I lived in different cities across India as I was growing up. While I am originally from the South of the country, where darker skin is more common. However, I spent most of my childhood in the Northern part of India, where lighter-skin individuals are more prevalent. As a darker-skinned girl, I often felt out of place among my lighter-skinned peers. Even though I was friends with them, I had this niggling feeling that I did not belong. I had an inkling that I was often treated differently than most of my peers but was not at a position to comprehend it as a young girl.
Continue readingConfronting Colorism and Healing from the Damage Caused by it
Posted in Center for Intercultural Leadership (CIL), Did You Know?
Tagged I-House, international house
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Black History Month: Celebrating African Americans
Black History Month celebrates the legacy, contributions, and achievements of African Americans. It is observed every year in the month of February in the United States and Canada as African American History Month, and as African and Caribbean History Month in the United Kingdom. President Gerald Ford first officially recognized the importance of the Month in 1976 and declared February as National Black History Month.
History of Black History Month
Black History Month originated during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s. It was a cultural and literary movement which celebrated the achievements and contributions of African Americans. During this period, many scholars and activists began collating and publishing works documenting the history and accomplishments of African Americans. Carter G. Woodson, one such activist who was widely seen as the father of Black History Month, founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in 1915. Woodson later went on to establish the Negro History Week in 1926. Negro History Week was observed every year during the second week of February, remembering the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, prominent figures in African American history. The observance was subsequently expanded to the entire month of February in 1976 and was known as Black History Month.
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Posted in Center for Intercultural Leadership (CIL), Did You Know?
Tagged I-House Life
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Overcoming Culture Shock and Embracing Cultural Differences
For many of us, this is the first time we are living away from our home country and living with people of varying cultural backgrounds. Regardless of how much we thought we were prepared to stay in a new country with a diverse set of people, cultural shock is real. It is challenging to connect with people of other cultures, accept their practices, and form friendships. This could be owing to the lack of awareness, or it could be the fear of doing or saying the wrong thing. While it might be overwhelming to begin with, we all get through it sooner or later. Here are fifteen tips to ease the process of accepting differences and enjoying your stay in a new country.
1. Don’t be afraid to communicate and ask questions. It is preferrable to clearly and politely communicate than make assumptions or tolerate unpleasant experiences. For example, if you are unsure about the contents of a food item, don’t hesitate to ask details about the ingredients.
2. Be open to new experiences but don’t feel afraid to say no when uncomfortable. Don’t feel like you need to do things to fit in. It is okay to not give in to the peer pressure. However, that does not mean that you should not push yourself to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. For instance, it might be enjoyable to attend an evening concert as a new experience, however it might be a stretch to spend all weekend at a music festival. You might not be comfortable staying overnight in an unfamiliar place. It is okay to say no to the music festival.
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Tagged I-House Life
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Winter Break Memories
While this post is about my experience during the Winter break, I must thank my friends who made it worthwhile. This break was my first away from home. Normally, I would have traveled back to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s with my people. The friends I made both at I-House and beyond helped make my holidays memorable.
Hiking and Benevolent Berkeley Breeze
Before school officially closed for break, I had an evening walk with a resident friend to clear our minds from the rigorous academic work. We strolled slightly up the Berkeley hills, encountering friendly squirrels, wild turkeys, and many birds and insects. I love the squirrels, in particular, and the trees surrounding I-House are home to many. I do not only perceive them as cute but also quite fearless. I like their colorful fur and how it blends with tree trunks when they play hide and seek. The evening wind wasn’t rough, but mild. I could feel the benevolent breeze caress my skin. The hills, the clement weather, and the call of flying birds retreating from the setting sun reminded me of my home in Nigeria. I stood to watch the sunset. The golden and glorious ball sinking down below the horizon brought nostalgic moments for me. This was my favorite part of the day. The day arrives with a lot of hustle and bustle, work and stress. The evening and sunset remind us of all of the need to take a break from everything. I could see and hear the birds disappear into the clouds. Life could be so simple and sophisticated still.
Well, the winding paths of the forest could be misleading for first-time hikers, I warned my friend, so we made sure we didn’t go farther into the woods. At the end of the walk, we ended up taking deep breaths to take in as much fresh air as we could. Sunset is a time of reflection and a time to count blessings. Studying and living in Berkeley are a big part of my blessings.
New Year’s Eve and Colorful Fireworks
The last day of 2022 was a rainy one. The rain ran down my window, tap-tapping on the glass. I could sit all day listening to it. Just that it was terribly cold, and I and other I-House residents wished it would stop raining. Many had plans to go to San Francisco to see the fireworks and count down to the new year. I had jokingly sung a nursery rhyme, wishing the rain to go away. Maybe it helped because the rain stopped just before evening. The cold remained, but the Universe somehow listened.
Continue readingI Have a Dream: The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday celebrated every year on the third Monday of January. This year it was celebrated on 16 January. It honors the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King. The day not only symbolizes King’s legacy but also promotes non-violent advocacy for rights and encourages individuals to join public service. It continues to represent hope and healing in America.
King was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta. He was named Michael King Jr. at birth. In 1934, when his father travelled to Germany and was inspired by a Protestant Reformation leader, Martin Luther King Sr. changed his own and his young son’s name to Martin Luther King. King came from a family of Baptist Ministers. He enrolled in college at the age of fifteen and pursued a degree in Sociology. Although he was uninterested in following the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he was convinced otherwise by the president of his college, a respected theologian. He was ordained before graduating from college. He subsequently attended Divinity school in Pennsylvania and later went on to pursue a Ph.D. He received his Ph.D. degree in 1955.
