Social Justice as Self Care

Discussions of diversity, equality, and inclusivity take center stage in the forty-seventh episode of I Do Declare – topics that are important, not only in higher education, but in the world at large. Nowhere is this more apparent than in this interview between host Tabitha Riley and guest Darius Edwards, the current Assistant Director of Advocacy and Outreach for MSU’s Office of Student Belonging (formerly known as the Office for Social Justice and Diversity). A theater kid who realized behind the scenes work was just as important as the action on stage, Darius charts his journey through academia from communication studies to student advocacy. Social justice and self-care entwine and take the forefront of Darius’ work, showcasing how a little empathy and understanding can change someone’s life, and that some of the most important learning happens outside of the classroom.

 

Episode summary by Levi Clain, BA in Liberal Studies, concentration in Humanities