Emerging Minds Project - Jonathan Lykes

Last night I had a provoking conversation with a recent college graduate in Chicago. The conversation was based on our lives and mostly our differences in opinions when it comes to politics, economics, and most importantly social issues. While I am always excited about and welcome dissenting thoughts, by the end of this conversation it was clear the difference in our praxis. My recent job was working with at-risk youth in the inner city encouraging them to get involved in the political systems in which they live. His most recent job was at an advertisement firm and in his words “working 12 hour days to make sure the companies bottom-line is continuously better.” I challenged him to exist in the business world not only with an individualistic-capitalist paradigm, but to invest in people just as much as stock. He challenged me to watch a documentary on Netflix “Babies” that explored the international differences in socio-economic upbringings.

This multifaceted yet casual conversation is a symbol of the interactions that should take place more often, both within the University but also in atmospheres that go beyond the academy. This is in essence an articulation of minds emerging, thoughts clashing against each other, and theory being forced to walk among practice. These conversations do not occur in the name of deliberate friction, but in the firm belief that understanding and tolerance is more than necessary. Especially if we are going to navigate to find solutions to the social issues that many would rather sweep under the rug than confront head-on. To disrupt the habit of avoiding the subjects that are most “touchy” we felt the need to create a space where these topics are tackled, interrogated, and dissected.

This is why I am excited about a new initiative that I along with several others (specifically Sarah Yu and the OMSA Staff—Rosa Yaidra Ortiz & Ronnie Rios) are launching, The Emerging Minds Project. This is not a “stop in when you feel like it” initiative. The first accepted cohort of students went through an application process that encouraged them to articulate what their views are on issues like identity, what they have experienced in the past, and why this project is important to them. Unfortunately we could not accept everyone, but it is important to form a community that has an ultimate goal of understanding and respect, regardless if friction occurs in the process.

I look forward to meeting the first cohort of students and helping facilitate these conversations, not as someone who is any wiser than anyone else, but as someone who truly hopes to understand. I want to revisit what I “think I know” and redefine my view of the world. I want to decipher through the problems many choose to ignore. Most importantly, I am excited about the artistic development that will come from the cohort at the end of the project.

In my heart I believe life is too short to let it pass without fixing something. Some avoid these issues to make life for them-selves easier; The Emerging Minds Project faces these issues because we understand ignoring them only makes life more difficult for everyone. Choose to participate.

Weekly Schedule - November 29 - December 3

Monday, November 29|


Metcalf Information Session and Chicago Career Connection Tutorial
Presented by: Career Advising & Planning Services
4:30 – 6:00 PM
West Lounge of the Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 East 59th Street

DREAM Act Study Break with the Immigrant Youth Justice League
Presented by: University of Chicago Coalition for Immigrant Rights and Immigrant Youth Justice League
7:00 – 9:00 PM
5710 South Woodlawn Avenue

Tuesday, November 30

Putting Your Liberal Arts Degree to Work
Presented by: Career Advising & Planning Services
Room 203 of the Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 East 59th Street

Student Government Study Break
Presented by Student Government
1 PM
Main Quad

“From the Struggle for Labor Rights to the Struggle for Life:Workers' Rights, Feminicide and the 'War on Drugs' in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico”
Presented by: Human Rights Program, the Center for Latin American Studies, and the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America.
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Room 201 of the Social Science Tea Room, 1126 E. 59^th Street


"What happened to the sex?: Thinking intimacy and sexuality in crowds." By Luis-Manuel Garcia, PhD Candidate, Ethnomusicology
Presented by the Gender and Sexuality Studies Workshop
4:30 – 6:00 PM
Center for Gender Studies, 5733 S. University Ave.

OMSA Advisory Board Meeting Hightlights

The OMSA Advisory Board meets bi-monthly to address the concerns of UChicago's multicultural community. It is an important asset in helping to ensure that OMSA is effectively meeting the needs of the diverse student body. In order to make sure the broader campus community is aware of the concerns the Advisory Board are addressing, the OMSA Blog will now include meeting highlights!

