Atlas Week Events
Saint Louis University鈥檚 24th annual Sam and Marilyn Fox Atlas Week program will be held April 7-13, 2024. Please check below for event schedules and descriptions.
2024 Schedule
April 8-12
Atlas Passport Distribution
Whispers of History: A Reflection on Human Tragedies
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Pius Library 2nd Floor
Take a walk through history and experience the true nature the world has been living in. From the dawn of time, humans have been at odds with one another. This exhibit will pay tribute to the different instances in which humanity was crushed and oppressed by those who deemed them unworthy. This event will be an art gallery walk-through where people can observe, reflect, and determine what these images mean to them. What does this story of humanity mean for us as a species moving forward? At this exhibit, we will be shedding light on the hushed voices of history and bringing forth a new movement toward peace.
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Twenty-Fourth Annual Atlas Week Kick-Off Event
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship
Join us in the official opening event of Atlas Week 2024! Come and eat food representative
of cultures around the globe and enjoy live music and cultural dance performances.
Have fun while playing world trivia and participate in raffle prizes. This event is
free and open to everyone.
Monday, April 8, 2024
Fostering Dialogue and Understanding Surrounding Peace and International Conflicts
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship Seminar Room 124A
The International Faculty and Staff Association (IFSA) at Saint Louis University is inviting School of Law Assistant Professor Afonso Seixas Nunes, S.J., Ph.D., to share his knowledge on international war/conflict, and his work with the SLU community. The purpose of this session is to foster dialogue and understanding surrounding peace and international conflicts experienced by the local and global communities.
Afonso was born in Porto, Portugal, in 1973. He joined the Portuguese Province of the Society of (Jesuits) in 1998, after he graduated in law from the Portuguese Catholic University (Porto), and was ordained priest in 2010. Afonso, as a Jesuit, did his degree in Philosophy (Licence) by the Portuguese Catholic University (Braga) for which he was awarded the Prize Pe Vitorio de Sousa Alves, and he has a degree in theology by the Pontificia Universita Gregoriana, Italy). After his theological studies, Afonso went to London and has a Master鈥檚 in International Law and Human Rights from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE -UK). In early 2019, Afonso completed his doctoral thesis in International Humanitarian Law at the School of Law of the University of Essex (UK), entitled The Legitimacy and Accountability for the Deployment of Autonomous Weapon System under International Humanitarian Law, then published by CUP, 2022. In September 2018, Afonso became a member of the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict (ELAC) directed by Professor Dapo Akande at the Blavatnik School of Government. In August 2021, Afonso joined the Saint Louis University Law School as a faculty permanent member, teaching Public International Law, Laws of Armed Conflict and International Criminal Law.
This session is open to all who claim oneself as a global citizen.
Sgraffito for Social Justice
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Busch Student Center 254
Artwork is one of the many ways that humanity expresses itself. In a world of conflict,
art is able to bring people together in a meditative and restorative way. Practicing
self-expression through art is one of the many ways we can come to terms with our
world and endure for the better days ahead. Sgraffito (in Italian "to scratch") is
a ceramics technique in which designs are scratched into clay, creating beautiful
and artistic pieces. During this event, we will teach this technique on clay tiles
and encourage conversations regarding the battles we have each overcome. Our goal
is to create meaningful artwork inspired by battles to overcome injustice, and the
hope of a more peaceful future.
Pakistan鈥檚 Colonial Legacy and Journey to Partition
4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 549 904 1946
This presentation, hosted by Amal Rizvi and Ramsha Ahmed, will be a comprehensive
exploration of the historical dynamics that led to the formation of Pakistan. There
will be discussions about the historical, political, and social factors that influenced
Pakistan's struggle for independence. Additionally, analysis will be given on an overview
of the pre-colonial era, setting the context for the British imperial rule's subsequent
impact on the region. The discussion will then pivot to the resistance movements against
colonial oppression, highlighting key figures and events that catalyzed the drive
for a separate nation. The core of the presentation will focus on the partition itself,
examining the negotiations, the communal tensions that escalated into violence, and
the profound human experiences during this period. Additional insights into the immediate
and long-term effects of partition, including the challenges of nation-building and
the formation of Pakistan鈥檚 national identity. Attendees will have the opportunity
to engage with the hosts through interactive Q&A sessions, encouraging a deeper exploration
of topics of interest.
