For my Identity Development event, I attended a dialogue titled Voices that Matter: The Verdict, the Healing, the Future. This dialogue was based on the events of recent and after the verdict of the case after the death of George Floyd. It was part of a series of dialogues in the Voices that Matter series put on by the Office of Diversity Education at CMU. The dialogue consisted of a panel of 8 individuals who each had a different, unique, and valid point of view. Some of the individuals were mental health professionals, some were educators, some were students, and some were impacted more personally by the issue as a whole.
The goal of the dialogue was to provide a safe space and place for healing. For me, to see how vulnerable every single person was on the panel was astonishing. None of them knew who would be watching or listening to them speak, but they let all their feelings out and explained why they were feeling the things they were. It was so beneficial to hear all of the different ways people were handling the information and also how they were affected by it. It’s always so good to listen to different perspectives, as it allows you to broaden your spectrum and expand your knowledge. It was also very interesting to see what they all thought about where we are headed next. Some didn’t have an answer, and some only had a general idea of where they want our nation to go. The way in which they all spoke about the situation, how they were personally affected, and how they each cope with news and situations like this were a great tool in providing me with more information and a different look at things.
I believe that attending events like this are necessary for everyone, as they provide so much good insight and knowledge about whatever topic it is that is being discussed. Whether you are having trouble processing and understanding these events or not, we all have a role to play in making our nation a better place and more favorable for all. It is important that even if is what seems like the smallest act, anything and everything to raise awareness and help is worth it. Personally, I know that I don’t do enough to support everything going on. I need to make it a point to help where I can, and honestly even beyond that. I also need to acknowledge that everyone handles and processes information differently, and that it is important to check in on those you love.
Samantha McDonald 