Workshop Session #3

“Beyond Awareness: The Truth About Race and Privilege in America”

Presenter: Gina Lynn-Kaur Kundan, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

This workshop transcends the traditional “diversity training” lessons on political correctness by probing deeply into the salient issues of multiculturalism, and by challenging the long-standing assumption that race is a valid concept. Participants will learn the truth about our racial history while also gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to take real and meaningful action to combat racism and discrimination.

“The Language of Blood: Adoptees’ Journey to Ethnic Identity”

Presenters: Kami Kjolsking, Ben Kruse, Heidi Rodning, CSB/SJU

This session was inspired by the book, The Language of Blood, by Jane Jeong Trenka. In the session, a panel of students who are adopted into families of other than their blood background will present their stories. They will share where they have had to struggle and where they have experienced great love and joy. They will also address what things their families have done to help them reach their current definitions of identity.

Body Image and Ethnic Literature (two part session)

Presenters: Angela Stamschror, College of Saint Benedict; Matt Horning, Saint John’s University

In the first half of this session, Angela Stamschror will present a documentary video entitled, “Body Image: College Women Uncovered,” which features interviews with Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s students, statistical information, and still pictures. Matt Horning’s presentation, “What I Learned in Ethnic Literature 385,” will explore what a course on ethnic literature brings to the CSB/SJU communities.

“Christian and. . . : The Cultural Diversity of the Christian Tradition”

Presenters: Students in Dan McKanan’s section of “The Christian Tradition”

In this session, students in Dan McKanan’s section of “The Christian Tradition” will share poster displays on the different shapes Christian identity can take in different cultural contexts. Different student groups have been exploring Christianity in the Latin American, Native American, African American, Irish, Benedictine, Eastern Orthodox, and feminist communities.