The Highlander Experience

Just before the start of classes in August, 35 students and faculty representing six University Chartered Student Organizations affiliated with Cultural and Community Centers participated in a retreat at historic Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, Tennessee. Advocacy for and representation of smaller, marginalized groups on campus was the focus of the work session, and students left with a resolve to collaborate for the benefit of their peers. Jariah Strozier was among the group who attended the retreat. Below is her account of the experience.

I woke up that morning anxious, not really knowing what to expect. In a one-word summary, the Highlander trip was beautiful. The atmosphere, the people, everything--I felt this peaceful spirit. I heard the Highlander Center thrown in conversations, in some of my sociology classes, every now and then. However, I never knew the significance and importance of the Highlander Center until I experienced it for three days this summer.

The Highlander Center has been training leaders and organizers of social movements for over 80 years. Highlander provides trainings that help community organizers, social change leaders and grassroots activists develop the tools and strategies to work for change. Highlander has hosted amazing figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and John Lewis.

To be at such a historic place--I was truly honored to share the same land as activists who have changed policy. I still am. It humbles you, especially with all that is going on today. As I reflect, I can still feel the warm, welcoming peace in the atmosphere. People need to experience this peace that is missing in the world today.

We had a set schedule for our time there. Each morning we started our days with a full course southern style breakfast. The first day we watched a film about Highlander, the history and great social justice leaders that have entered the space of Highlander. Each student organization got to discuss their goals, expectations and fears for the academic year, and many groups set outstanding goals that I am more than confident they will achieve. The students and staff also participated in the “Identity Donut” activity were we explored self-identity and cultural identities as well. We talked about strategies and systems of oppression that divide us but also simultaneously enable privilege like education and class. We explored different definitions of gender, sexuality, class, and racism. We talked and built on our mission statements; this was especially hard because we had to dig deep on the what, why and importance of our organization’s legacy on social justice and kinship.

That weekend also fell on the Solar Eclipse, and we were in Tennessee--the perfect place to view the solar eclipse. We took a break for that and made solar viewing goggles out of cardboard, paper, and foil. That was also a fun teamwork project and wonderful break from discussing oppression. We all anxiously looked up with dark sunglasses and foil, cheering and shouting as we saw the moon and sun take over each other. Then, just like that, the sun slowly crept back out, as we all chattered loudly amongst ourselves about how strange those few seconds felt.

We ended each night with a campfire and gooey s’mores. Both students and staff came up with strategic plans to make VT Cultural and Community Centers welcoming, inclusive, safe places for all students, especially plans as leaders to spread to the rest of campus. We ended our trip with a student planned talent show that highlighted all of our awesome gifts and skills.

Unity was the unsaid theme that weekend. The unity of students of all cultures and background in one space coming together. It was definitely beautiful. Highlander even brought me closer to my colleagues, coworkers and students; we all felt this humbling feeling of unity. As I glanced among the students and saw them interact with one another, a cloud of cohesion and solidarity seemed to have moved over us. It was amazing that we all could learn, disagree and then laugh, dance, and enjoy each other’s company. Students, faculty, and staff at VT can learn a lot through the Highlander experience. Social unity and peace is what this campus can benefit from, especially now in these contentious social times.