Students at the University of Miami are serious about combating social issues that impact not only themselves but their peers. In an effort to bring awareness to these issues, various student groups have created Social Justice Week to bridge gaps within the campus community through dialogue, experimental activities, and initiatives that promote equity, justice, and inclusion.
Each day this week, at different venues around the Coral Gables campus, participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. This year student leaders have collaborated with the Butler Center for Service and Leadership, Multicultural Student Affairs, Office of Institutional Culture, Speak What You Feel and Cinematic Arts Commission to host the various events scheduled throughout the week.
“These programs shed light on issues around us,” said Andrew Wiemer, director of the Butler Center for Service and Leadership. “For me, I believe that Social Justice Week is a great way to bring awareness to social issues impacting each of our lives on a daily basis.”
For more information on Social Justice Week, visit their website.
MONDAY – Jan. 28
Hoodie Art Instillation feat. Billie Lynn
Whitten University Center Lower Lounge | 12-1:30 p.m.
Participants will be encouraged to write their thoughts on social justice directly on the 8.5 Hoodie prototype created by professor and artist Billie Lynn. Lynn will share her inspiration for creating this timely piece and answer questions participants may have. The Hoodie exhibit will be on display during the duration of Social Justice Week.
TUESDAY – Jan. 29
“Getting to Know U”- Multifaith Interactive Dialogue
Shalala Student Center Activities Room South | 7:30-10 p.m.
Coordinated by the Office of Institutional Culture
Students representing various faith based organizations will come together to share and answer questions pertaining to their faith traditions and what they most like about their faith, as well as the thing they think people most misunderstand about their faith. There will be an opportunity for Q & A and discussion. Members of the UM Chaplain’s Association will also be in attendance. Students are given the opportunity to submit questions to be answered via tinyurl.com/GETTOKNOWQUESTIONS.
WEDNESDAY – Jan. 30
“Be Bold, Be Brave” Open Mic Night
The Rathskeller | 7-9 p.m.
Coordinated and sponsored by Multicultural Student Affairs (Speak What You Feel) and the Butler Center for Service and Leadership
Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences and how they or loved ones have been affected by social injustice. Through the art of spoken word, dance, poetry, singing, rapping and instrumental performance attendees will learn more about current social justice issues occurring around the world today.
THURSDAY– Jan. 31
Movie screening: The Hate U Give
Shalala Student Center East Ballroom | 7-9:30 p.m.
Coordinated and sponsored by the Butler Center for Service and Leadership
Co-sponsored by Cinematic Arts Commission
THE HATE U GIVE is based on the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller by Angie Thomas.
Film Synopsis: Starr Carter is constantly switching between two worlds: the poor, mostly black, neighborhood where she lives and the rich, mostly white, prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Now, facing pressures from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what's right.
FRIDAY– Feb. 1
#IAMCOMMITTED- Share your commitment to Social Justice
Lakeside Patio | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Coordinated and sponsored by the Butler Center for Service and Leadership
Participants will be encouraged to write and take a picture with the social justice issue they are committed to. They will be able to sign the Social Justice Week banner, pledging to remain dedicated to their issue within the UM and surrounding Miami community.
