The events of the last several months have been heartbreaking. The civil unrest has highlighted the pervasive injustice in our communities. We are confronted with inequality, ignorance, and intolerance. We know there is no easy solution to what is in front of us, but we must rise to the challenge of creating a society where we respect people from all walks of life. Where we honor people from different races, religions, and cultures. Where we value our diversity. Where we celebrate our humanity free from divisions.
I am hopeful that we can once and for all find a peaceful solution to heal these divisions. As George Floyd’s family said, “Looting and violence distract from the strength of our collective voice.” As an institution of higher learning, let us look to education as the agent of change. We have the opportunity to come together as a school and community to bring forth the substantial and lasting change we wish to see in the world. We, in the School of Media, Culture & Design have established a new initiative entitled Create Change to increase awareness, promote kindness, and design solutions to eliminate racism and injustice. We encourage you to join us as we Create Change and communicate the message far and wide in a manner that will honor the memory of those lost, console their families, and bring forth a new paradigm of kindness and equality.
We welcome your reflection, insights, and efforts to work for this change. Let us collectively take responsibility, create consciously, and become part of the solution to eliminate injustice everywhere. Let’s Create Change together!
“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” – JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU
Sue Vessella, MFA | Dean
WOODBURY UNIVERSITY | School of Media, Culture & Design