Zoom Link:
Passcode: hN298A
A Conceptual Framework of Workplace Bullying of Black Women at Primarily White Institutions (PWIs)
4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 301 602 6543
This presentation provides a conceptual framework of the bullying experienced by Black
female faculty at PWIs. Over the past several years, particularly after the COVID
pandemic, universities across the United States have prioritized supporting the mental
health and well-being of graduate and undergraduate students. While this is important,
I argue universities have generally ignored the ways that bullying can occur from
the bottom up, or within a context whereby students (who are hierarchically lower
than Black female faculty) can individually and collectively make a Black female professor
(who is hierarchically higher than students) the target of bullying. The presentation
will conclude with strategies on how to address such challenges.
Zoom link:
Passcode: 390466
How to Become a Peacemaker: Perspectives on Formation
5:45 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Center for Ignatian Service - 321 Spring Ave.
This moment in history is marked by complicated and painful divisions, in St. Louis and around the world. Desiring peace is easy; working towards peace is hard. How can we weigh the importance of a youthful sense of (in)justice against broader questions about the practical, long-term work of changing society? Some people view religious inspiration as practically valuable. Why?
This dinner panel, hosted by the College of Philosophy and Letters and the Center for Ignatian Service, brings together individuals of diverse perspectives and vocations to share their stories. How did they find their calling to work for peace and justice, and how does their work intersect with the Catholic tradition, another faith, or any other inspiring source? Students are invited to join a dialogue that seeks realistic hope for progress.
Food will be provided.
Panelists:
Ellen Carnahan, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science
Maaria Firdaus, SLU Senior, Former Muslim Student Association President
Theo Kayser, Saint Louis Catholic Worker
St. Louis: Home Away from Home
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Busch Student Center 254
This presentation will showcase the different lived experiences of Vietnamese immigrants
who came to St. Louis during times of conflict and how they came to preserve the rich
traditions of their culture in a new country, essentially starting from ground zero.
A guest speaker will talk about their experience of being one of the first Vietnamese
immigrants in St. Louis. The purpose is to educate individuals on why there is a large
Vietnamese population in St. Louis and understand how the community found peace within
each other through our bonds, family traditions, and how our lived experiences bring
us all together. Hosted by SLU Vietnamese Student Association.
Artist-Global Citizen: A Dancer鈥檚 Quest for World Peace in 1919 (And What We Can Learn from It Today)
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Morrissey Hall 0400
Nicole Svobodny, Ph.D., (Coordinator, Eurasian Studies) in her recent monograph "Nijinsky鈥檚
Feeling Mind: The Dancer Writes, the Writer" (Lexington Books, 2023) bridges the 19th
and 20th centuries in her dialogue with the Silver Age in a comparative analysis of
performing arts and prose that engages not only the classical works of Fyodor Dostoevsky
and Lev Tolstoy but also Vaslav Nijinsky鈥檚 manuscripts, choreography, movement, and
self-fashioning. The study draws on her data collection from archives in Europe, Russia,
and the United States 鈥� funded through a U. S. Department of State Title VIII grant
and an NEH grant 鈥� to access manuscripts of Vaslav Nijinsky鈥檚 writings with the goal
of reimagining them beyond their evident contributions to the fields of choreography
and psychology. This event is a presentation talk on Nijinksy鈥檚 work. Hosted by the
SLU Language, Literature, and Culture Department.
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
National Scholarship and Fellowship Information Session
12:45 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Busch Student Center 251
There are many national scholarships and fellowships that support study abroad and
language learning for undergraduates and international study, research, and teaching
after graduation! Come to this session to learn about prestigious opportunities like
the Critical Language Scholarship, the Gilman Scholarship, the Fulbright Teaching
Assistantship, the Boren Award, and so many more! You鈥檒l also get connected to supportive
resources on campus and will leave with a checklist for the next steps.
From Paris to the World: Ideals and Narratives (Session Has Been Canceled)
2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Davis Shaughnessy 273
Reflections on Paris as a symbol in France and in the World with guest speaker Wilfried
Segue from the University of Lyon-2, France. As we discuss how Paris takes part in
images and narratives on the global stage today, we will connect to contemporary global
issues such as immigration, collective imagination, the concept of nation, and the
arts. Hosted by the SLU Language, Literature, and Culture Department.
