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Atlas Week Events

Saint Louis University’s 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

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Busch Student Center North Lobby
Make sure to grab your Atlas Week passport — which contains the scheduling of events for the week — and participate in the Atlas Week passport challenge!

 

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’s 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’s 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’s 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: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/5499041946?pwd=S2NicFFUUWpSS1RHc2FmOGliTVdTQT09
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: https://slu.zoom.us/j/98523585842?pwd=VEtvb2p0NHVWRGlrU2szKzdTT1VaQT09
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’s 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’s 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’s manuscripts, choreography, movement, and self-fashioning. The study draws on her data collection from archives in Europe, Russia, and the United States — funded through a U. S. Department of State Title VIII grant and an NEH grant — to access manuscripts of Vaslav Nijinsky’s 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’s 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’ll 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: 

Matthew Nanes, Political Science

Yun A Lee, The Chinese Program 

J.D. Bowen, Political Science 

Evelyn Meyer, German 

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 aquí 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’s 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’s 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 
“Voices from the Field: Global Health Experiences” is a curated event by SLU School of Medicine's Global Health Learning Community and American Medical Women’s 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’s 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 “Eid Mubarak!”

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, visit Habitat's website.

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 

Rabbi Jill Jacobs is the CEO of T’ruah: 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 They Ain't Ready For Me's official website or see the trailer on YouTube

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’s 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 “The War on Drugs” to “Just Say No,” 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, “Are these policies even working?” For this presentation, we will be discussing the impact of Nixon’s “War on Drugs” 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 “War on Drugs,” 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, “Are these policies even working?”

Taniya’s 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 “Just Another Face On A T-Shirt,” 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

​the 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 — 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’s 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’s 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.