Consciousness Rising

 Something's been bubbling under the supposedly indifferent veneer of York University's student body consciousness for the past few weeks. 

With the gradual approach of March tailing my feet, I'm finding myself thinking what better event to look forward in March than International Women's Day?

Having said that, it's worth noting that this particular year is quite the special one for 2011 as it marks the first global centenary year for the holiday. Trust me when I say that 100 years is no small accolade. 

March 8th not only honours the work of the Suffragettes and delves in the celebration of women's successes within social, economic and political realms, but also has the mighty effect of reminding us of inequities still needed to be redressed. 

To me, this day becomes ever the more relevant to recognize because of its haunting capacity to remind us that oppression can indeed be stripped of it's hold.

And not just solely the oppression of women, but also the oppression of indigenous peoples across continents, migrant workers, immigrants, LGBTQI communities, and just about everyone else. 

To me, International Women's Day has become a marvelous metaphorical umbrella that encapsulates the spark of a larger movement to do away with all forms of oppression.

It's with these ponderings in mind that I'd like to showcase a few events about to take place at the Keele campus of York Univeristy.

For one, our club is partaking in the organization of an event titled "Voices Rising" alongside the work of the Graduate Students Association (GSA) and SASSL (Sexual Assault Survivors Support Line). 

Hosted by York's Centre for Human Rights on Monday March 7th at 7:00 pm, Voices Rising is essentially to be a remarkable night of spoken word, live music and art all focusing on the empowerment of women.

The name of the event stems from the observance of how as a people, we inhibit the capability to rise from the barriers which hold us back through the medium of our voices.

Performers include:

Brenda MacIntyre 

 "Medicine Song Woman"

A multiple award-winning singer, traditional Native hand drummer, inspirational speaker and emerging visual artist.

http://aboriginalpeopleschoice.com/artists/brenda-macintyre-medicine-song-woman

 

Sara Marlowe

A social justice singer. Past performances: Nuit Blanche, ARCfest, International Women's Day Events, and Songs for Peace.

http://www.saramarlowe.com/


 

 Lara Bozabalian

Spoken Word Artist; a member of the Toronto Slam Poetry Team. She is the author of four chapbooks, Exhale to December, The Morning Glories, New Dream and Free, and her first full length collection, The Cartographer’s Skin, will be published by Piquant Press in May 2010.

http://bozabalian.wordpress.com/

Amani (Anne-Marie Woods)

Anne-Marie Woods is an actor, dancer, narrator, poet, singer, producer, creative consultant, and playwright. Anne-Marie’s extensive background spans from her love for Youth, Arts and Culture. She was a member of Acapella singing sensation, Four The Moment, for twelve years. This Nova Scotia based singing group, had international acclaim and was credited with receiving the first African Canadian Artist Of The Year Award at the East Coast Music Awards.

http://www.imaniartsbiz.com/about/amani.html
 

 Having said this, not only is the event accessible for those with different abilities, but is also an all ages event where you can enjoy our festivities on a pay as you can basis. 

Donations of course, will be going to the Canadian Foundation of Women:

http://www.cdnwomen.org/EN/index.html

If you fancy yourself a user of facebook.com, the link is provided right here: <http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150961788293732>

Another fabulous event being held that I thought would really highlight the marvelous work being done on the notion of intersexuality is the second part of a two-lecture series being hosted by the Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance at York University (UKPC@ York for short) . 

While their first lecture focused on exposing the reality behind the commodification and racialization of labour in Canada , their second lecture series focuses more on the context of the broader Neoliberal political agenda and how such an ideology has had the effect of reinforcing the said commodification and racialization of labour in Canada.


Below is the contact information should you be interested in attending this mentally stimulating affair.

“Exposing Canada’s Neoliberal Agenda:
The Context Behind the Commodification and Racialization of Labour in Canada” 

1^st part of UKPC@York’s public lecture series Guest lecturer Emmanuel Sayo, Philippines Canada Task Force on Human Rights (PCTFHR) 
Stong College, Room 302, York University 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario Wednesday, February 16^th, 6:00 – 8:00 PM 
*Free to the public*

For more information, contact: Aila Comilang 
416-519-2553 ukpc-on@magkaisacentre.org
www.magkaisacentre.org  

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Twitter: ugnayanontario

 Best,

Raisa