Voices
This interdisciplinary course invites students to explore the kaleidoscopic history, literatures, and cultures of the American peoples through the many, varied, and oft-neglected or marginalized voices of those who inhabit this country. Looking at contemporary cultural issues and events, and providing historical perspectives as well as cultural and literary context, this course examines and challenges commonly accepted historical and cultural narratives. Students will choose contemporary issues of interest to study. Through self-selected readings, open class discussions, writing for authentic audiences and impactful field trips, they will encounter the rich and diverse nature of the American experience. Students will listen to, develop, and become empowered to use their own voices to speak out against issues of injustice as they engage in this course of study.
"I wanted to create an uplifting and colorful mural that reaches multiple generations. The Caribbean plants are a nod to the many Caribbean and Afro Latinos in Boston along with the indigenous patterns flowing through the mural. The African woman carrying the large water jug represents all motherly energy and the giver of life. The young black male gazing up to the heavens is a symbol of a young man with ambitions looking to a bright future with the guidance of our ancestors." @marka_27
"Sangre Indígena" is a large-scale portrait of an Indigenous woman painted in David "Don Rimx" Sepulveda's signature style: with bright bands of saturated color separated by thick black lines. With this mural, Don Rimx seeks to illuminate the continued erasure of Indigenous people." @streetartbos
"It is so powerful. When you have the ability to have a voice and you use that voice you evolve and grow and heal. In this time, writers and artists are more necessary than ever because we are able to get the message of anger, pain, and healing out with art,” Gibbs said. “We don’t have to wait. We just need a surface to share our voice.” @problak