LATEST NEWS
News for August 2010

Anne Frank Garden Dedication

Immaculée Ilibagiza's website

Educate Yourself on Genocide

ICC reopens possibility of Genocide charges against Bashir

The Convention on the Rights of the Child

Why can't every child go to school? Every girl and boy has the right to a good education, but today more than 115 million miss out. Find out more.

AFP 2010 "Our Shared Humanity"
AFP 2010 Presenters
Registration Forms
Conference Focus Streams:

-The Black/Jewish Connection
-The Power of the Word
-Arts and Diversity
-Technology and Genocide

Featured Speakers
Immaculée Ilibagiza
Cherie R. Brown

The Anne Frank Project

Our Shared Humanity

September 15-17, 2010

Buffalo State College

Wednesday September 15, 2010

Opening Ceremonies

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

PAC- Rockwell Hall

Aaron M. Podolefsky, Ph.D. 

President, Buffalo State College

Dr. Pedro Caban

Vice Provost, SUNY Office of Diversity and Educational Equity

Drew Kahn

Professor and Chair, Theater Department

Director, The Anne Frank Project

Buffalo State College

Session I

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Mass Produced Degradation: How Technology Has Been Used to Bothe Reduce and Showcase the Individual. (Presentation/Discussion)

Ketchum 100

Dan Shanahan- Adjunct Professor, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

This session will address how technology assisted in setting the stage for genocide in both Germany and Rwanda, focusing on the theatrical spectacle created in Germany and the portable radio in Rwanda.  Following this, there will be a discussion related to the theme of this year’s conference and how technology in the form of social media can, in fact, reverse the thrust of propaganda by giving voice and complexity to the individual while showcasing “Our Shared Humanity.”

The Nazi Propaganda Machine and Biographical Cinema (Presentation/Discussion)

Ketchum 106

Heidi Dietz Faletti- Associate Professor, English Department, Buffalo State College

An examination of the cinematic propaganda aims of Joseph Goebbels, as he actually formulated them, and detailed analysis of the following films: Hitlerrjunge Quex, SA Mann Brandt and Hans Westmar. 

Teaching the Holocaust (Presentation/Discussion)

Ketchum 109

Sylvia Schwartz- Executive Director, Holocaust Resource Center

Robert Heffern- Vice President and Education Chair, Holocaust Resource Center

The Holocaust Resource Center will share materials and expertise in the education of the Holocaust. 

Historians of the Present (Presentation/Participation)

Ketchum 111

Peter J. Grieco- Adjunct Professor, College Writing Program, Buffalo State College

This is a workshop on the practical uses, therapeutic benefits, diverse practices, and the historical value involved in keeping a personal journal.  Short excerpts from the personal journals of diverse individuals, including the well-known, and the obscure, will be used to illustrate these values and benefits, and as model that participants can compare their own practices with.

The Darfur Crisis: A Historical Overview  (Presentation/Discussion)

Ketchum 113

Kenneth J. Orosz- Assistant Professor, History and Social Studies Education Department, Buffalo State College

To date, over 300,000 people have died and an additional 26 million have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in western Sudan.  Despite the creation of refugee camps scattered across the Darfur region, survivors of attacks by government forces and their Janjaweed allies face an ongoing humanitarian crisis in the form of continued violence, hunger and disease. While these events have received sporadic attention from western media, most Americans remain unclear about the conflict’s origins or the central issues involved in the deepening crisis.  This presentation will fill that gap while seeking to place the crisis within the larger context of post-colonial African history.

Wednesday September 15, 2010

Session I  cont’d

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Economics and Genocide (Presentation/Discussion)

Ketchum 118

Bill Ganley- Professor, Economics and Finance Department, Buffalo State College

Any study of the history of genocide would demonstrate the causal links between the acts of genocide and economic motivation.  From the Holocaust, to Irish famine perpetrated by British Empire to the massacre of Native Americans, economic motivation and economic goals have driven genocidal acts, and this would include the modern problems of Rwanda. This presentation provides an analysis of selected case studies in the history of human genocide to identify the linkages between economics and the human atrocities. 

“Untitled Drops of Water” Living in a World Where the Same Rules Apply to Good and Evil, Right and Wrong.  (Performance)

Flexible Seat Theater (Savage 205)

Gabriela Moreno- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Lindsay Bessman- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Fred Pascolini- Student, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

Lee Becker- Student, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

Laura Mooney- Student, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

London Lee- Student, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

Paul Gabriellini- Student, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

Cecelia Barron- Student, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

Derick Sherrier- Student, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

Jessica Hall- Student, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

Christopher Stowell- Student, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

Not doing or being evil does not translate into being good.  Join a deep exploration of the rules we face every day in an original performance by Buffalo State College students.  Experience, through music, color, performance and dance, the thin line that poses a inevitable questions: Is what we are doing right?  If so…because it is right? Because we were taught that it was right? Or, just because someone said so?

