DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Calvin grad combats poverty in Harlem by expanding students’ worlds

Deborah Walker ’05 is a teacher in Harlem Children’s Zone, an organization that covers 100 blocks of Central Harlem and takes a comprehensive cradle-to-college approach to combatting poverty. She sees her Calvin education influencing her everyday work with sixth-grade students:

“Everyone’s around the mission of getting these kids to go to college and combatting poverty and expanding people’s worlds, because a lot of people in New York—if you live in a certain borough, especially if you’re born in poverty, you don’t get beyond your block or beyond your borough. Teaching for me is an act of service, just interacting with kids and finding ways to love them and let them know they’re cared for and they matter. This is something I love and I’m passionate about… it’s me giving something to God and giving something back to the world, in a way. That’s what I learned here [at Calvin] that I take to every place I go.”

Working for racial reconciliation as a white majority student

Connor Schmidt ’14, of Dallas, Texas, recently met with diversity consultant Latrece Moffett at a diversity conference. He recalls how Moffett inspired him to look for opportunities to work for justice and reconciliation as a member of the majority:

“[Moffett said,] ‘For most of my life I’ve been fighting against what I’m going to tell you. The best way to get disinterested students involved is to find someone from the majority to champion the idea that this is something they need to be invested in. Only when one of their majority peers calls them to action will they be inclined to follow.’ When I admitted to her that I felt like I wasn’t using my position as a majority white male at Calvin to bring about change and that I felt like I could be doing so much more she looked me in the eye. She said that I was here for a purpose; I was like an Esther preparing the way. All I needed to do was trust Him to guide my steps.”

When learning isn’t enough

We are eager to learn, but how often do we take the time to unlearn the stereotypes and misperceptions that build barriers between us? For almost 15 years, students have championed the tradition of Unlearn Week, a dedicated week of events and discussions about multiculturalism and anti-racism. With past events like the World Food Fair, Poetry Jam, and a one-man play on racial identity, each year’s Unlearn Week promises to bring memorable celebrations and conversations about the cultures around and among us.

Dance, sing and celebrate

Rangeela, meaning “colorful” in Hindi, is a colorful performance indeed. Sometimes called Calvin’s international variety show, the evening of learning and entertainment features song, dance, and fashion from around the globe. Whether you participate on stage or in the audience, don’t miss the sold-out experience each February.

Being the change

Are you a justice-seeker? Do you want to alleviate poverty, stand up against racism and change a culture embedded with materialism? Calvin’s John M. Perkins Leadership Fellows program, named for civil rights activist John M. Perkins, equips students to dig deep into the servant-leadership style of Christ. After graduation, Perkins Fellows will take their skills and knowledge into communities to empower others through Christ-like leadership.

Growing together

You don’t have to be a student to benefit from Calvin’s educational events on multiculturalism. In addition to an abundance of events throughout the year, Calvin opens the free From Every Nation Symposium on Race each March to all faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members. Listen to inspiring presenters, ask tough questions, and watch your world expand through this unique event series.