Meeting Date: November 16, 2010

Special Guests:

• James (Jim) Nondorf - Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid
• Rose Martinelli - Assistant Vice President for Enrollment
• Colin Johnson - Sr. Assistant Director, Director of Multicultural Recruitment

This meeting was all about enrollment and admissions at the University of Chicago. Students on the OMSA Advisory Board expressed a wide array of concerns in regards to these topics.

University Dining Survey

Did you complete the University Dining Survey? Whether you are more likely to eat everything in sight, or you identify as vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, Kosher, Halal – we want to hear from you! All students were emailed the survey starting on Tuesday this week, and the University cannot complete a thoughtful appraisal without your input. It will only take a few minutes!

UChicago for Pakistan

Please visit UChicago for Pakistan on Facebook to learn more.

Weekly Schedule: November 18 - 25

5710 will be closed beginning at 2 PM on Wednesday, November 24. The building will remain closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Regular hours will resume on Monday, November 29.

Friday, November 19
Baila Con OLAS
Presented by: Organization of Latin American Students
7:00 PM
5710 South Woodlawn Avenue

Lunch-hour Talk: The Divine and the Demonic in the Buddhist Pantheon at Xiangtangshan Presented by: Smart Museum of Art
12:00 PM
5550 South Greenwood Avenue

Friday Film Screening at Center for East Asian Studies
Presented by: Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS)
1:00 – 3:00 PM
302 Judd, 5835 S. Kimbark Avenue

Sunday, November 21

FILM: Sign, Symbol, and Script: Origins of Written Communications and the Birth of Writing Presented by: Oriental Institute - Museum Education Office
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Breasted Hall, 1155 East 58th Street

Middle East Music Ensemble Concert
Presented by: International House
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Coulter Lounge of International House,1414 East 59th Street

Monday, November 22

CCIHE: Applying to Graduate School for 3rd Years
Presented by: Career Advising & Planning Services
4:00 – 5:30 PM
West Lounge of Ida of Noyes Hall, 1212 East 59th Street

International Volunteering Initiative Study Break
Presented by: International Volunteering Initiative
6:00 – 8:00 PM
5710 South Woodlawn Avenue

Tuesday, November 23

Internship Advice from 4th Years
Presented by: Career Advising & Planning Services
5:00 – 6:30 PM
West Lounge of Ida of Noyes Hall, 1212 East 59th Street

University of Chicago Public Interest Program Information Session
Presented by: Career Advising & Planning Services
5:30 – 7:00 PM
East Lounge of Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 East 59th Street

Latke-Hamantash Debate
Presented byUniversity of Chicago Hillel
7:30 – 9:30 PM
Mandel Hall, 5706 South University Avenue

Wednesday, November 24 Zen meditation at Rockefeller
Presented by: Rockefeller Chapel's Spiritual Life Office, in conjunction with Ancient Dragon Zen Gate.
5:00 – 6:30 PM
Rockefeller Chapel, 1156 East 59th Street

Thursday, November 25

Coming Out Discussion Group
Contact: John McPherrin, jkm@uchicago.edu or 773-702-9800
2:00 – 3:30 PM

Thanksgiving Interfaith Service
Presented by: Hyde Park/Kenwood Community
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Rockefeller Chapel, 1156 East 59th Street

OMSA Advisory Board Meeting Highlights

The OMSA Advisory Board meets bi-monthly to address the concerns of UChicago's multicultural community. It is an important asset in helping to ensure that OMSA is effectively meeting the needs of the diverse student body. In order to make sure the broader campus community is aware of the concerns the Advisory Board are addressing, the OMSA Blog will now include meeting highlights!

Date: November 2, 2010


Special Guests:

• Robin Graham, Associate Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs 
• Bora Un, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Preparation,Career Advising and Planning Services (CAPS)

Member Concerns:

• Members still expressed concerns about student demographics for the Class of 2014.
• Representatives from admissions will be at the November 16^th board meeting to give more detailed information.
• Members discussed the accessibility of voting information on campus, and political awareness of campus.