Faculty Travel and Research Across the Globe: Collaboration Between Foreign Language and Political Science
4 p.m. - 5:30 pm
Busch Student Center 251
Listen to a group of five faculty members present their travel and research experiences in Latin America, the Philippines, Taiwan, Germany, and Japan. These are all areas of critical importance in the 21st century and to U.S. foreign policy interests. These are areas where we research and study language acquisition, political violence, literature, economic development, and foreign culture. Faculty speakers include:
鈥� Matthew Nanes, Political Science
鈥� Yun A Lee, The Chinese Program
鈥� J.D. Bowen, Political Science
鈥� Nori Katagiri, Political Science
Hidden in Plain Sight: Open Dialogue, Student Speakers, and Global Snacks
5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Busch Student Center 254
Every day, we come across what is hidden in plain sight. In the journey toward peace
and liberation, we must unveil the truth about pressing issues. An effective method
to do so is by learning from the voices of our peers. Join the Residence Hall Association
and OneWorld Magazine at "Hidden in Plain Sight" for enriching discourse, complemented
by snacks from around the world. Our student speakers, representing diverse perspectives,
cultures and campus organizations, will shed light on various global topics worth
sharing and discussing. Each short presentation will be followed by a period of discussion
where attendees can further engage with related topics. During the event, students
can indulge in several sweet and savory snacks and refreshments from across the globe.
All food and refreshments support local, minority-owned businesses! By bringing together
the community, diverse ideas, and global cuisine, let us unearth what is hidden, to
take one step closer to unity and liberation.
Yoga Here and Now/ Yoga aqu铆 y ahora
5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Simon Rec - Mind and Body Room
Yoga has many therapeutic effects and, as it is well known, it can lead to the cultivation of inner peace, it can sharpen concentration, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve a person鈥檚 mental well-being.
In this yoga session, SLU students are invited to practice yoga as a meditation in action in Spanish. This is an opportunity to give our bodies the means to breathe, learn, and feel movement patterns and stillness in safe and creative ways while relying on Spanish to connect body and mind. Thus, this yoga lesson reminds us of the importance of taking care of our body and mind, before taking care of global issues. Furthermore, because it is delivered in a language other than English, it reminds us that we are part of a complex world made of many different languages and mentalities. Finally, doing yoga in Spanish is also a fun way of enjoying each other's company in a relaxed way. Note: No prior experience of yoga is required for this class. Beginning proficiency in Spanish required; intermediate proficiency in Spanish (or higher) highly recommended.
2nd Annual SLU Lions Club Public Health Fair
5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship
The Public Health Fair, hosted by the SLU Lions Club in collaboration with other like-minded
campus organizations, will provide opportunities to engage with and learn about various
public health issues around SLU and the larger St. Louis area. The focus of this fair
will be bringing awareness and attention to public health issues in our community
and beyond, specifically examining how those issues negatively impact the marginalized
around the world. The fair will consist of interactive booths and activities as well
as a keynote speaker who will share their own methods to improve the public health
of all those they serve. Free food will be provided!
Framework of Life: How Our Bones Tell Our Story
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Busch Student Center 254
Through the application of various methods and disciplines, forensic scientists work
to help solve cases and/or identify remains. Specifically, forensic anthropologists
are often called to scenes of mass disasters and graves to analyze remains in hopes
of providing identification. Join us in a brief presentation on how our bones can
give insights on our lives and how this practice can bring closure to victims' loved
ones. Following will be a small arts and crafts activity about finding peace and beauty
after loss.
Campus Kitchen Presents: Food Insecurity Documentaries and Discussion
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Busch Student Center 254
This event will aim to bring awareness to the existence of food deserts and the battle
to remediate them. We will also watch two short documentaries that will shed light
on life within a food desert and steps that can be taken to solve food insecurity.
Following the documentaries, a short discussion will take place. Refreshments will
be provided.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
An Amazing Artist and a Horrible Human
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Busch Student Center 254
Some of the greatest pieces of art came from some morally problematic people. This
presentation will highlight some examples, then move into a discussion on if we can
separate the masterpiece(s) from the person and whether we should.
The Power and Challenges of Translation in Today's World
11 a.m. - Noon
Busch Student Center 251
Translation involves much more than changing words from one language into another.
