Annual Social Justice Summit set for March 4-6

by Tim Nakautoga

The Social Justice, Equity and Inclusion Center at Cal Poly Humboldt is hosting their 32nd annual Social Justice Summit (SJS) on campus from March 4-6. The theme for this year’s SJS is Moving Together: Expression in Action. All events are free and open to the public.

A variety of workshops and presentations surrounding the theme are going to be given by a diverse panel of presenters. The event will also feature a celebration of Holi, a Hindu holiday celebrating colors, love and spring, hosted by ADPI+MENA. 

“There’s a lot of social movement right now, you know, physical movement builds people and brings communities together,” said Victoria Carrillo, student and organizer for the SJS. 

SJS will feature keynote speakers, Amy Bowers Cordalis and Dandha Da Hora. Bowers Cordalis is an attorney and citizen of the Yurok tribe with a background in environmental activism. She has been an active leader in the restoration of the Klamath River in Humboldt since 2002, when she decided to pursue law after federal government action resulted in the death of over 75,000 salmon.

Da Hora is a dancer, teacher, vocalist and percussionist in the Afro-Brazilian discipline and will be discussing the connection of her artistic background to this year’s theme. 

Agustin Valdez, CPH’s Diverse Male Scholar Initiative coordinator, highlighted the uniqueness of the SJS.

“An event like CDOR, it’s more professionally led, whereas [SJS] is brought forth by students and faculty here in the community, and it’s run by them,” Valdez said. “It’s an important opportunity for them to really gain leadership skills and to organize something that’s going to benefit not only the Cal Poly Humboldt community, but all of Humboldt County.”

In Carrillo’s eyes, SJS is a collaboration of many minds on campus and she welcomes everyone to join the conversation.

“Community members are welcome, staff, faculty, students, anyone that’s interested in learning, interested in uplifting others,” Carrillo said. “I think it’s always important to learn, and this is a space where people can share things.”

Further details about SJS, including information about important events and dates, are available at https://www.humboldt.edu/sjei/sjs.