Throughout the year, we invite high school students to visit our great community and get a taste of Buccaneer life. Last month, we hosted students from several area high schools for an event that highlights the core Lasallian principle of Concern for the Poor and Social Justice.

The Second annual CBU Day of Social Justice was filled with activities related to the theme Envisioning a Just Memphis, including inspirational words from CBU alumna Yancy Villa (‘99, ‘01, ‘06), an interdisciplinary artist and social justice advocate.

In her keynote address, Villa detailed a near-death experience in her native Mexico at age 16 that led her to dedicate a year to serving the people of impoverished and war-torn Mozambique.

The poverty and suffering in the remote African village where she lived were so immense and intense that she was forever changed.

“Living like them, with them, makes you human, makes you see the other, and that is so important,” she said. “Proximity to the most needy, the people who need the most, the people who are suffering the most, being with them, it transforms you.”

When she concluded her year in Mozambique, she moved to the United States and enrolled at Christian Brothers University. She took an art class, fell in love with creating art, and pieces began to fall into place. Villa now dedicates her life and work to art and activism, tackling topics like immigration injustice.

Following the keynote, students enjoyed lunch, socializing and hearing from various CBU leaders. They resumed their Day of Social Justice in the Rosa Deal School of the Arts for two interactive workshops with CBU professors.

Protest Poster History & Makers Station was led by Melinda Posey (Graphic Design, Visual, and Performing Arts) and featured a brief lecture about the origins and impact of iconic signage such as “I AM A MAN,” “Equality for Women,” and “Black Lives Matter.” Students then made signs reflecting their concerns for now and the future.

What is a Just Memphis? was led by Dr. Tracie Burke (Behavioral Sciences). Students were encouraged to identify with different types of social justice leaders, such as experimenters, caregivers, disrupters, healers, builders, and visionaries, and reflect on how those roles impact education, health, housing and infrastructure.

CBU Day of Social Justice was organized by Dr. Tawny LeBouef Tullia, Dean of the Rosa Deal School of Arts. We appreciate her leadership and efforts to deliver an inspirational day on campus!