Color and Conversations with The Circle Campaign

On April 3, chalk colored the pavement just outside the student center. Hutchins students and instructors gathered at a tabling event to launch The Circle Campaign. The goal is to be able to have conversations about race, privilege and systemic issues in an understanding space. Students used chalk to draw circles and promote the message. 

Leila Brown, a first year Hutchins major explains, “A lot of people don’t understand what Hutchins is. [The Circle Campaign] is a good opportunity to show what we’re about and the ideas we stand for... It’s a perfect representation of the major.” The creativity and openness was apparent in the students that attended.

Outside the Student Center, the concrete was colorful with chalk. Hutchins students drew flowers, rainbows, peace signs and most importantly, the conversation circles. Inside the circles there were phrases like, “got privilege?” or “let’s talk about race”, inspired by Ijeoma Oluo’s book, “So You Want to Talk About Race.” The colorful setting and personalities at the event allowed for conversations to happen in a peaceful way. 

The Director of the Hutchins program, Margaret Anderson, greeted students and began to explain the event, “Everyone is equal around the circle. Every major and student is encouraged to bring their knowledge to these conversations… You’re sharing your power.” She also explained that compassion and empathy is key, “We are all listening to understand each other and making sure we’re compassionate, Empathy opens up.” There was a lot of conversation with Anderson as she held a leadership role in the event. The 18 year Hutchins Professor seemed passionate about students being able to use their voices. She was explaining how, “Everyone has different opinions. Without differing opinions, the world would be boring.” Although everyone is able to have different opinions, she noted that letting people voice their own opinion is equally as important. 

In addition to the event held in Seawolf Plaza, The Circle Campaign will promote their community dialogue with students, faculty and alumni on April 19 in Stevenson Hall. Similar conversations about social issues will be held. The Hutchins Program will be showing a screening of “Descendent” on Netflix followed by breakout rooms to discuss. Everyone is welcome to bring their perspectives on these issues and attend the event. Every Hutchins student seemed excited about these conversations being opened up to the student body, and not just held in their classrooms.

Allison DeStasio, a first year Hutchins major explains how, “The circle represents a community. In Hutchins classrooms, we sit in circles instead of rows… our classes are a safe community and The Circle Campaign represents that.” People visibly felt comfortable as there was lots of smiling and laughter.

Students walking by noticed all of the chalk and phrases and were asking questions about the event. Using art to gather people’s attention worked. “Visual imagery gets people to notice and listen.”, explained Isabel Morroe, a Hutchins major, “It opens their mind.” 

The Circle Campaign will be a recurring event. Seawolves will get the chance to connect with people and find a sense of community and belonging. If you’re looking to have conversations about race, microaggressions and intersectionality, look for the chalk that is scattered across SSU campus.