Social Justice Coalition builds culture and advocacy at Xavier
By Raygan Irvin
With midterm elections approaching, the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) is preparing initiatives to help Xavier students better understand the voting process and become more civically engaged.
On campus, SJC creates opportunities for students to engage with social issues, participate in meaningful conversations and advocate for their community.
“They’re always planning. They’re always thinking about how to move forward to the next thing and how they can contribute to the different events that are already going on as well,” said Dr. Cassandra Shepard, the faculty adviser and an assistant professor in the Department of African American and Diaspora Studies.
“Right now, they are getting in position and planning for the next 411 event in order to be able to speak about voting and to spread awareness, and also to have someone from the Power Coalition come in and do a ballot read,” Shepard said.
The organization’s 411 event breaks down complex topics and provides students with information about issues affecting their communities.
With the midterm elections approaching, SJC is planning a voter education event in partnership with the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, where students will have the opportunity to participate in a ballot read, learn about the voting process and better understand the issues and measures appearing on local ballots.
“Social Justice Coalition was founded to give a place for proper advocacy, to give students the opportunity to talk about social justice issues that are important to us,” said SJC President Jaelyn Stewart, a senior public health major from Marrero, Louisiana.
SJC is all about educating students. However, the organization aims to go beyond providing information and encourages students to turn their education into application. Through its “Middle Ground” event, students have the opportunity to discuss and respectfully debate complex topics such as artificial intelligence, abortion and other social justice issues.
Students interested in joining SJC can attend general body meetings and events, join through XConnect or follow the organization on Instagram at @xula_sjc. SJC typically hosts two to three events each month.
“Something social justice coalition did a lot last year during my freshman year was tabling events, Instagram posts about what’s going on in our society, what’s going on politically, what’s going on socially, what’s going on in our government,” said member Jadyn Fleming, a sophomore double major in social studies education and political science from Tickfaw, Louisiana.
“I think the Social Justice Coalition is beneficial because the organization gives a opportunity for people to voice their opinions on campus that might not always get valued in other spaces,” Fleming said.