It is a daily activity in our global world that aims to connect individuals and societies
of diverse linguistic backgrounds, advance learning and research, foster cooperation,
and solve social issues. In this panel, two translators and one interpreter in different
fields (law, medicine, and literature) talk about their experience, their joys, successes,
and challenges in the practice of translation and cross-cultural understanding. Short
presentations will be followed by a Q&A period to give the audience the opportunity
to engage with speakers and learn more about translation and interpreting in today鈥檚
globalized world. Students interested in exploring how proficiency in a second language
can enhance career opportunities are encouraged to attend!
An Analysis of War through Literature
Noon - 1 p.m.
Busch Student Center 254
Current events resonate with each of us on a more personal level when we find connections
to them outside of our daily news sources, whether that be articles, TV channels,
or other live reporting. Reading books or watching movies often leaves a lasting impression
on people due to the creative element involved. We see pieces of ourselves in characters
regardless of the distance between our worlds, because the emotions experienced by
them draw us in. This presentation will analyze an example of literature analyzing
war with a review of A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Husseini.
Voices from the Field: Global Health Experiences
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
South Campus - LRC Auditorium A
鈥淰oices from the Field: Global Health Experiences鈥� is a curated event by SLU School
of Medicine's Global Health Learning Community and American Medical Women鈥檚 Association.
Our distinguished panel shares personal experiences, insights, and ethical considerations,
offering a glimpse into the diverse opportunities within global health. Enjoy an engaging
Q&A, networking, and complimentary food. Organized to inspire and inform, this event
connects the next generation of healthcare professionals with seasoned experts, fostering
dialogue on impactful global health careers.
Taste of the Middle East/Eid-al Fatr
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship
Culture and religion are important parts of one鈥檚 identity. They mark the traditions, heritage and history of a region. The beauty of the Middle East is the very wide range of diverse cultures that are exhibited throughout the region. The feast of Eid al-Fitr is interpreted as the Festival of Breaking Fast because it marks the end of Ramadan, the month-long Muslim holy month of fasting. Ramadan is characterized by abstinence from food and devotion to Allah for the purpose of strengthening a spiritual relationship with Allah. After a month-long fast, Eid al-Fitr creates an opportunity for friends and loved ones to come together to celebrate while feasting on food that Allah has provided. The goal of the event is to have a better understanding and appreciation of the beauty in the different aspects of Middle Eastern culture and the Muslim religion. During Atlas Week, students, faculty and staff will showcase different cultures in the Middle East and celebrate the end of the Ramadan fast. We will attempt to cultivate an understanding of diverse cultures throughout the Middle Eastern world demonstrated through religion, ceremony and food.
To our SLU Muslim family, we say 鈥淓id Mubarak!鈥�
Act! Speak! Build!
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Busch Student Center 254
Within the national chapter, Habitat for Humanity has an annual youth advocacy event
called Act! Speak! Build! Week. The purpose of Act! Speak! Build! is to advocate for
decent, affordable shelter by engaging with elected officials and our community to
help shape policy in a way that supports people in need of safe, healthy, and affordable
housing. Come and write letters to Missouri's legislature to advocate for safer and
more affordable housing within the STL metro area. To learn more about this initiative,
.
There Shall Be No Needy: Social Justice in the Jewish Tradition Virtual Talk with Rabbi Jill Jacobs
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Cook Hall Auditorium
: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, an organization that trains and mobilizes Jewish rabbis, cantors and their communities to bring a moral voice to protecting and advancing human rights. She is the author of "There Shall Be No Needy: Pursuing Social Justice through Jewish Law and Tradition" (published by Jewish Lights, 2008). She will present on some of her most recent initiatives and share with our community about how social justice continues to fan the flames of peace through many cultural and religious traditions around the world.
Following this presentation, there will be a film screening of "They Ain't Ready For Me" which is the story of Tamar Manasseh, the African American rabbinical student who is leading the fight against senseless killings on the south side of Chicago.
The film explores the challenges and motivations of this fearless community leader working to prevent more people from being killed by gun violence. Tamar's complex identity and magnetic personality combine to make her a force to be reckoned with, and she has not even hit her stride yet.
Learn more at or .
Sickle Cell Trait: There is More You Should Know!
