Let’s Talk About It

Ralph Cash ‘74 and Professor Regina Clark from the first session, Black Lives Matter at Ramapo Colloquium, on September 23, 2020

The School of Contemporary Arts hosted the Black Lives Matter at Ramapo Colloquium in October to create a memorable, community-building experience for students, faculty and staff. Faculty presenters spoke with hundreds of attendees about the dynamic work occurring on campus. “Many attendees were not only impressed, but surprised by the work being conducted on the history of social justice at Ramapo College,”  shared Peter Campbell, Dean of the School of Contemporary Arts, who also co-organized the colloquium with Regina Clark, Associate Professor of Journalism, and John Peffer, Associate Professor of Contemporary/Nonwestern Art History.

The synergistic safe space encouraged open dialogue and provided invaluable opportunities for powerful, teachable moments. Students shared how they felt in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd and others. “During one Q&A session, a few Black students shared concerns about being expected to represent the opinion or perspective of the entire Black community in classes; how all heads would turn when a question was asked of them…no one person can represent the views of an entire culture, ethnicity or race,” shared Clark. 

Students were encouraged to enroll in the colloquium as a one-credit course and submit  reflection papers about the series, where themes emerged such as an appreciation for the history and context; a desire for continued programming about the topic; and a need for additional ways to engage about race, social justice, and representation not only on campus, but in society. 

Presenters included School of Contemporary Arts faculty Regina Clark, Indya Jackson, and John Peffer, Karl Johnson from the School of Humanities & Global Studies, and Tammi Redd from the Anisfield School of Business during the six-week series.