Listening Tables/Lunch

11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.  Listening Tables will be held in Savage 209

Listening Tables- Staffed by members of the Buffalo State College Coalition Building Team, a campus affiliate of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI). Listening Tables are a “safe space” opportunity to reflect and discuss one’s impressions and reactions to workshop sessions, events and the conference theme “Our Shared Humanity”.  The Counseling Center will be available.

Session II 

12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

“That’s so Gay”: Why Tolerance is not Enough (Presentation/Discussion)

Ketchum 100

Emily Tennant-Koller- Graduate Student, Student Personnel Administration, Buffalo State College

What is in a word?  A Phrase?  Is it something that can hurt us, or possibly cause us to harm ourselves? Discussion during this session will focus on how homophobia and intolerance have allowed terms like ”That’s so gay” to become a part of everyday vernacular and how this is harmful to everyone, not just those that are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered. 

The Impact of Labels and Hate Speech  (Participation)

Ketchum 106

Marc Rummenie- Program Director, NFJC of WNY

Merritt Weisenburger- Program Specialist, NFJC of WNY

Rev. Jeff Carter, Jr.- Pastor, Ephesus Ministries; Senior Facilitator, NFJC of WNY

First, “The Ism’s”-the racial/ethnic/cultural elements that are at the heart of the prejudices that often divide people and this community will be looked at. Next, volunteers will be walked through an activity called “Labels”, followed by an open discussion relating this activity to the experiences and feelings of the larger group of attendees, highlighting how languages and resulting behaviors can escalate from rhetoric to violence to oppression to genocide. 

                                                                                                                                     Wednesday September 15, 2010

Session II cont’d

12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m

Following Gandhi’s Directive to Spin One’s Own Yarn (Presentation/Participation)

Ketchum 109

Erica Fire- Costume Director, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

Following Gandhi’s directive to spin every day, participants will learn to spin on a drop spindle (provided to participants).  Gandhi spoke of both spinning’s economic advantage, bringing money back into India that was being spent on British textiles, and its spiritual advantages.

The Buffalo Immigrant and Refugee Empowerment Coalition: Collaborating to Create a New Life (Panel Discussion/ Q&A)

Ketchum 111

Gary Welborn- Chair and Associate Professor, Sociology, Buffalo State College

Nshagavintwari Thomas- Interim President, BIREC

Yahye Omar- Executive Director, HEAL International

Mohamed Mohamed- American Diversity, Buffalo Branch

Dao Kamara- Graduate Buffalo State College 2010, Leader in the Liberian Community

Buffalo’s West Side is home to many refugee communities- Burma, Somalia, Bhutan, Liberia, Sudan and Iraq- to name just a few.  The Buffalo Immigrant and Refugee Empowerment Coalition (BIREC) is an organization that brings leaders of the various communities together to work on common problems and develop solutions.  Through a panel discussion, the presentation will tell the story of BIREC, how it evolved and how it functions now.  This will be followed by a question and answer period.

Resistance Past and Present: The Power of Holocaust Education in our World Today (Presentation/Discussion)

Ketchum113

Drew Beiter- Teacher, Springville Middle School; Project Director for the Summer Institute for Human Rights and Genocide Studies

While the world often confronts us with images of intolerance and hatred, it is nonetheless inspiring to see examples of moral leadership among young people today. Drew Beiter, along with several local students, will discuss the fantastic human rights work that they are doing, all of which are shining examples of Anne Frank's legacy.  The discussion will be prefaced by a description of resistance by young people during the Holocaust, all of which are reminders of the power of education in repairing the world.

Education Leads to Knowledge. Knowledge Leads to Power. Power leads to Change. (Presentation/Participation)

Ketchum 118

Joe Marren- Associate Professor, Communications Department, Buffalo State College

Irene Sipos- Lecturer, College Writing Program, Buffalo State College

Amitra Wall- Associate Professor, Sociology Department, Buffalo State College

Genocide is taught at every level of school, yet the concept has sometimes been reduced to merely knowing correct answers on tests.  That technique could trivialize the concept and as a result, people may not connect personal responsibility to the concept.  The purpose of this presentation, through audience participation (response writing and discussion) is tri-fold:  First, a description of how much people know about genocide.  Second, the Hebrew phrase, Tikkun olam, will be explored since it has come to connote social action and social justice.  Third, Dr. King’s and Gandhi’s steps to non-violence will be shared. 