OMSA Advisory Board Meeting Hightlights

The OMSA Advisory Board meets bi-monthly to address the concerns of UChicago's multicultural community. It is an important asset in helping to ensure that OMSA is effectively meeting the needs of the diverse student body. In order to make sure the broader campus community is aware of the concerns the Advisory Board are addressing, the OMSA Blog includes meeting highlights!

Date: October 19, 2010

Special Guests: Kim Goff-Crews, Vice President of the Office of Campus and Student Life and Dean of Students.


Overview:

• Kim Goff-Crews gives general introduction and explains University offices under her control. Check here to find out: It’s a lot!
• Board Members presented a wide array of concerns to which Kim offered various initiatives going into consideration. Note that most of these ideas are tentative. These involved:

• Greater retail, grocery, and hotel options in Hyde Park.
• The plausibility of a “student center.”
• Efforts are being made to streamline and make SCC more effective, including a director specifically in control of SCC.
• Board Members expressed possibility of more housing.
• Board Members expressed Bookstore availability concerns.
• Board Members expressed concerns with CAPS.
• Board Members expressed concerns with General/Academic Advising for Minority Students, conversation included discussion of Faculty of Color.

The OMSA Advisory Board is dedicated to making sure that students’ concerns and voices are being heard. Unsatisfied with discussion topics? Let us know what you would like to be added to the conversation!

Highlight on Native American Literature

House Made of Dawn (1969) - N. Scott Momaday
This novel is widely cited as leading the way for subsequent Native American literature. The novel is based on Momaday’s personal experiences on Jemez Pueblo. The protagonist of the story, Abel, grows up on the outskirts of society and lives on different reservations after serving in World War II. Abel eventually learns the importance of upholding his family's traditions as a way to preserve his heritage. The novel earned a Pulitzer Prize in 1969.

Ceremony (1977 )- Leslie Marmon Silko
This novel is considered one of the seminal pieces of Native American literature. Silko tells the story of Tayo, a young, mixed-race, World War II veteran who returns to his reservation with severe shell shock and emotional and psychological damage. He battles alcoholism but is later redeemed with the help of Betonie, a local priest, who, through ceremonial processes, helps Tayo see his place in the world.

OMSA Advisory Board Meeting Highlights

The OMSA Advisory Board meets bi-monthly to address the concerns of UChicago's multicultural community. It is an important asset in helping to ensure that OMSA is effectively meeting the needs of the diverse student body. In order to make sure the broader campus community is aware of the concerns the Advisory Board are addressing, the OMSA Blog will now include meeting highlights!

Date: October 5, 2010

Overview:

• Advisory Board Members expressed concerns over career fairs and the resources they provide.
• In response Ana Vázquez will contact OMSA Associate Director Robin Graham, and CAPS.  
• Board members would like to know demographics for class of 2014.
• Information will be available at November 16^th Advisory Board Meeting.  
• Vice President of the Office of Campus and Student Life and Dean of Students, Kim Goff-Crews will be in attendance for next meeting.  
• See more info about Kim Goff-Crews and the Departments under her jurisdiction! 
• Updates were given on Ad-Hoc Committee formed as a result of last year’s Regenstein Incident. 
• Kim Goff-Crews will meet with leadership of University of Chicago Coalition for Immigrant Rights to discuss issues and the university’s response.  
• Updates were given on the new Bias Response Team Website. 
• Learn more about the Office of Campus and Student Life

Keep checking back to stay abreast of the Advisory Board's Activities!