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Busch Student Center 251
In the first hour, Dr. Randolph will present a review of sickle cell disease (SCD)
and sickle cell trait (SCT) to include potential health issues that can occur with
SCT. Farron Dozier, SFC, a retired US Army Officer, will share his testimony as an
SCT survivor of an exercise-related event and his experiences as an SCT advocate in
the subsequent hour session.
A Scission in Maternal and Reproductive Autonomy: Finding Peace Within Ourselves
5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Busch Student Center 254
She's the First is an organization that seeks to advocate for women rights and education.
A big part of that mission is autonomy. Join She鈥檚 the First in this presentation
about women bodily autonomy and finding peace within oneself.
Harmony and Freedom: A Musical Journey Towards Peace in Latin America
5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship
In Latin America, music has always served as a powerful vehicle of self-expression,
cultural-identity, and a means to find liberation and peace. Music provides a way
to express deep emotions and experiences. It can also serve as a voice for social
and political concerns, capturing the spirit of resistance through Latin American
history. From salsa to bolero to funk, music becomes a universal language. Not only
is it a way to strengthen Latino voices, but it shows the fusion of indigenous, European,
and African influences that create the Latino culture. Music is a testament to the
resilience of our communities, the celebration of our cultural heritage, and the constant
pursuit of our freedom. In our presentation, we will be taking a deep dive into the
different genres in Latin America and their history with resistance and liberation.
Hosted by OASIS.
The War on Drugs and Mass Incarceration
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Tegeler Hall Carlo Auditorium
From 鈥淭he War on Drugs鈥� to 鈥淛ust Say No,鈥� the criminalization of drugs and substances
has endured in American society for years. Despite these penalties, drug use and the
prison population are at an all-time high, which causes many Americans to wonder,
鈥淎re these policies even working?鈥� For this presentation, we will be discussing the
impact of Nixon鈥檚 鈥淲ar on Drugs鈥� and how it beckoned in the era of mass incarceration
that dominates our criminal justice system today. In addition, we will also examine
the modern-day implications of the 鈥淲ar on Drugs,鈥� which has catalyzed racial profiling,
police brutality, and over-policing within our law enforcement. While these policies
disproportionately affect Black communities, there is still hope among the ashes.
The 2020 Black Lives Matter protests were able to raise awareness and many organizations
are working towards combating lengthy sentencing, mass incarceration, and prison overpopulation.
There are many alternative approaches to dealing with substance abuse, many of which
should emphasize a rehabilitative approach rather than a correctional approach. This
presentation will consist of conversations regarding criminal justice, Black history,
mental health, and substance abuse. The presentation will conclude with a brief discussion
portion in which audience members will be encouraged to reflect on forms of oppression
and potential solutions to mass incarceration, recidivism, and substance abuse. As
an audience member you will be asked to consider, 鈥淎re these policies even working?鈥�
Taniya鈥檚 Open Mic Night
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Billiken Club & Grill
Join us for an evening of reflection, storytelling, and unity as we come together
to address the urgent issue of gun violence and police brutality in our community.
Inspired by the movement 鈥淛ust Another Face On A T-Shirt,鈥� created by Taniya Weston,
this event aims to challenge the normalization of violence and elevate the voices
of those impacted by its devastating effects. The evening will begin with a powerful
video featuring interviews with individuals who have witnessed, experienced, or contributed
to violence in our community. The video will also include a moving poem read by a
dear friend Aliyah Griddine, shedding light on the theme of the event. The heart of
this event will be an open mic session where community members are invited to share
their stories, poems, thoughts, and reflections on gun violence and police brutality.
Whether you have a personal experience to share or simply wish to listen and show
your support, all are welcome to participate in this communal dialogue. Together,
let us honor the lives lost, amplify the voices of survivors and advocates, and reaffirm
our commitment to creating a safer and more just community for all; we are the key
to fostering healing.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
International Perspectives on Community Engagement
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Beracha Hall First Floor Student Lounge
International students in SLU's Academic English and Pathway Programs will present
their service-learning projects. The students will share their experiences and the
challenges they faced as well as discuss how the service opportunities allowed them
to be more actively engaged in the St. Louis community.
SLU/JWL: Serving Students at the Margins
Noon - 1 p.m.
Busch Student Center 251
This March, SLU in partnership with Jesuit Worldwide Learning, began offering remote
college courses to students living in refugee camps and other areas with limited access
to higher education. Join our SLU-JWL team as we discuss online learning in the refugee
camps of Kakuma (Kenya) and Dzaleka (Malawi). We will show a short video about this
new program featuring student experiences and then provide time for a Q and A with
the audience.
