Graduate Student Meeting with the Student Board Representatives 

Student Board Representatives Kathryn M. Nowotny and Kasey Henricks would like to meet with all graduate students on Friday, August 19 from 2:30pm-4:10pm (Room: Cascade II, Mezzanine Level). This will be an excellent opportunity for students to mingle and discuss any issues.

The Graduate Student Happy Hour is scheduled later in the evening from 10:00pm-11:00pm (Location: Loft, Mezzanine Level). Complimentary drinks will be provided.

Open Discussion of Resolutions Being Proposed to the SSSP Board of Directors

Plan to attend the open forum of discussion where resolutions will be presented for discussion among concerned members on Friday, August 19 from 2:30pm-4:10pm (Room: Puget Sound, Lobby Level).  Each proposed resolution will be presented by the sponsoring Division’s Chairperson (or designated representative) and adequate time for discussion will be properly allotted to each.  All Division Chairs should plan to participate in this session or designate a proxy from their division if unable to attend.

To facilitate this process, all proposed resolutions, must be made available to the SSSP Vice-President and Division Chair(s) by July 1.  At the annual business meeting, the resolutions will be presented by Vice-President Ronnie Steinberg as a package for approval for action by the attending membership.  The membership will vote on proposed resolutions that were discussed and revised on the first day of the meeting.  If objections from the floor are raised to any specific resolution, that resolution can, by majority vote of those present, be singled out from the package, and voted on separately.  Those present can either support the resolution for approval as proposed or decide to table the resolution for further discussion at the subsequent annual meeting.  For more information, visit http://www.sssp1.org/index.cfm/m/664/Call_for_Resolutions/.

Film Screening of The Crucifixion of Colored Town with Fernando M. Perez

Plan to attend the Film Screening of The Crucifixion of Colored Town with Fernando M. Perez on Friday, August 19 from 4:30pm-6:10pm (Room: Denny, Westlake Level).

The Crucifixion of Colored Town: Mass Incarceration and the Continued Legacy of Racial Injustice in Black Miami presents a thought-provoking sociological analysis of mass incarceration, racial identity and politics, and social injustice within the context of Miami's history.  Written, produced, and directed by Miami native, sociologist, and local university professor Fernando M. Perez, the film highlights the impact of one of the most important civil rights issues of our times—mass incarceration—on Miami’s two predominantly black historic communities: Overtown and Liberty City.  Through interviews with local community leaders, activists, and academics, the film chronicles the history of Black Miami, highlighting the various forms of institutional discrimination that have affected the development of these communities since the city’s inception, and how these historic forms of institutional oppression are currently manifested in the form of mass criminalization and incarceration policies. (Film: 46 minutes)

Film Screening of Unapologetically Black: Movement for Black Lives Convening with Soraya Soi Free

Plan to attend the Film Screening of Unapologetically Black: Movement for Black Lives Convening with Soraya Soi Fee on Sunday, August 21 from 8:30am-10:10am (Room: Cascade I-B, Mezzanine Level).

This documentary was created at the Movement for Black Lives Convening in July 2015 (Cleveland, OH).  Film director Soraya Soi Free captures the activities of 1200 attendees from around the world who came together to create a safe space for channeling the energy of the #blacklivesmatter movement.  The film also exposes viewers to the daily issues that impact black lives.  It is a must see film that will bring you joy, laughter, and pain.  Most of all it will make you love yourself even more for being unapologetically black.

Preview Film Screening of A Bold Peace: Costa Rica’s Path to Demilitarization with Matthew P. Eddy and Michael C. Dreiling

Plan to attend the Film Screening of A Bold Peace: Costa Rica’s Path to Demilitarization with Matthew P. Eddy and Michael C. Dreilingon Sunday, August 21 from 10:30am-12:10pm (Room: Cascade I-A, Mezzanine Level).

In 1948, Costa Rica abolished their military and intentionally cultivated security relationships with other nations through treaties, international laws, and international organizations.  Free of the burden of military spending, they used the financial savings to invest in their people, creating strong public institutions including public higher education and universal health care.  In short, Costa Ricans created a society committed to peace, solidarity, and international law.  They have survived with safety and relative prosperity for over 65 years without a standing army.  A Bold Peace details the events which shook the country to its foundations, culminating in the 1948 civil war and the decision to abolish the military.  The Costa Rican model has survived two invasions from the Somoza dictatorship, decades of U.S. intervention in the region, and internal schisms; but the current threats may be the most formidable of all.