Weekly Schedule: November 11 - 18

Friday, November 12

Chicago Career in Journalism: Grad School Workshop
Presented by: Career Advising & Planning Services
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Room 203 of the Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 East 59th Street

China-US Relationship in a Changing World
Presented by: International House
4:00 – 5:30 PM 1212 East 59th Street

Monday, November 15

Roses from the South: Gender Theory from the Global Periphery
Presented by: Center for Gender Studies
4:30 – 6:30 PM
Room 110 of the Classics Building, 1130 East 59th Street

Chicago Career in Law: Law School Visits: Yale
Presented by: Career Advising & Planning Services
5:00 – 6:30 PM
East Lounge of the Ida Noyes Hall,1212 East 59th Street

Teaching Opportunities (PreK-12 Teaching Opportunities with a BA, MA or PhD)
Presented by: Career Advising & Planning Services
5:30 – 6:30 PM
West Lounge of the Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 East 59th Street

The Arabs and the Holocaust: The Arab-Israeli War of Narratives
Presented by: Center for International Studies
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Home Room of the International House, 1414 East 59th Street

ABG Externship Information Session
Presented by: Career Advising & Planning Services
6:30 – 7:30 PM
West Lounge of the Ida Noyes Hall,1212 East 59th Street

OMSA Movie Night
Presented by: Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
7:00 – 10:00 PM
5710 South Woodlawn Avenue


Tuesday, November 16

RSO Development Brownbag Workshop - Retaining and Recruiting Members
Presented by: Office of the Reynolds Club & Student Activities (ORCSA)
12:00 – 1:00 PM
South Lounge of the Reynolds Club, 5706 South University Avenue

Cultural policy workshop: Cultural Infrastructure in the United States
Presented by: Cultural Policy Center
12:00 – 1:20 PM
Room 224 Harris School of 1155 East 60th Street

Sadiqa Saleem: Rights of Afghan Women
Presented by: Center for International Studies: Outreach
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Tea Room of the Social Science Research, 1126 East 59th Street

Workshop: "The End of Colonialism and the Right to Self-Determination"
Presented by: Human Rights Program
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Room 224 of the Social Science Research, 1126 East 59th Street

“Protest with Chinese Characteristics, Past and Present”
Presented by: The East Asia Workshop
4:00 – 5:30 PM
Pick Lounge, 5828 South University Avenue

“The Women’s Movement and the Gendering of Taiwanese Democracy: The Beginning of an Institutionalized and Gendered Political Opposition, 1996-1998″
Presented by: The East Asia Workshop
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Room 224 of the Social Science, 1126 East 59th Street

Buddhism, Merchants, & Mercantilism in Early India Presented by: Divinity School
4:30 PM
Common Room Swift Hall, 1025 East 58th Street

Opportunities for International Students: OPT, CPT and other considerations.
Presented by: Career Advising & Planning Services
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Room 110 of the Classics Building, 1010 East 59th Street

Summer Opportunities and Metcalf Information Session
Presented by: Career Advising & Planning Services
5:00 – 6:00 PM
West Lounge, Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 East 59th Street

Wednesday, November 17

OMSA Graduate and Professional Student Social
Presented by: Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA)
12:30 – 1:30 PM
5710 South Woodlawn Avenue

Latin American History and Caribbean Studies Workshops: Aline Helg Presented by: Center for Latin American Studies
4:30 – 6:00 PM
Room 114 of the Kelly Hall, 5848 South University Avenue

Navajo Boy and Yellow Dirt: Uranium Contamination in Navajo Nation

On Wednesday, November 10, the University of Chicago Program on the Global Environment, the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the Environmental Law Society will host the viewing of “The Return of Navajo Boy.” In this documentary, director Jeff Spitz examines the remnants of environmental hazards, such as uranium contamination, in Navajo land as a result of the atomic age. The movie chronicles the tale of Elsie Begay, a Navajo grandmother. Here is a trailer from the film:



The story of Elsie Begay was also told in Judy Pasternak’s recent book, "Yellow Dirt: An American Story of a Poisoned Land and a People Betrayed.” Judy Pasternak discusses the concept of “yellow dirt” in the following:

Beyond Waiting for Superman: Panel Discussion

Beyond Waiting for Superman: How Do We Overcome Inequities in our Urban Schools?