Social Awareness Through Theater: Engaging the Community (Presentation/Discussion)

Flexible Seat Theater (Savage 205)

Dr. Saul Elkin- Artistic Director, Jewish Repertory Theater of Western NY and Shakespeare in Delaware Park

We all know that theater is an ancient form of communication and entertainment and we value plays for taking us places we may not otherwise be able to go, for introducing us to people we do not know and allowing us to use our imaginations.  Theater can also be used to expose communities to issues and stories in a way that provokes people to think beyond just those stories that are being told. 

Wednesday September 15, 2010

Session II cont’d

12:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m

 “Caught”  (Working Title)  (Performance/Discussion)

Burchfield-Penney Art Center Auditorium

Carlos Jones- Assistant Professor, Theater Department

Sharon Cooper- Playwright and Teacher

This presentation will be selected scenes from an original play that examines the relationship of a Black family and Jewish family.  The play touches on race, shifts of power, feminism, gay rights and betrayal.  Following the scenes, the authors would like to engage the audience in a talk that discusses the conceptions and misconceptions of the Jewish and Black relationship.

“Why Wait It Out?” (Performance/Discussion)

PAC-Rockwell Hall

Eriketa Cirulli- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Ben Streeter- Student, Theater and Fashion Design, Buffalo State College

Lindsey Bessman- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Sarah Castricone- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

James Huggins- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Syidah Sabir- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

The intention of the Anne Frank Project 2009 was to get the college community to explore Anne Frank’s impact on history, ideals, and cultures.  A quote that was mentioned in the Anne Frank website “ I simply can’t build my hopes on a foundation of confusion, misery and death…I think…peace and tranquility will return again”, inspired this dance performance. 

“Voices”  (Performance/Discussion)

PAC-Rockwell Hall

Joy Guarino (Choreographer)- Assistant Professor of Dance, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

Lindsey Bessman- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Chelsey Broderick- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Anna Bundschuh- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Sarah Castricone- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Eriketa Cirulli- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Hannah Milligan- Student, English Education, SUNY Fredonia

Missy Vargo- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

This dance piece explores an individual’s choices and decisions within relationships.  Our actions toward others are influenced by information that is accumulated, our personal values, our roles in society, and our understanding of self as a part of a greater whole. 

Listening Tables 

2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Listening Tables will be held in Savage 209

 Listening Tables- Staffed by members of the Buffalo State College Coalition Building Team, a campus affiliate of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI). Listening Tables are a “safe space” opportunity to reflect and discuss one’s impressions and reactions to workshop sessions, events and the conference theme “Our Shared Humanity”.  The Counseling Center will be available.

Session III 

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Interfaith Dialogue: A Model for Promoting World Peace (Discussion/Participation)

Ketchum 100

The Interfaith Youth Group of Western New York

This workshop is based on the guidelines provided by NPR’s “This I Believe” facilitator’s manual for houses of worship.  The goal is to get people thinking and talking about their deeply held values in an open and respectful way.  Attendees will participate in several activities and discussions.

Building Resilience After Trauma: Tips on coping, Surviving and Thriving (Presentation/Participation)

Ketchum 106

Dr. Modupe Akin-Deko- Counseling Center, Buffalo State College

Dr. Joan McCool- Counseling Center, Buffalo State College

The Counseling Center staff will provide the most recent and relevant information about effective and practical methods to deal with various traumatic experiences.  Participants will learn useful self-care strategies and ways to build on their resilience.

The Ties That Bind: The Legacy of Captivity as Depicted in The Diary of Anne Frank and Hotel Rwanda (Presentation)

Ketchum 111

Mary Jane Masiulionis- Faculty, Bryant and Stratton College

Much is to be gained by drawing film and literary comparisons between the African genocide occurring in Rwanda and the Jewish experience of the Holocaust. This interdisciplinary presentation will depict the trauma of confinement and its relationship to oppression and will integrate footage from the films Hotel Rwanda, Anne Frank: The Whole Story and the new PBS Masterpiece film, The Diary of Anne Frank.