War n Peace Through Our Lens: A Vision Board of Your Peace amid Flames
3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Busch Student Center 254
This event will open up with a presentation of various peace depictions of different
nations to give people an idea of tranquility. After the presentation, people will
create their own vision board using magazines after seeing what calmness looks like.
Using images from different magazines, they can cut and glue pictures onto a canvas,
or sheet of paper that reflects their idea of calmness amidst chaos. This event is
designed to be informational yet tranquil, meditative, and relaxing.
Social Action Program: Queer Spaces and Border Policies
3:45 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Busch Student Center 251
This panel will include students who went to New Orleans to learn about queer and
trans rights beyond St. Louis while connecting the experiences to our home community.
The conversation will also include students who went to the US-Mexico Border to learn
about immigration and connect the border work to St. Louis.
Workshop with Eman Mohammed, Atlas Week Signature Symposium Keynote Speaker
4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship Seminar Room 124A
Before the Atlas Week Signature Symposium keynote address, come hear from Eman Mohammed
as she leads a workshop on crafting stories through photojournalism.
Shadows of Conflict
4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Busch Student Center 352/353
This event will focus on the complex enigma behind the politics that fuel the ever-present
wars and humanitarian crises in the Middle East. Often in school, especially among
students, Middle Eastern politics are avoided or silenced due to intensity and tension.
This event allows everyone to speak up, ask questions and learn about the state of
the Middle East from the views of student speakers. Food will be included. We may
also bring an educated speaker who is qualified to teach about Middle Eastern politics.
24th Annual Atlas Week Signature Symposium Featuring Eman Mohammed
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship
Eman Mohammed is an award-winning photojournalist and TED senior fellow. Mohammed
was only 19 when she began shooting photos for a news agency and became the youngest
female photojournalist in Gaza when the war broke out. She set out to capture the
aftermath of war, more specifically, the human side of it: how ordinary people rebuilt
their lives once the fighting stopped. Mohammed is an expert at revealing human nature
by inviting you to look through her lens and share the stories of her subjects, not
just observe.
SLU German Club Presents German Trivia
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cook Hall 234
Learn about German culture and history in a fun way by playing German trivia (in English)
with students from the German program and across the University. You might just know
more about this topic than you are aware of, but then again, maybe not. It does not
matter. Come and have some fun and learn a few new things about another country.
Mightier Than the Sword: Celebrating the Power of Palestinian Spoken Word
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship
"In order for me to write poetry that isn't political,
I must listen to the birds
and in order to hear the birds
鈥媡he warplanes must be silent."
- Marwan Makhoul, Palestinian poet
Join Poetic Us for a workshop honoring the Palestinian poetic tradition. Student speakers will share their favorite works from Palestinian authors to highlight the beauty and strength of poetry, especially as a means to communicate what cannot be said conventionally. You'll also be given the opportunity to write your own poem 鈥� and perhaps even share it during our open mic.
Friday, April 12, 2024
Atlas Week Parade of Nations
11:50 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
West Pine Mall
The Parade of Nations is a beloved Atlas Week tradition and features members of the
SLU community carrying flags from around the world. The parade starts at the Science
Quad and marches across Grand Boulevard to walk down West Pine Mall.
Around the Globe: Clock Tower Market
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Clock Tower
Fostering peace, the act of sharing food dismantles barriers, forging connections between people and cultures through conversation and inclusivity.
Join SLU鈥檚 Residence Hall Association at the clock tower to take a short trip through the interconnected tapestry of the world at the Around the Globe: Clock Tower Market.
Here, you will immerse yourself in the shared human experience of community, through a fusion of global foods, art, music, crafts and more! Explore our tables of food, handmade goods, and activities from local minority and immigrant-owned businesses for you to taste, bring home and partake in. Each table will feature unique postcards designed by independent artists, so stop by to collect them all.
Student Visions on Global Affairs - from Venezuela to Liberia to Brazil to China
2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Busch Student Center 254
Five students of political science and international studies will present their perspectives
on some of the most important countries of the world - Venezuela, Liberia, Brazil,
and China. The issues they will discuss include racial issues in Brazil, women's education
in Liberia, Venezuela's economic policies, disputes between Guyana and Venezuela,
and the internal politics of China.
