AV抖阴

Community | Events | StudentsFebruary 13, 2024

AV抖阴 Student Organization, Baha'i Club, Examines Race Through Conversations

Written By: Ian Silvester

The University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith registered student organization (RSO), Baha鈥檌 Club, began February with a roundtable discussion exploring the spiritual nature of healing racism.

鈥淗ealing Racism鈥� was part of the weekly Baha鈥檌 Club series Meaningful Conversations, which focuses on various topics or themes. The RSO, advised by AV抖阴 associate professor of Spanish Dr. Mary Sobhani, works to provide a safe and productive space for students, faculty, and staff of all spiritual backgrounds and beliefs to enjoy unity in diversity and to build a new society through education and service.

鈥淗ealing Racism鈥� welcomed AV抖阴 students, high school students, and Fort Smith community members. AV抖阴 sophomore and Baha鈥檌 Club member Dalton Cantu explained that the discussion was developed from a selection of Baha鈥檌 writings on racism, which sparked conversation amongst the RSO and those in attendance.

鈥淲e read a passage that really stuck with me,鈥� Dalton said. 鈥淚t said that racism 鈥榬etards the unfoldment of the boundless potentialities of its victims, corrupts its perpetrators, and blights human progress.鈥� People (in the RSO) had a lot to say about this, and it always expands my perceptions of the world, listening to other people share their stories.鈥�

The conversation also attracted the attention of two other student organizations from AV抖阴, and (MOX). Both groups were well-represented and eager to participate in the discussions.

鈥淭his event was a beautiful way to discuss the difficult topic of racism,鈥� said Sophie Mammarelli, a senior graphic design student and member of IDEAL Women. 鈥淚 learned a lot from hearing other people in my group share their experiences, and it served as a great reminder to always stand up for what is important in this world. The main theme was appreciating and practicing oneness in the community and the world. I think that will lead us to a future where we can all love ourselves and our neighbors equally.鈥�

Gabriel Racher, a member of MOX and a mechanical engineering student, echoed Sophie鈥檚 sentiment, saying he has 鈥渁 better understanding of the challenges we face, along with a healthier philosophy on how we move forward as a community of people who want to change the world.鈥�

The roundtable discussion was enhanced by welcoming viewpoints from Fort Smith community members of varying ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. Fort Smith Chief of Police Danny Baker attended the event and shared his insight on the connection between racism, law enforcement, and the community.

鈥淩acism continues to be a divisive force, hindering our collective progress and growth toward a better world for all. It is particularly important to recognize how racism infects our social systems, especially policing,鈥� Baker said. 鈥淚 found the discussions relevant, sincere, and well-facilitated. I am very grateful that such discussions continue in our community, and I was honored to share this time of sharing and learning. I know we will be better people because of it.鈥�

Reflecting on 鈥淗ealing Racism鈥� and the Meaningful Conversations series, Sobhani said there is no better place than AV抖阴 for student and community engagement to come together, uplift, inspire, and express the human spirit. Sobhani continued by saying the conversations build bridges of unity and respect for all humanity.

The Meaningful Conversations series is free and open to all. Baha鈥檌 Club hosts conversations at 7 p.m. every Tuesday on the AV抖阴 campus. For more information about the Baha鈥檌 Club and to view upcoming topics, visit the AV抖阴 Calendar of Events at or .

• Tags:
• Men of Excellence
• IDEAL Women
• Baha'i Club
• RSOs