Tunnel creates conversation about Black History on campus
Photo courtesy of Media Services.
On Feb. 21, Lee students and faculty learned more about Black History through the on-campus event, Tunnel. Previously known as Tunnel of Oppression, the event featured a walk-through museum of rooms created by students to educate Lee’s community.
Held bi-annually, the event has been used to focus on specific expressions of oppression on campus, previously focusing on issues such as ableism, racism and sexism.
Photo courtesy of Media Services.
During the event, students walked through each of the five rooms and experienced life through the eyes of a minority student. Previously led in groups, the new self-guided tours this year allowed viewers to engage more with specific topics of interest by highlighting real stories on campus.
Residential Life and Housing worked in partnership with Black Student Union, Diversity Council, Student Leadership Council and volunteers from faculty and staff to create this event.
“Tunnel highlights black history this year and no better group to help with that than Black Student Union,” said junior exercise science major, Dhuranique Ferguson. “We get the opportunity to highlight and relate to students on our campus, and that’s such an incredible opportunity to share and explain their culture, history and experiences with the student body.”
Photo by Sydney Pressley.
Students with a creative vision to represent Black History were chosen to develop the rooms used in the walk-through. Several content developers were assigned to each room, working together diligently to ensure their creative vision came to life.
“The Tunnel is broken up into 5 rooms, and I am part of the team heading the current events room,” said junior theology and music major Chris Edwards. “I've chosen to focus on some of the major events in the last decade.”
Following the walk-through, a panel was held with guest speakers to encourage discussion and conversation about Tunnel.
“The panels will help provide hope and direction for moving forward as we gain a more localized understanding of where our Cleveland community and campus lie in the conversation,” said area coordinator Katie Rutkowski.
For more information about Tunnel, contact Residential Life and Housing at housing@leeuniversity.edu.
