Human Rights and Social Justice
My coursework has profoundly shaped my understanding of human rights, providing me with a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on these critical topics. It’s not just about theoretical knowledge; it’s about seeing how these ideas have been fought for, established, and challenged throughout history, and how they manifest in our lived realities.
The Foundation of Human Rights: From Theory to Practice
One of my core courses, Foundations of Human Rights, provided a historical roadmap, tracing the evolution of human rights from ancient civilizations to modern-day declarations. Studying key moments like the Magna Carta and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) helped me understand that the struggle for human rights is a long and continuous one.
However, the most profound learning came from a project that transformed theory into practice. I applied my understanding of systemic injustice to write and produce a stage play titled Shattered Silence, which explored the complexities of racial injustice and police brutality. This creative work was a powerful vehicle for bridging the gap between academic analysis and real-world advocacy, demonstrating how storytelling can be a tool for human rights education and for mobilizing a community to action. This experience showed me that rights are not just abstract concepts; they are principles that must be actively championed through creative and practical means.
Critical Awareness and Ethical Frameworks
My studies went beyond history to analyze key court rulings and international treaties, which provided a concrete understanding of global efforts to protect and advance human rights. Furthermore, my coursework emphasized an interdisciplinary approach, forcing me to confront how ethical frameworks must adapt to diverse social contexts.
Through a journal assignment, I engaged with a powerful critique of the metaphor of “decolonization” and its potential to erase the unique historical and current experiences of slavery. This assignment challenged my understanding of language and its ethical implications. It made me realize that communication is not just about conveying information, but about doing so with cultural humility and a deep awareness of the historical and social weight of the words we use. This deepened my critical awareness of how language can either uphold or undermine human rights.
Engaging with Indigenous Knowledge and Decolonization
The most impactful part of my academic journey has been my engagement with Indigenous knowledge and wisdom, especially while studying on the unceded territory of the Secwépemc people. This coursework has consistently challenged the Eurocentric biases of human rights theory, and this outcome has been central to that decolonization process.
My project, Beyond the Lines: Uniting Black and Indigenous Voices for Justice, was a profound exploration of this theme. I used spoken word poetry and visual media to reflect on the shared histories and struggles of Black and Indigenous peoples. This approach helped me understand that Indigenous knowledge is not merely a historical artifact but a living, dynamic system of thought and wisdom. By using art as a form of knowledge dissemination, I was able to prioritize Indigenous and Black perspectives, acknowledging how creative expression can be a powerful tool for cultural reclamation and a vital part of achieving true social justice. This experience solidified my commitment to centering the voices of those who have been historically marginalized in my future advocacy.