An annual event offering a diverse program of interactive workshops and presentations on topics surrounding social justice
On October 4 and 5, Buffalo State University will be hosting the The Anne Frank Project – an annual social justice festival that is open to the entire community. For 15 years running, this festival has been offering attendees opportunities to engage in a wide range of workshops, performances, and presentations, all of which center around the importance of communication, empowerment, action, self love, etc., as they relate to social justice. Other topics include shared humanity, social responsibility, defining inclusion, community engagement, mental health, systematic racism, the roots of Genocide, innovations in education, and personal healing.
“We need to wake up a little angry each morning and do the good work that is social justice,” says Drew Kahn, Founding Director of the Anne Frank Project.
In today’s world, which revolves more and more around social media, people have the ability to broadcast their voices and opinions in unimaginable ways. We have seen just how impactful these voices can be (for good and for bad). This year’s festival aims to empower people to take action – to make this world a better place to live. The theme is, aptly, Ideas + Action = Justice.
The festival is part of student coursework, connecting them to experts, artists, and leaders from around the globe who facilitate the interactive sessions.
“We live in a global society. When your neighbors are in trouble, you bring the chicken soup,” says Dr. Sophia Veffer, a Holocaust survivor who is presenting on the second day of the festival and is a long-time collaborator with the Anne Frank Project.
Here are a few things that festival attendees can look forward to:
- On the evening before the festival, Autumn Rose Williams, a member of the Shinnecock Nation and former Miss Native American USA, will speak on Afro-Indigenous awareness, empowerment, and self-love. A workshop with Williams will open the festival the following morning.
- AFP is additionally hosting a two-part anti-racist experience entitled, “A Long Talk About the Uncomfortable Truth,” that is geared towards ending racism and dismantling systemic oppression by putting an anti-racist at every dinner table. The first of this series will be on September 27 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm and will continue during the afternoon on the first day of the festival.
- Facilitators of the two-part series, Kyle R. Williams and Kamal Carter, will also join with Dr. Sophia Veffer in conversation on the second day of the festival about the similarities and differences between antisemitism and racism.
Attendance at all events is free, but registration is recommended.
Click here to learn more about the festival. Click here to see schedule.
More information about the festival and the Anne Frank Project can be found on their website: www.annefrankproject.com or their Facebook and Instagram pages @annefrankproject