About the Symposium

2023 Power and Privilege Purpose Statement

With the theme “No More Allies,” the 2023 Power & Privilege Symposium will interrogate the various issues and injustices impacting marginizaled communities, and imagine the ways that we can move move from allies to accomplices in social justice work.

Difference between being an “ally” and an “accomplice:”

An ally will mostly engage in activism by standing with an individual or group in a marginalized community. An accomplice will focus more on dismantling the structures that oppress that individual or group—and such work will be directed by the stakeholders in the marginalized group. 

–Learning for Justice

What to expect from P&P in 2023?

The Power & Privilege Team is pleased to announce Power & Privilege Week, where we will be contending with many topics surrounding our theme: No More Allies. We are implementing a hybrid model of the symposium with both in-person and virtual sessions throughout the week.

Proceedings will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 21 with our keynote speaker, Loretta J. Ross. A writer, educator, and activist most known for her groundbreaking work on reproductive justice. She will be delivering her keynote address at 6 p.m. in the Young Ballroom in the Reid Campus Center. Due to limited seating, please RSVP in advance to reserve your spot. The event will not be live streamed but will be recorded and available to view after the event.

On Wednesday, Feb. 22, we will host hip-hop collective Sounds of the People for a live performance in Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom at 6:30 p.m. 

Power & Privilege Day shall be held the following day on Thursday, Feb. 23 with sessions led by Whitman students, faculty and staff on various topics.