Trio of GS Students Win Racial Justice Mini-Grant for Poetry Slam Project

Lisa Cardoso ‘23GS, Kaya Kim ‘22GS, and Angie Maldonado ‘23GS are among a handful of undergraduate recipients of the 2021-22 Columbia University Racial Justice Mini-Grants. Only in their second year of existence, the racial justice mini-grants go to undergraduate and graduate student-generated projects aimed at addressing issues of racial justice within and outside of the Columbia community. For their project, entitled “Dismantling Racism and Decolonizing Ourselves Through Art,” Cardoso, Kim, and Maldonado are creating a poetry slam that will bring together Columbia students, staff, and faculty alongside local artists for an evening of reflection on issues of racial justice. We recently spoke with them about the process behind successfully pitching their project, why they see art as a critical medium to constructive conversations around racial justice, and what they hope to accomplish as their idea becomes a reality.

Tell us more about Dismantling Racism and Decolonizing Ourselves Through Art. How did you come up with the idea for this project?

Maldonado: Initially, it was difficult to come to an agreement because each of us had a lot of different ideas. Nevertheless, all our thoughts were oriented towards art. By using art, we wanted to convey opinions, life experiences, and the stories of others. The poetry slam is a powerful tool for dismantling racism when we are unaware of it, since you can express your deepest thoughts.

Cardoso: We had originally planned eight separate projects, including art workshops, a comedy night, and even an art exhibit, aiming to focus on different topics we thought could initiate some important discussions and personal reflections. With guidance and support from Melissa from Columbia University Life, who truly helped us establish a solid plan, we were able to reach a final agreement and our poetry slam was born.

Kim: As a person of color, I have struggled with issues of self-colonization and self-hatred against myself and identities, even though I know that it is flawed logically and academically. Simply learning and reading was not that helpful, and did not make me embrace my identities thoroughly. However, during my internship at Center for the Pacific Asian Family (a domestic and sexual violence shelter), I planned art workshops for survivors as a tool for transformation and healing. Through that experience, I learned so much about trauma-informed art workshops for healing and felt the potentiality of it. Through decolonizing and embracing ourselves, I believe we can also ultimately dismantle the racism of society.

How did you find out about the University Life Racial Mini-Grant Program and what does receiving this grant mean to you?

Kim: I think I saw the program announcement through the University newsletter, but it was very close to the deadline when I saw it. But, I really wanted to do a student-run team project that is not assigned by my supervisor or professor, which also can actually make a difference in our community. So, I asked Angie and Lisa, who were my only friends back then, and they were willing to work on a project together! 

I really appreciate my teammates and the fact that we pulled it together in such a short time. Also, I did not expect people to pay so much attention, but currently, we are receiving so much attention and support from many students, departments, and faculties, which makes us passionate and excited about this project. Through the wide advertisement and visibility, we hope that many people of color in this community would take advantage of this event to share their stories and address racism through the poetry slam event.

Cardoso: I believe Kaya learned about the project through a newsletter, and she invited Angie and I to tag along. The opportunity of working on such a meaningful project is gratifying beyond words. My personal experiences as an Afro-Latina have inevitably raised my passion for initiatives that aim to decrease the inequalities experienced by people of color, and I am sincerely honored and grateful for all the support we have received not only from the different departments at the University, but from the entire Columbia community. I can only hope that our hard work is reflected in the final project, and worthy of all the love and encouragement we have received.

Maldonado: Kaya commented to me and Lisa about the mini-grant, which I believed was a very enriching experience. As a Latina and international student, along with Kaya and Lisa, we have observed racial issues as a community that deserve discussion. As a group, we represent diversity because Lisa, Kaya, and I come from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries. It is important that the University provides support and assistance in developing projects which can have major impacts on our lives.

Why did you choose art as the medium for reflection and discussion on racism? 

Maldonado: Art serves as a medium to explore your unconscious and express your thoughts and opinions creatively. Poetry is the language of the soul and mind. There is no better way to offer your opinion about issues like racial justice.

Kim: I believe that art has an undeniably powerful potential to influence people and community, and it is also an outlet to express and share our own lived experiences and stories. As an individual should not fall into simple binary categories and be generalized, we chose a poetry slam so that everyone’s own, unique experiences due to their identities, social circumstances, oppression, and/or social system would be effectively reflected and delivered to people. Art and creative works also facilitate people’s transformation and healing effectively, which we hope the participants will get from the event.

Cardoso: We wanted to put together a project that was transformative, dynamic, and unforgettable—there’s no better way to do so than through art. Kaya had organized a poetry slam before, and we thought it would be a great way to make everyone feel comfortable to share their stories and create a welcoming environment. The goal of the Racial Justice Mini-Grant Program is to provide an opportunity for the Columbia community to grow and learn together, and we found that poetry would be just the perfect route.

The three of you have different backgrounds/experiences/majors—how did you all connect to put this project together and what have you learned during the process?

Kim: Our shared experiences as immigrant women of color in the US, and the sisterhood of that, helped us bond together and commit to this project with passion and empathy. 

Cardoso: Kaya was definitely the mastermind behind it all! Kaya and I actually met while walking on 116th and Broadway, we bumped into each other on the street (while meeting Cornel West) and randomly found out we had both attended the same school previously—a match made in heaven! I believe Kaya knew Angie from a class they had taken together in the past, and she invited us both to work together on this amazing project.

When the three of us got together for the first time, I had no doubts we were meant to be. Despite our very different backgrounds, all three of us are international students and, as women of color, understand the importance of voicing the contrasting ethnic experiences and discussing powerful, polarized topics such as racial justice, especially in an environment like Columbia. 

I must say that organizing a poetry slam requires a lot of work. Meaningful and impactful efforts like the Racial Justice Mini-Grant Program are not only necessary and rewarding, but working alongside those who share the same level of passion and dedication while we learn together makes it all even better. I could not have had better partners than Kaya and Angie to share this experience with.

Maldonado: Before becoming a psychology major, I was interested in studying political science because I enjoyed working with minorities and leadership projects during high school, so when Kaya suggested joining her and Lisa, I thought it would be a great opportunity. It is also a pleasure to work with Kaya and Lisa. In our meetings, they always have insightful comments to transform racism discussions. I have gained knowledge as a student and as a person by working with these incredible women. 

How can Columbia community members participate?

Cardoso: We plan on hosting the event on April 14, and hope to have at least three students/staff/faculty join us, along with a few super incredible local artists who are helping bring this project to life. Whoever wants to join is more than welcome to! We truly hope to create a safe space where we can all grow together as a community. We are finalizing some essential details prior to releasing further information, but make sure to mark it on your calendars. Trust me, you do not want to miss it!