The 15th Annual Critical Diversity Studies Forum “We Keep Us Safe” at USF began with introductory speakers, presenting their hopes, not only for the community, but for the entire world. The event took place on Oct. 2 and had one clear message throughout. The current political climate is one that the guest speakers collectively described as “authoritarian”, and one, they believe, we as members of democracy have a duty to actively acknowledge and combat it. “I wanted to appreciate both of y’all’s energy… and humor… I think the way we challenge authoritarians is by ridiculing them,” author Zach Norris said, when asked about what it was he admired about his fellow panelists.
Norris, best known for his work as a human rights advocate and his book “We Keep Us Safe”, joined USF in this year’s 15th Annual Critical Diversity Studies Forum. The author feels that the current presidential administration fights against advocates for diversity and equality, endorsing an ongoing war against an inclusive approach in politics. The state of differences highlights a rising sentiment amongst advocates; communities like these must celebrate differences, protecting those who may be ostracized as a result of growing political tensions.
Alongside Norris, The 15th Annual Critical Diversity Studies Forum welcomed two acclaimed poets, Yosimar Reyes and Terisa Siagatonu. Reyes, a celebrated performer and Santa Clara’s Poet Laureate, utilized storytelling to share life through a variety of worldviews he can personally understand. Siagatonu, another celebrated Bay Area native, engaged with intersectional ideas through her captivating spoken word poetry. This passion for poetry has granted her access to perform at a variety of venues, including the White House.
The Forum is utilized as a space where academia and art can engage in discussions about various social justice topics. Last year’s forum was described as a way for “artists and storytellers to explore how [they] can answer the call to solidarity both locally and globally.” This year’s forum is the 15th anniversary of the event, so along with celebrating diversity, the coordinators celebrated a successful 15 years of hosting.
Humor and energy were among tools that guests engaged in when speaking and performing. Reyes brought an unexpected but welcome humor to a topic that has been controversially debated, illegal immigration, often provoking feelings of helplessness in many people. The topic of illegal immigration is close to home for Reyes, as he described what it means to be “illegal” in America in this day in age.
On the other hand, Siagatonu brought passion and energy through her anger. Racism and marginalization are extremely personal to her, and it was interesting to hear how she employs her feelings to inspire change. “[Organizing] reminds me that the U.S. is not the center of the world,… There [are] so many worlds out there that folks are standing at the front lines of,” she said. The poet provided this perspective as a way to explain how she spends her energy in a period that can feel overwhelming and, as she claims, hopeless.
The three speakers prompted questions for the audience throughout, interacting with topics that they believed were their duty to destigmatize. None of the speakers were limited to a topic, and were able to freely engage with what it means to protect one another, as the forum’s theme suggests.
As the CDS Forum came to a close, organizers asked the audience to yell out remarks that described their feelings. The 15th Annual Critical Diversity Studies Forum and its guest panelists can be most accurately described as having inspired their audience, with performance art and dreams of a more diverse world.
