By: Morgan Rizzo | Staff Writer
Select panelists discussed racial conflicts in the panel discussion, “When Worlds Collide: Race Relations in an Age of Uncertainty” at Salve Regina University during Multicultural Week for Fall 2020.
The Office of Multicultural Programs and Retention organized the event. This week promotes interaction among the student body from diverse backgrounds to learn from one another.
“Multicultural week as a whole really gives students the opportunity to open their minds about what is going on through the eyes of somebody else,” said attendee Nathaniel Nelson. Panelists James Vincent, Keith Hoffman, Naomi Cummings, Izabella Solivan, and Nyja Hart spoke about their personal experiences of racism for viewers in Bazarsky Lecture Hall and online on Webex.
“Everyone goes through something and I think being aware of what people go through and learning from what their experiences are can help you” said Hart.
The panelists talked about the role of racial conflict in their lives. The students on the panel mentioned not fitting in due to the color of their skin. “The little things matter. I was very surprised at some of the stories that were told about people’s youth and growing up and how they sort of sidestepped what was happening to them in their lives in regards to racism,” said Nelson.
The following questions focused on strategies for coping with racial conflict and improving racial injustice in America. Panelists suggested talking, educating, and planning with action as solutions.
“I believe that my biggest takeaway would be that education is key to solving a lot of systemic problems in America,” said sophomore attendee Brendan Ferraro.
For students at Salve Regina University, they can reach out to the Black Student Union and Multicultural Student Organization.
“What am I not doing that I should be doing?”
The audience was additionally given the opportunity to ask questions to the panelists. Panelists took turns answering questions focused towards the issue on Salve’s campus.
Moderator Troy Catterson concluded the discussion by making the audience think deeply about a question.
“’What am I not doing that I should be doing?’” said Catterson.
Lastly, members of the Multicultural Student Organization raffled off prizes for attendance. The prizes included a Visa Gift Card, gift cards to restaurants in Newport, and Beats Solo Pro. Due to COVID-19, there were seats blocked off for social distancing. Wearing masks was mandatory. All guests had their temperatures taken before entering the event.
“Overall my whole message is that I went through stuff and when you sit and educate yourself or even talk to someone you gain a lot of insight that you probably wouldn’t have had before if you didn’t,” said Nyja Hart.
Cover Image and photos by George Corrigan, Class of 2022 https://www.gcorrphotos.com/
