As students, faculty, and community members prepare for a new academic semester, the University of the District of Columbia is set to host an impactful event focused on mindfulness, learning, and empowerment. The Pre-Inauguration Community Gathering & Teach-In is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.

Mindfulness, Grounding, and Good Vibes

The event seeks to create a space for reflection and connection in light of the ongoing political climate. It will begin with a “Mindfulness, Grounding, and Good Vibes” session from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Michelle Chatman, founding director of the Crime, Justice & Security Studies Program Mindful & Courageous Action Lab, will lead this session. It will equip attendees with tools to manage anxiety and promote emotional well-being. 

Chatman expressed the importance of addressing the challenges UDC’s diverse student body faces. “There is a lot of anxiety about what this new political climate means for higher education, especially here in Washington, D.C.,” she said. “We want to provide a space where people can come together, acknowledge their concerns, and support their emotional health and well-being.”

D.C. History and the Quest for Democracy

Following the grounding session, participants will engage in a teach-in titled “D.C. History and the Quest for Democracy” from 4 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. Amanda Huron of UDC’s Political Science Program and DC History Lab will serve as moderator. The panel will feature experts who will delve into Washington, D.C.’s unique political struggles and the fight for representation. 

Panelists will include George Derek Musgrove, associate professor of history at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Kelsye Adams, executive director of Long Live GoGo and director at DC Vote; and Ankit Jain, D.C. Shadow Senator. Huron emphasized that the panel is about providing expert insights and fostering meaningful discussions among attendees. 

“This panel offers a way for us to learn from history, understand where we are now, and think about how we can act as we move forward,” Huron said. After the discussion, participants will break into small groups to explore ways to engage with issues around democracy and representation.

Connecting, Celebrating and Taking Action

The event will culminate with a “Connecting, Celebrating and Taking Action” session from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring music, food, and open conversation to empower attendees as they transition into the new semester. 

Adams will highlight the importance of civic engagement and encourage attendees to understand the implications of D.C.’s governance structure. She stated, “We’re working toward D.C. statehood because that is the only way we truly address the systemic disenfranchisement that District residents face.”

As the UDC community comes together for this gathering, the hope is for participants to feel more informed and empowered to make a difference, even amidst uncertainty. “This is a time for the UDC community to come together, reflect on our history, and think about how we can make a difference,” Chatman concluded. 

This story sources information from the University of the District of Columbia.