ChoicePoints: Confronting the Connection Between Words and Poser Based Interpersonal Violence

(Presentation/Discussion)

Ketchum 113

 Liz McGough- Program Coordinator/Case Manager, Violence Intervention and Victim Advocacy

Tammy Kresge- Coordinator for Health Promotions, Buffalo State College

Charles Kenyon- Associate VP/Dean of Students, Buffalo State College

Natalie Jordan- Graduate Student, Buffalo State College

ChoicePoints- Peer Educators

The childhood saying “sticks and stones may break my bones but names [words] can never hurt me” is a lie.  Words have a powerful impact on what we think of ourselves and what we think of others.  Words that stigmatize, desensitize, and implicate can create a culture that objectifies women and accepts violence and victim blaming as the norm.  Words can empower, commend, honor and respect.  The implications of our language choices are profound.  This workshop will help participants find their voice to intervene and educate others about language that can lead to violence.

NEVER AGAIN!! Don’t Be a Bystander!! (Presentation/Discussion)

Ketchum 118

Sophia Veffer- Educator, Holocaust Resource Center

In each country where government sanctioned killings take place in large numbers, three segments of the population are necessary to execute the mass murder of innocent civilians, without any fear of retaliations and punishments.  First, there are the victims, who are often helpless. Then there are the perpetrators, who learned to kill through behavior modification since early childhood and then there are the bystanders, who enable the perpetrators to commit these atrocities by remaining silent. 

A Moment of Truth: How to Hope (Presentation/Participation)

Flexible Seat Theater (Savage 205)

Candace Morrison- Artist/Activist (BA Theater, Buffalo State College)

How to Hope will be a presentation/workshop.  The objective is to explore the many ways humans cope with life’s most challenging moments.  At the end of the work time, the group will be prompted to think of their own “moment of truth,” and take it as an opportunity to be a vehicle of positive change. 

Listening Tables 

4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Listening Tables will be held in the Savage 209

Listening Tables- Staffed by members of the Buffalo State College Coalition Building Team, a campus affiliate of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI). Listening Tables are a “safe space” opportunity to reflect and discuss one’s impressions and reactions to workshop sessions, events and the conference theme “Our Shared Humanity”.  The Counseling Center will be available.

Wednesday September 15, 2010

Evening Events 

5:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Family Art Project “Building, Creating, Imagining Our Shared Humanity”

Savage 219

Families are invited to spend some time creating various art works. 

“Organic” (Performance)

Flexible Seat Theater (Savage 205)

Candace Morrison- Artist/Activist (BA Theater, Buffalo State College)

Timothy White- Alum, Visual Arts, University of Buffalo

The show is based on the artist’s experience volunteering as an organic farm worker last summer.  Her journey took her across the country and through her own heart and mind to discover the true meaning of care.  The stage pieces reflect the ups and downs of a season of growth.

Oskar Schindler: The Incomplete Hero (Presentation/Discussion)

Burchfield-Penney Art Center Auditorium

Jeffrey Hirschberg- Associate Professor and Director, Television and Film Arts Program, Buffalo State College

Lou Rera- Assistant Professor, Communications Department, Buffalo State College

This workshop will take a critical look at the Academy Award-winning “Schindler’s List” and its hero, Oskar Schindler.  While viewing scenes of the film, participants will discuss the motivations for Schindler’s actions and his “character arc” (How and why did Schindler transform from selfish to selfless?).  Presentation will be based on Professor Jeffrey Hirschberg’s book, “Reflections of the Shadow: Creating Memorable Heroes and Villains for Film and TV”.

“Why Wait It Out?” (Performance/Discussion)

PAC-Rockwell Hall

Eriketa Cirulli- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Ben Streeter- Student, Theater and Fashion Design, Buffalo State College

Lindsey Bessman- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Sarah Castricone- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

James Huggins- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Syidah Sabir- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

The intention of the Anne Frank Project 2009 was to get the college community to explore Anne Frank’s impact on history, ideals, and cultures.  A quote that is mentioned on the Anne Frank Project’s website, “ I simply can’t build my hopes on a foundation of confusion, misery and death…I think…peace and tranquility will return again”, inspired this dance performance. 

“Voices”  (Performance/Discussion)

PAC-Rockwell Hall

Joy Guarino- (Choreographer)- Assistant Professor of Dance, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

Lindsey Bessman- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Chelsey Broderick- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Anna Bundschuh- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Sarah Castricone- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Eriketa Cirulli- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

Hannah Milligan- Student, English Education, SUNY Fredonia

Missy Vargo- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

This piece explores an individual’s choices and decisions within relationships.  Our actions toward others are influenced by information that is accumulated, our personal values, our roles in society, and our understanding of self as a part of a greater whole. 

Thursday September 16, 2010

Featured Speaker:  Cherie R. Brown

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.   

