Empowering People

Social Justice Summit and Art Auction Geared to Provoke Change

March 23, 2009 :: No. 150

Poet and writer Jerry Quickley

What:

“Resist Ignorance, Provoke Thought, Incite Change” is the theme of Cal State Fullerton’s fifth annual Social Justice Summit, presented by the Volunteer & Service Center. The April 18 event provides a forum for people to exchange ideas about improving the state of local and global communities, offers a chance to discuss the obstacles to creating change and gives attendees the tools for taking social action. For the first time, a silent art auction will be held in conjunction with the Social Justice Summit with artworks for sale that incorporate social-justice themes. Both events are open to the public free of charge.

When/Where:

Art Auction
4-8 p.m. Friday, March 27

Garden Cafe, Titan Student Union, Cal State Fullerton
800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, 92831

Social Justice Summit
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 18

Portola Pavilion, Titan Student Union, Cal State Fullerton
800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, 92831

Auction:

All proceeds benefit the Social Justice Summit, which is in large part supported through donations from the community. Cal State Fullerton students and community artists contributed artwork, which includes paintings, photographs, ceramic objects and 3-D pieces.

Why:

“The art auction is designed to raise funds for the Social Justice Summit, but it is also a great opportunity to raise awareness about social justice issues through art,” said Amy Mattern, Volunteer & Service Center coordinator. “We’re hoping to develop the auction into an annual event that brings together art and social justice for a powerful statement about the world we live in.”

Summit Schedule:

9 a.m. — Opening speaker Jerry Quickley is a well-regarded poet and writer. He performed on the PBS documentary series “Senior Year” and is a frequent contributor to publications and books, including “Spoken Word Revolution: Slam, Hip Hop & the Poetry of a New Generation.” He wrote and had a featured role in the Sony Studios film “Shackles.”
10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. — More than 20 workshops are offered. They focus on educating participants and empowering them to bring about change in the community. Workshop topics include: human trafficking, alternative transportation, land conservation, poverty and homelessness, inequities in education, art and activism, and “Saving the Planet With Your Fork” on how food choices affect the environment and the world.
12:30 to 1:45 p.m. — Resource Fair features campus and community organizations that offer attendees ways to get involved in social action.
3 p.m. — Carlos Andrés Gómez, an actor, playwright and poet, is the closing speaker. Gómez is a Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Poet and 2006 International Poetry Slam Champion. Winner of the 2009 Artist of the Year Award at the Promoting Outstanding Writers Awards, he co-stars in Spike Lee’s film “Inside Man.”

Student Quote:

“I feel a new era has begun, and now more than ever, we need to get involved in social justice issues,” said Carlos Amador, a member of the Student Planning Committee for the Social Justice Summit. “At the summit, we can bring forward ideas on how to make social change a reality.”

Registration:

Advance registration is suggested for the Social Justice Summit at www.fullerton.edu/socialjusticesummit. For parking information, visit: http://parking.fullerton.edu/Visitors/FAQ.aspx

Media Contacts:
Amy Mattern, Volunteer & Service Center, 657-278-3504 or amattern@fullerton.edu
Debra Cano Ramos, Public Affairs, 657-278-4027, 657-278-2414 or dcanoramos@fullerton.edu

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