Ubuntu Intergroup Dialogue Program Bank of America Career Services Center Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Nelson Mandela’s Philosophy on Ubuntu

Ubuntu is one of my many blessings, one of the blessings that seems to encompass more depth, magnitude, and revelation than many other components of my life. This conclusion is the result of, if I shall say, a series of epiphanies and self reflecting. Being a part of Ubuntu has created an unprecedented, unpaved corridor in my life; this infinite and tedious path is the initiation of a growth process unlike any other. I am fortunate to be able to recognize the ways in which I have dismantled and revitalized facets of my being. For instance, the relationship that my sisters and I share has become more passionate and more sacred. I am striving to be that positive male influence in their lives that many females in society lack, in hopes that my efforts will make them tremendous persons in addition to their already beautiful personalities. -Fall 2008 Participant, Spring 2009 Participant & Fall 2009 Facilitator

Spring 2009 Dialogue Group: Gender

On that note, everyone has their own timeline of when they are comfortable opening up. Personally, I knew this class was at maximum 15 sessions and I had to rush the breaking of my ice in order to make the most of the space. For others, I could tell that they were having a hard time letting us all in instantly. Sometimes, it made me feel like I was putting in all of my effort but then I realized that it’s much harder for someone to force themselves to get comfortable than it is for someone as open as myself to let others in. In the end, I was pleased with the way people opened up. I feel like they may have taken all semester to do so but I appreciate them much more because of it. -Fall 2009 Participant

In its simplest form UBUNTU is defined as the art of being human. UBUNTU is the way of life, it is a universal truth, and it underpins the concept of an open society. UBUNTU is something that has been stamped into my heart, mind, and spirit forever. Jim Rohn stated that a person should “look at each day as a chance to invest life into life. A chance to share your experience and deposit into someone else’s conscience. Each day is a chance to work miracles in the lives of others.” I believe this is what UBUNTU is all about, making a difference within people by investing spirit and hope into another human being. To me this is what’s in the core of UBUNTU. -Fall 2008 Participant, Spring 2009 Participant & Fall 2009 Facilitator

Fall 2008 – Spring 2009 Closing Luncheon

My main take home message from Ubuntu in regards to my gender identity is that the journey to finding myself is far from over. The participants in the class have allowed me to view different viewpoints of manhood. I have learned that I am more advantaged in so many ways but, I still have not defined the reasoning to which my privilege is birthed. I do not find many power and privilege aspects in regards to my race and my sexuality but I still am not convinced that my gender is the provider of my power and privilege. Overall the most important thing that I have learned in this experience is that I am way more accepted at Penn State than other out gay people. I realize that I am more masculine presenting than a lot of out black gay people (assumingly men) on this campus but I am still not typical in masculinity. I think that has put me in a position in which I have earned the “right” to have a majority of straight male friends. So I learned that my presence has allowed a lot of my friends to bridge the gap in homophobia in a lot of the black community here at Penn State. -Fall 2009 Facilitator

While being a person of color and a female offer experiences specific to that social group, differences and disagreements still arise within the group. One of the major differences that inevitably resulted in a disagreement is the fact that I am Gender Queer while the rest of the group seemingly identifies as heterosexual. The difference didn’t affect the group or I until the difference was illustrated through the use of a derogatory statement during a social justice experiment. This occurrence was very significant for me because it was the first time in years that I had to deal with the negativity that is associated with my sexuality. There wasn’t so much a difference of viewpoints but a difference of feelings towards the use of the specific derogatory statement and a lack of understanding of how it affects the people that the statement is meant to belittle and demean. -Fall 2009 Participant

Fall 2009 Dialogue Groups: Gender Women of Color Men of Color

I think you know you love something when all you can think about is that one thing and how much it means to you, others around you, etc. This is how I feel about UBUNTU. I think that UBUNTU does not only describe unity but all that goes along with trying to achieve unity. -Fall 2009 Facilitator

Fall 2009 Closing Retreat

I really truly and sincerely believe that I am and that I do and that THIS, UBUNTU, social justice, or even just love is what is in my heart. LOVE, Compassion, caring, GREATNESS. That’s what I see in all of us. That is what keeps me coming back for me, keeps me inspired, and in love with what we do. Whatever it is that we do lol. I can’t say that I have grappled much with my own feeling of authenticity and though I would like to say its because I feel like I do keep it 100 and its in my heart, the conversation today makes me want to just think a bit harder and make sure. I will continue to process these things for the rest of the week or until I find some kind of answer…. ­-Spring 2009 Participant & Fall 2009 Facilitator

This week’s dialogue was inspiring and very insightful. The clip that we watched was very heartfelt. I could relate to a lot of things that the woman spoke on. I felt as though she was speaking on behalf of African Americans everywhere. In so many situations, we have to work extra hard just to meet the standards of what is perceived to be the “American race.” During dialogue when we were listening to the testimonies, ******* testimony touched me the most. I feel as though she had a breakthrough which allowed me to recognize the value of the brave space. Listening to ******** speak while watching her break through barriers that confined her for years was very inspiring. I had a lot of joy in my heart for her. -Fall 2009 Participant

On behalf of the Ubuntu Family, we would like to thank you for taking time with us tonight and allowing us to share some of our treasures with you.