Beyond Waiting for Superman
Tuesday, November 9th at 6:00pm
5710 S. Woodlawn Chicago, IL 60637
Community Lounge

The challenge of providing excellent education for students in urban communities is not new. As this Time magazine article states: "Education history is littered with big promises, national commissions and task forces, summits, and surprisingly little change." However, the recent paradigm shift towards a global economy has called even more attention to the educational gap that exists between American students and many of their international counterparts. Complicating the issue even more are the disparities that have always existed between American students in urban environments and students in suburban communities. This multi-layered issue of American education has spurred the documentary Waiting for Superman , which is a pretty interesting commentary on the educational challenges facing the United States, and highlights many of the disparities that exist between suburban and urban schools.

Waiting for Superman Trailer


In an indirect response to the film, and a greater response to the current challenges of education The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Teach for America and The Urban Teacher Education Program are hosting Beyond Waiting for Superman: How do we overcome inequities in our urban schools?

This panel discussion will feature current educational experts such as Tim King, Founder and President of Urban Prep Academies a highly successful system of charter schools for African American men, Dr. Timothy Knowles, the John Dewey Director of the University of Chicago's Urban Education Institute (UEI) a research institute at the University of Chicago dedicated to providing the framework to allow Chicago public school systems to be improved, and Elliot Ransom, Performance Manager at the Chicago Public School Office of New Schools.

Come join us as we discuss how to solve the educational inequities plaguing public schools! Refreshments will be served!

Chicagoland Native American Celebrations

Native American Heritage Celebration Events in the Chicagoland Area

November 9

Native American Student Luncheon
Presented by Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
5710 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL

November 10

Navajo Boy and Yellow Dirt: Uranium Contamination in Navajo Nation
Presented by: the Program on the Global Environment, the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the Environmental Law Society.
6:25 – 8:25 PM Laird Bell Law Quadrangle, 1111 E. 60th Street, Chicago, IL

November 11

Multicultural Conversation and Lunch Discussion on “Native Nations” and American Indian & Alaskan Native Ministries
Presented by: Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
11:00 AM
Room 201 of Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, 1100 E. 55th Street

November 14

Lecture: Bolo Ties with Norman Sandfield
Presented by Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
1:00 PM
3001 Central Street, Evanston, IL

November 17

Family Wellness Night
Presented by the American Indian Center Wellness Department and American Indian Health
6:00 PM
1680 W. Wilson, Chicago, IL

November 20 and 21

57th Annual Pow Wow
Presented by the American Indian Center
10 AM t0 9 PM on Saturday
10 AM – 5 PM on Sunday
$12 for Adults, $6 for children and senior
$2 student/group discount
Navy Pier Grand Ballrooom, 600 East Grand Avenue

Weekly Schedule: November 5- November 11

Friday, November 5

Jewish Studies Graduate Student Working Group
Presented by: Chicago Center for Jewish Studies
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Chicago Center for Jewish Studies 773-702-7108)

Lunch-hour Talk: Symbols and Meaning of Buddhist Art
Presented by: Smart Museum of Art
Smart Museum of Art, 5550 South Greenwood Avenue

Diwali: The Indian Festival of Light 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Rockefeller Chapel, 1156 East 59th Street

Saturday, November 6

Producing Local Color with author Diane Grams
Presented by the Logan Arts Center
1:00 – 2:00 PM
5710 South Woodlawn Avenue

Sunday, November 7

FILM: Islam: Empire of Faith, Part I
Presented by: Oriental Institute - Museum Education Office
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Breasted Hall at the Oriental Institute, 1155 E. 58th Street

Native American Heritage Celebration

OMSA kicks off Native American Heritage Celebration with a panel discussion on the state of Native American Studies

November is Native American Heritage month and OMSA will host a panel discussing the state of Native American studies in the United States. Panelists will include:

• Scott Stevens, Director, The D'Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies
• Megan Bang, PhD, Director of Education, American Indian Center
• Joseph Podlasek, Executive/Technical Director, American Indian Center
• Scott Bear Don’t Walk, PhD Student, Committee On Social Thought, University of Chicago
• Greg Nance, College, Political Science, University of Chicago—Moderator