Local college celebrates a civil rights icon
SOUTH BEND — A local college is doing its part to create a community discussion on diversity and inclusion.
The president of Saint Mary's College hopes it will foster an understanding environment on campus. Wednesday was about giving people a voice.
It focused on Audre Lorde, a social activist. The writer, poet, and feminist passed away 25 years ago.
More than two dozen people gathered to remember the woman who promoted speaking instead of silence. Lorde was described as a black-lesbian-mother-warrior-poet. She advocated for underrepresented communities.
Wednesday, members from the LGBTQ community and Saint Mary's professors reflected on Lorde's work. They spoke on the concepts of misunderstanding female anger and self-care. It's part of an overall diversity initiative on campus.
"President Cervelli has asked us to come to one of our meetings to sit down and talk to us and that was powerful enough. I couldn't believe the president wanted to come to one of our meetings just to find out what she can do to help on campus. So I have a feeling that future Saint Mary students are going to see a lot of progress on campus," said Taylor Thomas, senior.
This is one of several community dialogue events the college plans. The president of Saint Mary's says she wants to create open, honest discussion. The college has also seen its first Black Student Association Club this year.
