We live in heavy times, marked by violence, mental health struggles, and a deep sense of discomfort with politics and race. While much wonder exists in our world, it often seems that negativity and injustice overshadow the beauty in our lives and the greatness of our humanity.
I sometimes worry that I add to this shadow by repeatedly addressing these topics with the campus community. But ignoring injustice does no good, and calling attention to it exemplifies Nazareth’s unique relevance to society’s challenges. Since our founding, the changemaking action of Naz students, faculty, staff, and alumni have been an antidote for society’s illnesses.
But deciding what, when, and how to discuss these issues isn’t easy. Nazareth can’t comment on every tragedy — there are simply too many. Waiting for a given situation to settle before commenting helps, but not always. While lines between right and wrong may seem clear, details are usually murky. Who or what to blame can shift, and potential solutions to any societal issue are myriad. The emotional weight of violence, abuse of power, and racism is crushing, especially for individuals and groups directly targeted. A heavy time indeed. A time when Nazareth must lean into our mission: To be innovative leaders guided by empathy and committed to equity.
I’m reminded of three recent incidents that crystalize the need to focus on our mission. Tyre Nichols’s death in Memphis, at the hands of police trained to protect citizens from violence — not practice it — sickened us all. I’m concerned for each of us as we struggle to process this horrible case of brutality, and I’m particularly concerned for our Black, Indigenous, and people of color, or BIPOC, students, faculty, and staff. The persistent daily persecution is unrelenting. I walk in solidarity with you.
Two shootings in California within days of Lunar New Year killed 18 people, most of whom were of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, further heightening the risk felt by the AAPI community and eliciting many questions. What drove the shooters — AAPI themselves — to attack their own cultural community? Why the increase in violence against people of AAPI descent? Questions come easy. Answers don’t. Again, I walk in solidarity with our AAPI community.
Thoughts and solidarity matter, and so does action. Nazareth’s Changemaker Education provides avenues for action through which students, faculty, and staff can make real impact. So many in our community are dedicated to learning about racial inequities and the dynamics of racism, engaging in critical dialogue to learn from different perspectives, and developing and taking action to make a difference. An array of campus and community programs invite us to learn, discuss, and take action together throughout the year.
Here are some upcoming programs: On February 17, the Center for Civic Engagement’s Changemaker Conference will provide a chance to explore the knowledge, skills, and humility necessary to support change. This event will include guest speakers sharing social innovations in antiracist education, community development, and public health. Attending students will learn from leaders in their fields and brainstorm proposals for solutions to community challenges. And on February 23, the Center for Civic Engagement will host Advocacy 101, a hands-on workshop for taking action on crucial issues, exploring types of advocacy, and practicing conversations about policy changes.
Additionally, the Konar Center for Tolerance and Jewish Studies has an extensive slate of upcoming events focused on issues related to antisemitism, social justice, and equity.
Also, February is Black History Month, and there are a wide range of thought-provoking activities planned by our Culture, Community, and Belonging team. I encourage everyone, regardless of your cultural background, to attend one or more of these activities. Exchanging ideas and perspectives is so important, especially in times like these, and these events are wonderful venues for doing just that.
By working together we can rise above the tragedy that so frequently blots out the beauty of our world. And only together can we make the changes needed to create a time when the shadows of violence and abuse of power no longer exist, revealing a brighter, more just future for all of us.
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