Author Archives: Kim Alston

Reflection on Cromwell Day

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Kim Alston
by

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 →

Posted in Newsletter Articles, Programs & Events, Reflections, Social Justice, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Thankfulness as a Remedy for Change

Posted on October 13, 2020 by Kim Alston
by

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 →

Posted in Newsletter Articles, Reflections, Response Statements, Social Justice, Spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Understanding the Effects of Racial Trauma

Posted on July 23, 2020 by Kim Alston
by

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 →

Posted in Newsletter Articles, Reflections, Response Statements, Social Justice, Spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Revolution of Rest: A Case For ‘Radical Renewal’

Posted on July 23, 2020 by Kim Alston
by

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 →

Posted in Newsletter Articles, Reflections, Social Justice, Spirituality, Student Articles, Student Posts, Student Reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Shooting a Virus Dred Feminist Rant #16

Posted on July 23, 2020 by Kim Alston
by

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 , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Liberation Poetry

Posted on April 9, 2020 by Kim Alston
by

In this midst of this COVID-19 pandemic The Center for Religious and Spiritual Life  invited members of the Smith community to reflect on the concept of liberation; what does it mean, how is it embraced, what can it illuminate? Smithies … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflections, Social Justice, Spirituality, Student Posts, Student Reflections | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Our Year on Climate Change: Overcoming the Stagnation of Fear

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Kim Alston
by

The climate crisis is a crisis for all of us. The massiveness of its scope can be frightening, even paralyzing.  The completeness of it – that is has touched, or will touch, us all – also presents an incredible opportunity. … Continue reading →

Posted in Newsletter Articles, Programs & Events, Social Justice, Student Articles, Student Posts, Student Reflections | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Otelia Cromwell Day 2019

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Kim Alston
by

Tribute to Adelaide Cromwell ’40 I met Dr. Adelaide McGuinn Cromwell in the mid 1980’s as a student at Boston University. Professor Gulliver, as she was known then, was my sociology professor in Afro American Studies, and one of only … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Programs & Events, Response Statements, Social Justice, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best Day Ever! Building Interfaith Community One Party at a Time!

Posted on October 22, 2019 by Kim Alston
by

This article represents reflections from Maeve Orlowski-Scherer ‘21, a student intern and leader in the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. By 5:30 p.m., everything was ready. The chairs had been pushed back to the sides of the Helen Hills … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Interfaith Matters, Newsletter Articles, Programs & Events, Response Statements, Social Justice, Student Articles, Student Orgs, Student Posts, Student Reflections, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Our Year on Climate Change: Expanding the Golden Rule

Posted on October 17, 2019 by Kim Alston
by

CRSL is part of Smith’s college-wide initiative on climate change. Director of Religious & Spiritual Life and College Chaplain Matilda Cantwell discusses the impact of climate change and its connection to the work of the CRSL. My friend and colleague … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Interfaith Matters, Newsletter Articles, Programs & Events, Social Justice | Leave a comment