Conference Overview On Tuesday, October 14, the second annual Calling All
Colors high school fall conference was held at Hope College.
Each school was invited on stage to present their unity banners and talk briefly about their meaning. Next the keynote speaker, Dr. Jennifer Stewart, Associate Professor in Sociology at Grand Valley State University, spoke about how racism is learned. She gave examples of children's toys and media that send a discriminating message to impressionable youth. Dr. Stewart closed her speech with the message that because racism is learned, it can then also be unlearned and that conferences and gatherings such as Calling All Colors are a huge step in the right direction to unlearn such behaviors. Students then broke out into dialogue groups, facilitated by
school liaisons and Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance volunteers. In
these dialogue groups, students viewed a short satire film called, Color Me Blind.
They then discussed the film and its implications regarding race
relations. Two other activities were performed and then discussed. Many
students shared their own personal experiences with racism. These
shared experiences, depending on the students involved, were either
new, shocking, or something they could relate to.
Next, students came back together with the students from their school to share about their
experiences in the dialogue breakouts and to begin brainstorming
actions plans that they can do to create a greater appreciation of
cultural diversity in their school and greater community.
The last break-out of the day was the cultural activity groups, presented by community
volunteers and Hope College International students. Each group learned
about a particular culture and dance.
All students gathered back at the Knickerbocker theater to present the
cultural activity dances they had learned, and to view a collection of
photographs taken during the day. Sally Woods closed the conference
with a short speech encouraging the students to recognize the power of
many small changes.
A Student Perspective This is my first year with Calling All Colors and I must say I have learned so much. This program has really opened my eyes to many issues regarding diversity and cultural matters. By joining together with others who truly wish to dig to the bottom of stereotypes and racism, we can better see that the task of working towards awareness and sensitivity is actually an attainable goal. I know that I do not have very many opportunities to experience other cultures and races in my everyday life, but that does not give me the right to be ignorant about them. I need programs such as Calling All Colors to help me uncover what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ to everyone in the body, including all races. By discussing and coming to terms with hard to handle topics such as white privilege we can slowly begin to tear down the barriers that block us from seeing things clearly and moving towards community. Developing action plans that we can take and implement in our schools is another awesome part of the program. We not only learn of the worth and necessity of diversity, but also how we, as students, can transfer this knowledge into a visible awareness and change at our schools. Both of which are vital parts in attempting to live in a diverse and thriving world. - Lindsay Johnson, Student at Holland Christian High Special Thanks to: Emcee: Sally Woods Hope College Intern: Meghan Wahl Cultural Presenters: Jenny De Leon, Philippine folkloric dance; Angela Gonzalez, Ballet Folklorico; Grand Valley State University's Capoerira Mandinga, Brazilian Martial Arts; Alterina Kesol & Family, Micronesian Hula Dance; Thao Le, Vietnamese Activity Darla and Daina Robinson, Jamaican Reggae Dance; and All For One Dance Group (Wilson Rodriguez), Hip Hop Dance Participating High Schools and Liaisons: Grand Haven High, Holland Christian High, Holland High, M-TEC, Muskegon High, Spring Lake High, Wavecrest Academy, West Ottawa High, Zeeland East High, and Zeeland West High |
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2008 Fall High School Conference |