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Day Three Drumming and Dancing

Today while the students started painting the mural we got a great visit from Godwin Abutsi and Bismark Danyo from the Sweet Africa Dance Ensemble who taught some beat and some dance moved to the SJTA students. Here they are performing.
 

But there is still more work to be done, so after beating the drum and shaking our body, we are all back to the shop to keep painting, look at the gallery for photos and videos.

 

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Day Two – the design

Today’s work is all about brainstorming about the design and layout for the Mural. Students are working collaboratively with photographs taken yesterday thinking about composition, themes, narrative, words, feelings and more, they want included and represented in the final design, using the as a frame the concepts like: fluidity, intersecting, differences, commonalities, inclusion, overlapping perspectives.

Here is their words cloud:

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Day One: rehearsing for the (a)R(t)EVOLUTION

Our first Day of Social Justice Thru the Arts (SJTA) just started. Students are at the same time energized, tired, exited, shy. The expectations for a fantastic week are rising, we are sure this first SJTA will leave a mark. Our first activities are: Theater of the Oppressed and the very powerful and touching  Poetry Exercise: “Where I Am From”.

Artivism takes roots or branches off of a 1997 gathering between Chicano artists from East Los Angeles and the Zapatistas in Chiapas, Mexico. The words “Artivist” and “Artivism” were popularized through a variety of events, actions and artworks via artists and musicians such as Quetzal, Ozomatli, Mujeres de Maiz among other East LA artists and at spaces such as Self Help Graphics & Art.

 

Calle 13, https://youtu.be/PChsjYXBfzo

Spirit of Rasquache, https://youtu.be/oD1IlB4Cxpw

Chicano Mural Art in Denver, https://youtu.be/iOIkC1fOQNs

Chicano Tanguma Mural Legacy, https://youtu.be/5EPoQw03_SE

Kehinde Wiley, A New Republic, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHx4lFPqPiI

Paradigm Shift, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pwkZh8Ljug

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Meet SJTA Mentors

Jovan Lovato is a fourth-year student studying Women and Gender Studies, and Ethnic Studies. With a passion for social, political, and economic justice, Jovan hopes to bring an intersectional Feminist praxis to a long-term career in education. It is his belief that we can begin to decolonize educational practices and our greater society through critical and reflexive thought and action. As an Ambassador for the Center for Women’s Studies and Gender Research, and a Mentor for the Social Justice “Thru” the Arts Summer Alliance Program, Jovan hopes to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and competent education for everyone in our community.

Motivation/Interest: This particular program was of interest to me because social justice transcends all fields that students might be interested in studying. Although this program focuses on arts and creative expression; race, gender, and class power dynamics have a profound impact on the ways we experience the personal, professional, and educational spheres of our society. I see any work that centers social justice as having the potential to change the way students understand their entire lives.

In regards to the arts, creative expression provides a unique platform where justice efforts can be both produced and analyzed. Students should have the opportunity to learn how the arts can be used as a powerful tool for visibility, healing, and advocacy. Through this program, students can be introduced to the many ways that a higher education can foster this type of practice and how their personal development through art can be focussed on justice and liberation.

With a passion for social, political, and economic justice, Jovan hopes to bring an intersectional Feminist praxis to a long-term career in education. It is his belief that we can begin to decolonize educational practices and our greater society through critical and reflexive thought and action. As an Ambassador for the Center for Women’s Studies and Gender Research, and a Mentor for the Social Justice “Thru” the Arts Summer Alliance Program, Jovan hopes to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and competent education for everyone in our community.


Puleng Marutle, also known as Ratu, is a multidimensional person who has a love passion for the arts. Her passion for self-expression is very much influenced by observing the world from a cross-cultural background. Her father being from New Jersey and her mother being from South Africa, has greatly influenced her connection to the African diaspora and the work that she does. She is greatly influenced by envigarting artist and activist such as Audre Lorde, Janelle Monae, and Octavia E. Butler. Driven by her younger cousins, she seeks to influence other girls and women of color to express themselves through unconventional ways and find their voices.

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Become a Mentor for Social Justice thru the Arts

2018 SOCIAL JUSTICE THRU THE ARTS

June 17- 22, 2018
2 mentor positions available

Alliance Partnership Mission: Encourages and supports students to pursue and obtain a college education.

The Alliance Partnership is looking for a number of CSU students to assist as mentors with our 2018 summer institutes. Being a mentor is a great way to gain experience working with high school students, share your personal college experience, learn more about yourself and earn some money.

MENTORS WILL:

  • Support and encourage participants to manage their own learning in order to maximize their potential, develop their skills, and improve their performance.
  • Escort participants to dining hall and all institute sessions, ensuring the group is following the timeliness of the schedule.
  • Co-reside in residence halls, providing experiential evening activities
  • Ask questions and challenge with support while providing guidance and encouragement
  • You must be available for training on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 9am – 4pm

DOWNLOAD THE MENTORSHIP FORM APPLICATION