Continue readingSharing the Light, One Candle at a Time
Here is a short poem I wrote to start today’s post, I call it, This Light.
This light of peace I pass to you Pass this to another behind or by your side May the world see the beauty of our love Let my light shine forth in all honesty May your light shine forth in all honesty This light of happiness I pass to you Pass to another behind or by the side May the world dance to our laughter and joy Let my light shine and give hope May your light shine and give hope This light of love I pass to you Pass to another behind or by the side For all who have lost faith in the human spirit Let this light shine differently or together May the world see in us, hope and love
Excitement and Anticipation
Sunday morning was a bit dramatic. Dramatic because the residents anticipated their first Sunday Supper. From my window, it was sunny, and I could hear the birds sing cheerfully. As I walked down the 6th-floor hallway, I could see the excitement on people’s faces. The much-anticipated Sunday Supper has come!
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Posted in Activities, I-House Alumni
Tagged activities, Friendship, I-House Life, international house, Sunday Supper
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Ubuntu – I Am Because We Are
International House is a laboratory for a new kind of experiment – the day-to-day practice of international fellowship among men and women.
– John D. Rockefeller Jr., I-House Benefactor
It’s up to us, the residents, to continue building on this legacy of love, understanding, justice, and peace.
– Okechukwu Iroegbu, I-House resident 2022-2023
A popular saying in Africa goes: Between true friends even water drunk together is sweet enough. I’ve dined with residents from different countries and each time I see them, I consider them family. Reflecting on both the proverb and quotes above, I found the mission and vision of the founders of I-House aligned with my belief in friendship, cooperation, and fellowship. I’ll add that there is beauty in diversity because our different shades make the I-House experience even more colorful. Don’t you think?
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Tagged activities, dinner, Friendship, I-House Life, international house
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Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation
We are happy to share another post in our “Did you know?” series by I-House Program Assistant Anusha Thotakura.
Pumpkins carved by I-House residents
With Halloween just around the corner, carving pumpkins, trick or treating, and costume parties must all look very exciting. While the festivities are thrilling, it is very important that we are mindful of taking someone else’s culture without informed intent and credit when deciding what costume to wear.
While cultural appreciation is most welcome, we must be mindful not to appropriate the culture. It is an easy line to cross, however with some effort on our end, it is not too difficult to maintain a healthy balance and enjoy the festival. It then becomes enjoyable not only to us but to everyone around us.
Continue readingTen Rules for Disability-Inclusive Language
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The aim is to showcase policies and practices to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities within workplaces. We are happy to share “Ten rules for disability-inclusive language” written by I-House resident Srianusha Thotakura from Bengaluru, India. She prefers to go by the name Anusha. Her pronouns are she/her/hers. She is currently an LL.M. student at the UC Berkeley School of Law and a Program Assistant at I-House.
Anusha previously worked as a social justice researcher after receiving her law degree from O.P. Jindal Global University, India. She is very passionate about disability justice, sexual and reproductive health and rights, anti-carceral politics, gender rights, and labor rights. She is an avid reader, amateur Carnatic music singer, and food enthusiast. Anusha is a person with a disability. She acquired her disability about four years ago when she became blind. She believes in disability inclusion through education and awareness creation.
Did You Know?
One of the most important ways to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities is by using inclusive language. There is a lot of ambiguity and confusion as to what terminology is appropriate and acceptable with respect to disability.
Ten rules for disability-inclusive language:
Continue readingIntroducing I-House Resident Events
Hello everyone! I hope you all had a restful summer and are feeling recharged for the upcoming school year. If you’re a new resident, welcome to I-House! For those who may not know what to expect, here is a comprehensive guide to some of the amazing events we have in store for you and some highlights from last year’s events!
I-House Welcome Week
At the beginning of the year, Robertson Center for Intercultural Leadership & Programs hosts a “Welcome Week,” where residents have the chance to get to know each other, as well as learn about all the fun that Berkeley and the Bay Area have to offer! Last year, I really enjoyed meeting other residents during our trip to the BAMPFA, our ice skating event in Oakland, and on our hike to the Big C. Being an international student who had moved to the U.S. for the first time, on top of having spent my first year of college at home online with little to no social interaction, it was refreshing to be able to talk with others who had shared these experiences with me. I made some of my closest friends during Welcome Week and we still reminisce over our memorable first interactions, from slipping on the ice together to speculating over the fastest way to hike down a hill. These events are hosted by our lovely I-House Resident Assistants (RAs), who also do an amazing job of organizing various floor socials throughout the school year, where you can further get to know your floormates!
Last year’s Welcome Week featured a BAMPFA visit, ice skating at Oakland and a Big C hike! Thank you Vighnesh N. for the hiking photos!
On August 24 there will be a mandatory Town Hall Meeting from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in our Chevron Auditorium, as well as a Coffee Hour Social from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Great Hall. We will also be hosting overnight New Student Orientation retreats from August 26 to 27 and August 27 to 28 at Green Mountain Retreat where you can make new friends and enjoy the great outdoors! Registration is open until August 19 and you can learn more and sign up at ihouse.berkeley.edu/retreats. More information about Welcome Week will be posted soon on the official 2022-23 Resident Group on I-House Berkeley Connect and the Resident Facebook group!
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Posted in Activities, Life at I-House, Upcoming Events
Tagged activities, Friendship, I-House Life
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I-House: Where UC Berkeley Meets the World 