Flexible Seat Theater (Savage 205)

Listening Tables/Lunch

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Listening Tables will be held in Savage 209

Listening Tables- Staffed by members of the Buffalo State College Coalition Building Team, a campus affiliate of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI). Listening Tables are a “safe space” opportunity to reflect and discuss one’s impressions and reactions to workshop sessions, events and the conference theme “Our Shared Humanity”.  The Counseling Center will be available.

Academic Convocation

Featured Speaker:  Immaculée Ilibagiza

Reception

12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.  PAC- Rockwell Hall

Book Signing

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  Donald Savage Theater Building

Immaculée Ilibagiza

Cherie Brown

Carl Wilkens

Popular titles by the above authors will be available on site for purchase and signing.

Featured Speaker Dialogue:  Immaculée Ilibagiza, Cherie Brown, Carl Wilkens

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  

Flexible Seat Theater (Savage 205)

Anne Frank Garden Dedication Ceremony and Reception:

4:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Rockwell Road-Facing Moot Hall

Aaron M. Podolefsky, Ph.D. 

President, Buffalo State College

Drew Kahn

Professor and Chair, Theater Department

Director, The Anne Frank Project

Buffalo State College

Students- Hospitality and Tourism Department

Brenna McCabe (Flute)- Student, Music Education, Buffalo State College

Ray Lorigo (Guitar)

Shaded by a horse chestnut tree (the same species of tree that Anne Frank wrote about while in hiding) this is a contemplative, community garden marked by a two-ton boulder bearing a commemorative plaque.  This garden is a permanent testament to Buffalo State College’s commitment to building the just world Anne Frank could only dream of.

“Into The Arms of Strangers” (Film and Discussion)

7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.  PAC- Rockwell Hall

Oscar Award-winning documentary produced by Deborah Oppenheimer.  Ms. Oppenheimer will be participating in a discussion following the film.

Friday September 17, 2010

Featured Speaker:  Carl Wilkens

9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.  Flexible Seat Theater (Savage 205)

Survivor Panel Dialogue: Sophia Veffer, Joseph Diamond, Victor Habinshuti with Carl Wilkens.

11:00 a.m. – 12:30- p.m. Flexible Seat Theater (Savage 205)

Survivors of genocides from around the world will share their stories and create dialogue with the audience.

Musical Interlude by Diaspora Drumming

12:40 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Rockwell Quad

Ringo Brill, Gabriel Gutierrez, Tiffany Nicely

Closing Ceremonies: Music, Dance Group Celebration

1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.  

Rockwell Quad

“WE”  Song written for The Anne Frank Project 2010Our Shared Humanity”

Lee Becker-Student, Theater Department, Buffalo State College

Griffen Smith- Student, SUNY Fredonia

September 12-17, 2010

Visual Arts On Display

9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Curlzes-Nelson Gallery, Upton Hall                                    

Here and Now 

Sean Murty- Student, Arts and Letters, Buffalo State College

An audio/visual project exploring history through the use of the symbolic meanings of different colors.

Design Students Respond to Genocide

DES 104 Students- Amanda Albertsson, Kristen Almeter, Rob Borgen, Kelly Caruso, Francesca D’Angelo, Brian Gouchi,

Jeff Marshall, Vincent Pontillo, Tina Rott

Students created allegories about genocide by manipulating landscape and/or architectural form. Based upon reading and research, each student’s concept is to incorporate form and material with idea and meaning. Concepts range, for example, from a statement about the proliferation of hate groups in the United States, to the flawed nature of humanity, to expression of the earth healing itself, and to hope and light.

Stages of Thunder

Gabe Saur-Student, Communication Design, Buffalo State College

A series of seven 20” x 20” paintings, representing the hope and faith in mankind that Anne Frank was able to maintain even though she was subject to the horrible persecution and pain of the Holocaust. Time is represented from left to right, left being the harsh times of the Holocaust gradually moving to the right, which represents the effects of Anne Frank’s words and enduring hope.

 

Keep It Open

Sam Kahn- Student, Grand Island Senior High School

This pot follows the path of the Anne Frank Project in examining “Our Shared Humanity.” As it grows upward, it follows the lives of seven distinctly different people while showing the connection between them.

NANI

Errol Daniels- Social Documentary Photography

9-yr-old Nani was born with Spina Bifida, and was unable to walk.  When you’re in her presence, you forget that Nani is disabled.  She can’t walk, yet she seems to fly everywhere, illuminating her surroundings with her beauty, her charm and her true happiness.  Her smile is captivating.  Photographs are of Nani are taken in and around her home in Cuba.

Carl Wilkens