Last December, I had an amazing experience that changed my life. I went to the People of Color Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana from December 2nd- December 5th. I attended the student "branch" which is known as the Student Diversity Leadership Conference or SDLC. It's a conference where you learn about "identifiers" such as Age, Gender, Socio-Economic Status. You also discuss a wide range of topics from your own identity and discovering who you are as person to the cycle of oppression and how to combat it.We left the morning of December 2nd to depart from Reagan National Airport. And, that part was a little rough because I have a fear of heights and take-offs aren't any better! But, I survived and when we touched down in Indianapolis it was smooth. The hotel we stayed in was awesome. I shared a room with fellow Saints and one of the highlights was going out for a nice seafood dinner!
One thing I learned at SDLC is the cycle of oppression. I know that's kind of a scary topic, but at SDLC they believed the best way to fight ignorance is to understand how it works. The Cycle of Oppression is as follows: Discrimination, Institutionalized Oppression, Internalized Oppression, Fear of Differences, Stereotypes, and Prejudice. At SDLC we learned that this is a cycle so it can start from any section. That was one of the more "heavy" topics that we talked about during my stay in Indianapolis, but not my favorite moment. My favorite moment of SDLC is when a influential instructor known to us as Rodney spoke these simple words "Love, itself, is a revolutionary act." Rodney taught us that the way we make change, the way we have an greater influence in this life is to love one another. No matter that baggage you carry, the only thing I can do is love you for who you are. Love and understanding are the only way that we can change hate and ignorance. Love is our weapon and our shield. That single quote changed my life and, I truly believe, it has made me a better person.
This year was my first year at PoCC and it helped me who I am as a person. I encourage anyone who is interested to attend this amazing experience. Oh and instead of chilly mid-winter Indianapolis, this year its going to be in Tampa!!
There is a picture soon to come including all the participants and our faculty sponsors! Stay tuned everyone!!
