21st Annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies
On the Border
November 13–15, 2024
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21st Annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies -
Symposium cochairs, keynotes, and faculty directorCredit: Fabiola Rio -
Cochairs introducing keynote speakerCredit: Kiara Gonzalez -
Members of Seattle-based Jafra Dabke Team facilitate a workshopCredit: Sonali Blair -
Fashion show participants walk the runwayCredit: Kiara Gonzalez -
Students and faculty share their research at the "Borders Across Disciplines" panelCredit: Sara Santos -
Students and other community members assemble Restart Kits for immigrant and refugee families in OregonCredit: Sara Santos -
Fashion show models get ready to walk the runwayCredit: Kiara Gonzalez -
Audience and participants at the Race MonologuesCredit: Sara Santos -
Director of Ethnic Studies Magalí Rabasa provides opening remarks at "What is Ethnic Studies?: Student-made Zines and Other Views of the Field”Credit: Sonali Blair -
Keynote speakers, cochairs, and other RWS planners -
Members of the Jafra Dabke TeamCredit: Sonali Blair -
Fashion show models discuss their stylesCredit: Kiara Gonzalez -
Roundtable: People Crossing Borders, Borders Crossing PeopleCredit: Fabiola Rio -
Students, faculty, and honored guests at the receptionCredit: Kiara Gonzalez -
Fashion show coordinator and participant Leanne Robinson '25Credit: Kiara Gonzalez -
Students and faculty at the Ethnic Studies zine showcaseCredit: Sonali Blair -
Christi San Diego presenting at Race MonologuesCredit: Sara Santos -
Sticker designed by student Rose Bialk -
Sticker designed by student Vasty Jean-Francois
The 21st Annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies examines the different borders we experience, the role of borders in our lives, and the relationship between borders and ideas of race and ethnicity.
This symposium is an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, inspiration, and new perspectives on borders. Examining not only geographic boundaries of nations and neighborhoods but also metaphorical, symbolic, and personal borders, we invite participants to consider the multifaceted dimensions of borders, exploring how they serve as a means of protection as well as a form of harm, and how they may be a source of conflict or a way to achieve resolution. By looking at borders through various historical and cultural perspectives and a variety of mediums—ranging from art, music, and film to personal narratives and academic research—we hope to offer a larger and broader discussion of what it means to live in a bordered world.
In what ways do borders keep us from each other and for what purpose? How do borders “other” and racialize those on “the other side”? What strategies can we employ to challenge the legitimacy of border policies? What happens when we blur or even transcend borders? Can and should we imagine a world without borders? Where might we find areas of joy, hope, and connection despite the divisions that borders can create? Join us as we explore ways to build and strengthen community in a divided world.
2024-25 student cochairs:
Meilin Beloney ’26, Sonali Blair ’25, Alicia McMahon ’25, and Damaris Medina ’25
Sonali Blair BA ’25More about SonaliBuilding this symposium from the ground up alongside my fellow cochairs and Prof. Brodkin has strengthened my communication and teamwork skills in an environment that welcomes learning and teaches adaptability.
Meilin Beloney BA ’26More about MeilinI truly believe that the Ray Warren Symposium is one of Lewis & Clark’s most important events because it is the only annual program that holds intentional space for BIPOC scholars, students, and faculty to share their work
Damaris Medina BA ’25More about DamarisThrough the symposium, I’ve been able to combine my passion for volunteering with my desire to make a positive impact.
Alicia McMahon BA ’25More about AliciaAs cochairs, we wanted to create a symposium about exploring how borders impact us, the world, and communities around us, and what happens when we break down those borders and connect with each other.
