CUER

This just in from the Political Science Department:

The Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies presents: “Healing the Wounds of War and Personal Trauma: Lessons from South Africa” a lecture by Father Michael Lapsley.

May 3rd, 2006, from 12:30 to 2 PM
1302, International Affairs Building

Father Michael Lapsley was born and raised in New Zealand. He went to South Africa in 1973 as a young Anglican priest determined to oppose the racism and oppression of apartheid. In 1976 at the insistence of the apartheid government he left South Africa. For many years he served as a chaplain and spiritual advisor to the anti-apartheid movement in exile. In 1990, while living in Zimbabwe, he was sent a letter bomb from South Africa. He survived an immense explosion which was intended to kill him but lost both hands and the sight of one eye.

With the fall of apartheid, Father Michael returned to South Africa and eventually became Chaplain of the Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture in Cape Town. In 1998 he became the founding director of the Institute for Healing of Memories, an organization which conducts healing and reconciliation workshops in South Africa and other conflict ridden societies worldwide.

Nelson Mandela has said, “Michael’s life represents a compelling metaphor: …a foreigner who came to our country and was transformed… (His) life is part of the tapestry of the many long journeys and struggles of our people.”

As some of you might have noticed the demonstration today, “Stop Hurricane Columbia” seeks to defend the community by stopping displacement and keeping Harlem affordable and diverse. For more information about the campaign, please contact bfrappy24@aol.com or (212) 666-6426.

In the other news, take note of this wonderful youth media network called Youth Out Loud. See http://www.youthoutloud.net for more information.

Candlelight Vigil: Men Take a Stand on Violence against Women. Details below,

Sunday, April 30th, 2006, at 8 PM
Steps of Low Library

The Sexual Assault Awareness Month planning committee (SAAM)
Closing the month On April 30th, men will join together on the steps of Low Library in order to support and honor women who have lost their lives and survived acts of sexual and relationship violence. The event will set the groundwork for men of different backgrounds to come together and work towards ending sexual and relationship violence against women.

Aloha! Malama Hawaii’s second annual LU’AU is right around the corner. Details:

Join the Hawaii Club on Saturday April 29th, 2006, from 5:00 to 8:30 PM on Math Lawn for an evening of great Hawaiian food, live music, raffle prizes, and lots of dancing (watch out for the coconut bras!).

Admission is $5 in advance, and $8 at the door. Look for the Hawaii Club around campus Wednesday through Friday afternoon and at the Lerner Box Office all next week (8 to 11 PM) to pick up your ticket!

This just in from the OMA:

Hispaniola: Voices of Its People Echoing Freedom-Open Forum
Saturday April 29th, 2006, at 9:30 AM
Room MLK 411
The Riverside Church
91 Claremont Street

Concerned Dominican and Haitian students from Columbia University, City College, Long Island University, and other schools, along with various community organizers, and professors began a collaboration to generate momentum and solidarity among Haitians and Dominican in the Diaspora. This open forum looks to provide the necessary information and tools to better tackle with the Haitian crisis in the Dominican Republic. As a result, the forum emphasis will provide a point of convergence for Dominican and Haitian immigrants and descendants in the Diaspora. For more information, please contact: Alba Mota at am2360@columbia.edu or (212) 729-3086 or Holly Guzmán at hg2064@columbia.edu.