Traditions - Solidarity Art

As one of the many elements of the 2009 Solidarity Week, these “Heroes” boxes were proudly displayed in the Beamer Student Center. They depicted the faces of actual people who have fought for racial reconciliation in their own sphere of influence. They are the heroes of our Solidarity Cabinet and just one exhibit of the many that displayed the Art of Solidarity.

Solidarity Cabinet is a group of involved, committed and concerned college students who recognize the present role of systemic racism in our society and therefore encourage the campus to move towards racial reconciliation.  Historically, in addition to their chapel service and special events, Solidarity Cabinet seeks to provoke thoughtful conversation through tangible and visual objects. With various art exhibits installed around campus throughout the year, Solidarity Cabinet has set a precedent for thoughtful ways to engage the campus community in important and necessary conversations.

In addition to the Heroes exhibit, this year’s cabinet also created a video installation using 19 TVs set up in the Beamer Center displaying student testimonials, an interactive puzzle that played off the mantra of “Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps,” and a marble maze that demonstrated the holes of systemic racism which are still present in our society today. As the Art of Solidarity was showcased and various exhibits displayed, Solidarity Cabinet pursued their vision of “Racial Reconciliation… A lifestyle, not a cause.”