Shadows can be beautiful, mysterious and enchanting. But they can also be frightening or chilling. Shadows can be symbolic of people or things hidden away from others for a variety of reasons.
The third annual “Out F.R.O.M. the Shadows Conference” offers a chance to look at those writers who have been pushed into or left in the shadows of society. This virtual conference, to be held October 17-18, offers discussions of creative artists who were:
- Forgotten
- Rebels
- Outcasts
- Marginalized
What’s Happening at This Year’s Out F.R.O.M. the Shadows Conference?
In 2022, the University’s English Department recognized the importance of looking closely at marginalized people and organized the first Out F.R.O.M. the Shadows Conference. The two conferences held so far have resulted in a successful gathering of vibrant, energized persons sharing their views of people whom we might not otherwise see in the spotlight.
This year’s conference promises to be equally invigorating and thought-provoking. The first day of the 2024 Out F.R.O.M. the Shadows Conference will feature keynote speaker Linda LeGarde Grover.
Ms. Grover is a Professor Emeritus of the American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth and a member of the Boise Forte Band of Ojibwe. She focuses on Native storytelling.
Ms. Grover’s fiction and nonfiction books, poetry, and novels have earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the Flannery O’Connor Award and the Native Writers Circle of the Americas First Book Award.
The second day’s keynote speaker is Alexander Martin. She is a Black and transgender artist, advocate, educator, and performer, located in Peoria, Illinois. Ms. Martin will be talking about the value of healing in the act of teaching.
Ms. Martin focuses on the intersectionality of her various identities and has been featured in a PBS short film festival for her documentary work with Allison Walsh. She is also a former state title holder for the Miss Gay USofA drag pageant.
The F.R.O.M. Conference will also feature faculty presenters, exploring topics such as:
- The archetype of the crone
- The myth of the Underground Railroad
- The impacts of COVID on Natives in Alaska
- The erasure of older women from sociology, psychology, art, journalism and popular culture
- Discovering Nepantla and learning to live liminally to bridge divergent worlds
- Fiber arts as community tools
- The glass ceiling in higher education
- The challenges of multicultural education
- Two variations on the genre of memoir
- Seattle’s Gang of Four leaders
- Media’s erosion of empathy
Student groups will offer posters at the conference as well.
Recognizing that shadows have been cast is a first important step in reducing marginalized populations. Exploring those creative artists who have been pushed aside is the second key step.
We can do more on our part to ensure that the “Forgotten, Rebels, Outcasts, and Marginalized” people around us are recognized with compassion and kindness. The Out F.R.O.M. the Shadows Conference gives us an opportunity to connect with others and take critical steps toward providing better recognition.
Please join us for engaging sessions at this year’s Out F.R.O.M. the Shadows Conference. Your energy will help shine light into the shadows.
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