvon Martin.

“That sparked my fire,” said Maith, a native of Heathsville (in Virginia’s Northern Neck), “knowing that Trayvon could have been me or my younger brother.”

He began researching scholars like James Baldwin, Jane Elliott, and others who have contributed so much to the academic body of work on social justice and human rights.

When he had the opportunity to meet Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin’s mother, at the 2018 Sojourner Truth Lecture at Mason, Maith recounted his reaction to her son’s murder. She shook his hand firmly and told him: “Don’t ever lose that fire. You are our future and don’t let anyone ever tell you different.”

Maith joined Mason’s Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) Task Force because he thinks it’s important to share lived experiences with other students and faculty/staff.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to voice the concerns of students who look like me,” he said. “I’ve always been eager to have a seat at the table where conversation turns into action, and I’m hopeful that the task force can accomplish just that.”

Maith, who graduated from Mason with a bachelor’s in integrative studies in 2020, is former president and student advisor of Collegiate Black Men; former undersecretary for Contemporary Student Services, Student Government; and former secretary and student advisor for Mason’s Chapter of NAACP. He’s also been involved with the Black Student Alliance, the Black Male Success Initiative, and the School of Integrative Studies Peer Ambassadors.

“The main goal of the Student Voice Committee is to make sure we’re effectively receiving feedback from students and figuring out the best way to reach them,” said Maith. Committee members are meeting with registered student organizations and their members, and working with student-focused offices.

Maith said he’s been pleasantly surprised by the feedback the task force has received from the university community. “Although there has been some backlash, I believe there has been more positivity than anything,” Maith said.

Maith’s work with the task force motivated him to pursue a graduate assistant position in Mason’s Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment (formally ODIME), where T. Garey Davis, assistant director of coalition building and diversity education, has served as a mentor.

Maith said Davis is passionate about optimizing the student experience for everyone, but especially students who belong to historically marginalized groups, and together they have built a team to improve Black male success at Mason.

“Promoting social justice and human rights doesn’t exclude anyone,” he said. “It includes everyone no matter your race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, etc. But we must self-reflect and take accountability for the ways in which we benefit and contribute to systematic and institutional racism to move forward.”

Maith has accepted a role at Cooley LLP in Washington, D.C., a Fortune 500 global law firm. After he graduates this fall, he plans to pursue a law degree at Howard University.

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President's Task Force on Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence

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College of Visual and Performing Arts

Message for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Stacey Schwartz — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:57:39 +0000

Message for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Stacey Schwartz Fri, 01/15/2021 - 11:57

On January 16, 2023, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a national holiday. Some will dedicate this day to service, others to reflection and remembrance.

Our country is experiencing divisions today that clearly tell us that Dr. King’s work remains unfinished. However you choose to mark this occasion in honor of a great American, let it be a foundation for building a more perfect union – one that recognizes the humanity in all of us; one that seeks justice and pursues equality by peaceful means; one that allows each of us to live without fear, without prejudice, free to become all that we can be without the visible and invisible barriers of racism, poverty, intolerance, and ignorance.

Dr. King dreamt of such a union, and accomplished so much in his tragically shortened lifetime toward making that dream a reality. As artists, teachers, and students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, let us take a moment – many moments – on this day to remember and reflect, and then lift our artistic voices in service of Dr. King’s dream, even though at times the task seems daunting.

Let us remember the words of the great American writer Toni Morrison, who in 2015 issued this inspiring call to action:

"This is the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal."

"I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge—even wisdom. Like art."

One way to think about art is that, across all of our forms and disciplines, and across time and space, art distills meaning from chaos. If we’re open to Morrison’s instruction here, we can find new (and vital) meaning and purpose for our work in this moment. We often say that the arts create community; on this day, let us take a good look at whatever communities we are part of, and think about how our art might begin to re-create them in honor of the life we celebrate today.

-- Rick Davis, Dean

(Editors note: This piece was originally published on January 18, 2021. The post has been updated to reflect a new year.)

Get involved in Mason's MLK Day events

_{Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. addresses the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 28, 1963, as part of the March on Washington.}

_{Photo credit: National Park Service}

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Center for Culture Equity and Empowerment

Mason’s Pride Week offers educational and enrichment opportunities for the campus community

Mason is All Together Different

Visit the LGBTQ+ Resources Center

People Mentioned in This Story

Related News

Topics

Student artwork honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and civil rights leaders

Topics

Black History Month Student Exhibit

A Look Beyond by Isabella Cuevas

Hidden in plain sight by Asiya Freeman

Freedom Fighters by Skye Callaway

"they tried to bury us but they didn't know we were seeds" by Aseeyah Walker

On the Edge of the World by Anna Simokova

Listen, Read, Watch

Student artwork honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Civil Rights leaders

Topics

MLK Evening of Reflection encourages living with 'dangerous unselfishness'

Topics

Mason Lighting the Way: Deion Maith

Mason Lighting the Way

Spotlights from the Task Force

Deion Maith

Graduate student, Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights

Committee: Student Voice

Topics

Message for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Get involved in Mason's MLK Day events

In This Story

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