The Department of Student Housing and Educated, Successful, Talented, Evolving and Empowered (E.S.T.E.E.M), an organization for women of all races and ages on The University of Mississippi’s campus, will be holding and sponsoring an event entitled, “A Look at Colorism” at 7 p.m. tonight in Student Union room 404.
This event has been planned for a while, according to Danielle Sims, area coordinator for student housing.
“This academic year we wanted to collaborate and create a program where diversity was generated,” Sims said.
The Department of Student Housing Coordinator of Conduct, Patience Bryant, will be moderating the event. Bryant said the event was planned because student housing saw a need within the students to discuss the issue of “colorism.”
“In working with our student population through E.S.T.E.E.M and student housing on events centered around identity, we found that the issue of skin color came up a lot,” she said.
“A Look at Colorism” will focus on racial issues specific to the black community. Bryant said the event will be interactive, allowing the audience to lead the discussion.
“We thought it was important that students, faculty and staff of all ethnic identities have an opportunity to share their experiences, thoughts and concerns about skin color,” she explained.
Sims said the topic of “colorism” comes up frequently in her meeting with students.
“Some students struggle with being dark and light skinned, and in talking with them, Dr. Bryant and I decided to put this event together,” Sims said.
Bryant hopes “A Look at Colorism,” will create awareness with the university. Posters around campus feature #Teamdarkskin and #Teamlightskin to help promote the event and inform students about the idea driving the event.
Freshman Chris Cross, however, feels diversity is not as big of an issue on campus as it is made out to be.
“I believe the diversity at Ole Miss is greater than what many people realize. It is one of the intricate details that ensures everyone’s experience is amazing here at Ole Miss,” Cross said.
Whether students believe diversity is an issue on campus or not, Bryant wants this event to help students embrace their difference.
“We want everyone at the end of the day to learn something and to see that they should embrace how they were made, and that no one is better than the other because of the way that they look,” Bryant said.
Bryant encourages students, staff and faculty of all racial identities to attend.
Grace Murphy
gkmurphy@go.olemiss.edu
