From Margin to Center: Social Injustice Explained Through Arts and Films

Social injustice never quits. So programs like “From Margin to Center” exist to promote social justice.

This program will last three weeks, and will include films, talks and art installations. It aims to voice the unheard stories of our society in hopes of creating a sense of social justice on SCC’s campus.

“From Margin to Center” was started last year by Director of Student Life Rezina Habtemariam and is now a collaboration with the Arts and Entertainment Board, Ángel Gonzalez and Habtemariam.

According to Gonzalez, “given our current political climate, it is important to engage our students in dialogue and activities that promote inclusivity and challenges them to grow.”

One of the events is an art installation about social issues like #BlackLivesMatter, #NoDAPL, #NoMuslimBan and all-gender restrooms. It will be installed on April 18 in the PUB Room 9203.

Gonzalez hopes that participants of “From Margin to Center” will gain the skills to reflect on who they are and who they want to be in terms of their multiple identities in society.

“From Margin to Center” events begin with the “Do Not Resist” film screening on April 11, with a discussion facilitated by Eric Hamako from 1-2 p.m. on April 18 in Room 9201.

Hamako, a multicultural studies professor, says that he decided to discuss the militarization of police after he was approached by the Student Leadership Center.

“I usually introduce concepts, models and theories (that) students can use to analyze social issues,” Hamako said. “This event let me do it outside my classroom.”

Hamako said that he chose to do a film discussion because film can help students to understand social justice issues in a way that a lecture might not be able to.

“Films offer visualization of what happened, so it gives a clear picture for students to understand more about the topic they’re concerned about,” Hamako said.

Students who didn’t get the chance to attend the film screening will still be able to watch the film through the library website.

Hamako said that he appreciates this event because it lets students who don’t take multicultural studies classes learn more about social issues. In addition, these students will be able to meet and talk with people who care about the same topics.

In the future, Hamako said that he hopes to see more investment in the Student Leadership Center, so that they can do more co-curricular events like “From Margin to Center.”

-Madeline Kimberly and Adelia Sindunata