"Confronting Racism"

Campus events confront racism, white nationalism

“Confronting Racism” is the theme of a series of events being held at COCC during the month of October, with a panel discussion, a presentation and a film all part of the lineup. These events are free and open to the public.

A panel discussion that will examine recent white nationalist incidents, the impact of these incidents on local students, as well as a look at “doublethink” in American society, is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 3-4:30 p.m., at COCC’s Wille Hall. “Doublethink is a concept created by George Orwell to explain the central mechanism of authoritarianism,” explained local artist Isaac Peterson, one of three presenters on the panel. “It is the ability to believe two ideas that are in direct conflict with one another without resolving them. This talk will look at a select history of American doublethink and how it is used in regards to race and the Charlottesville authoritarian and counter-protest movements.” The other presenters are Murray Godfrey, assistant professor of history at COCC, and Kelsey Freeman, the college’s Native American college prep coordinator. Refreshments provided by Kebaba. Sponsored by the COCC Jewish Students Club.

Immediately following the panel discussion, the college’s Afrocentric Club will be holding a screening of a film titled “I Am Not Your Negro,” from 5-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, also in Wille Hall.

Then, on Friday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Linda Heidenreich, Ph.D., associate professor of history at Washington State University, will present “Decolonial Pedagogy,” a seminar on eliminating bias in curriculum design and how educators can “decolonize” their classroom. Cascades Hall, Room 117.

For information on any of these events, contact Patricia Givens, COCC’s interlibrary loan coordinator, at 541-383-7561. In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability, contact Joe Viola: 541-383-7775. For accommodation because of other disability, such as hearing impairment, contact the Office of Disability Services: 541-383-7743.