Intersectional Journeys: Navigating LGBTQ+ and Cultural Identities
3 p.m.-4 p.m.
Busch Student Center 251A
This event will explore the intersection between LGBTQ+ identities and other cultural,
religious, and racial identities. The event will be a panel discussion with students
from many SLU cultural groups. The discussion will explore how these intersecting
identities influence and shape the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals from a
wide array of cultures. This event will navigate through the complexities of intersectionality,
acknowledging the unique challenges and celebrating the strength that arises from
embracing the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. Through understanding and learning
from the lived experiences of others, we can foster a greater peace within a world
of conflict.
The Role of Global Healthcare in Palestine and Sudan
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
South Campus - LRC Auditorium B
"The Role of Global Healthcare in Palestine and Sudan" is a collaboration between
Saint Louis University School of Medicine's Global Health Learning Community and the
Muslim Student Association. For this event, we will discuss the current crises in
Sudan and Palestine in a panel format. Our panel will consist of hard-working, notable
individuals who work in health care and can share their personal experiences with
delivering health care within these regions during times of conflict. Alongside sharing
their personal experiences, attendees will also be able to ask questions in the Q
and A that will follow the panel. Please join us for complimentary food, enlightening
presentations, and personal advice on what we can do to serve the underserved.
St. Louis Literary Award
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Busch Student Center 251B
From 1967 until 1981, the award was known as the Messing Award in honor of Roswell and Wilma Messing, Jr., who provided the initial funding for the prize. The St. Louis Literary Award recognizes a living writer with a substantial body of work that has enriched our literary heritage by deepening our insight into the human condition and expanding the scope of our compassion. The Saint Louis University Libraries presents this award annually. The St. Louis Literary Award program offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, which are also open to the greater St. Louis community. Some include the Campus Read Book Talk series, CraftTalks, and multiple student-based competitions open to high schools and college students.
African Student Association Performance Showcase
4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Busch Student Center 300 - St. Louis Room
Experience different cultural African dances performed by the African Student Association.
A United Front: Black and Asian Solidarity
4 p.m. - 5 pm
Busch Student Center 254
Through this panel discussion and lecture, the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Center
in collaboration with the Department of African American Studies will dissect, navigate,
and examine Black and APIDA solidarity in the context of U.S. history as well as the
present day. Panelists range from faculty members (Dr. Christopher Tinson, African
American Studies Department Chair, and Dr. Joya Uraizee, Professor of English) and
students, which will provide different perspectives and insights on unity between
our communities. This candid discussion will leave attendees and panelists with a
nuanced understanding of what brings Black and APIDA community members together yet
cause us to create divisions between each other. Although we have historically lived
in spaces with mutual respect for the other party, how can we shape this into impenetrable
solidarity?
Mock Debut
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
A debut is a coming-of-age cultural tradition the Philippines celebrates when a Filipina turns 18 and a Filipino turns 21. The event signifies the young women and men officially entering their age of maturity and adulthood. This year, for Atlas Week, the Filipino Student Association is putting on a mock debut that aims to educate others about not only the coming-of-age tradition of Filipinos but also other CSO鈥檚 traditions! It will have presentations from different cultural organizations about their own coming-of-age traditions.
Blackness in Relation to Hair
5 p.m.-6 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship Seminar Room
This presentation showcases the evolution of Black hairstyles from African traditions
to modern-day expression in contemporary Black evolution.
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Interfaith Prayer Service
11 a.m. - Noon
Busch Student Center 352/353
The Interfaith Prayer Service is held annually by Interfaith Alliance to give SLU
students an opportunity to learn about a variety of different faith traditions. Guest
speakers will share a little bit about their faith followed by a prayer for unity
and peace. In these times of increased animosity, it becomes more important than ever
not just to tolerate, but to build love and understanding of others through knowledge
and friendship. A free multicultural meal will be provided after the service!
Billiken World Festival
Noon - 3 p.m.
Center for Global Citizenship Auditorium
The Billiken World Festival is a showcase of cultural foods, games, and performances!
Join us in the last official event of Atlas Week 2024.
Hinduism's Involvement in the Western World
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Busch Student Center 254
This presentation will focus on modern-day Hinduism and different practices occurring
across the world.