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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in these posts are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily shared by CRSL or by Smith College.
Author Archives: Kim Alston
CRSL Shepherds a Re-energized Ramadan at Smith
by Kim Alston
Whenever we guide others on a path or journey, whether spiritual or physical, it is a great responsibility for the appointed leader. The Center for Religious and Spiritual Life holds this sacred role dear to its heart. Students know when … Continue reading
Posted in Holidays, Programs & Events, Reflections, Spirituality, Uncategorized
Tagged community, identity, Islam, Ramadan, spirituality, worship
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Invocation for Generating Justice and Joy Nov. 30, 2021
by Kim Alston
We are grateful that our earth has the capacity to take care of all living creatures. We affirm the importance of the humanity of all people. We are gathered to reconfirm our commitment to the seeking of this great concept … Continue reading
Reparations in Higher Education
by Kim Alston
This post is the first of a few to explore the theme of reparations. The term has come to refer to a broad movement advocating for payments and structural repair to those harmed by slavery in the U.S. and to … Continue reading
Posted in History, Programs & Events, Reflections, Social Justice
Tagged campus news, community, CRSL news, national news, race/racism, Reparations
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The War in Afghanistan, 9-11, and our Interconnectedness
by Kim Alston
I thought it was a good idea to bring attention to the handling of the events in Afghanistan by the U.S. military last month through Generating Justice and Joy because it demonstrates the confusion, complexity, complicity, and connection that so … Continue reading
Racial Justice in Islam Series Connects Leaders to Students
by Kim Alston
The Racial Justice in Islam: Opening Our Hearts series was created as a space for students to learn about Islam’s approach towards justice, its historical foundation, and modern-day implications. Through asynchronous dialogue with noted Islamic leaders students were encouraged to … Continue reading
Reflection on Cromwell Day
by Kim Alston
I’m reading a book that I find interesting on the subject of race. It’s called Racecraft: The Soul of Inequality in American Life, written by scholar educators Karen E. Fields and Barbara J. Fields. As the title suggests race or … Continue reading
Thankfulness as a Remedy for Change
by Kim Alston
There is a popular saying in Islam that Muslims use in their everyday interactions to give thanks, praise and glory to God. Alhamdulillah is an Arabic phrase translated as All praises are due to Allah. Muslims use it to show … Continue reading
Understanding the Effects of Racial Trauma
by Kim Alston
Racial Trauma for Blacks is a prevalent phenomenon that cannot be disputed yet it is so commonplace that it has been normalized. Every day the U.S. global majority (an alternative term for people of color) face the damaging effects of … Continue reading
A Revolution of Rest: A Case For ‘Radical Renewal’
by Kim Alston
While I was brainstorming for this piece I found myself struggling to formulate something that hasn’t already been said about this moment of absolute turmoil. At first, I aimed to express something profound, original… politically galvanizing even. But quite quickly, … Continue reading
Shooting a Virus Dred Feminist Rant #16
by Kim Alston
The corona virus exposes unmistakable crises in capitalism. While we reconfigure our expectations and lifestyles because of a virus few of us knew about three months ago, we endure this unimaginable crisis under a ruthless economic philosophy that sacrifices people … Continue reading
Posted in Reflections, Uncategorized
Tagged black lives matter, campus news, CRSL news, identity, national news, politics, race/racism, spirituality
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