Looking Back: 2012 Holiday Party
The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution is mainly known for advancing theory, practice, and research in the field of conflict analysis and resolution. However, those who attended the S-CAR Holiday Party in December 2012 witnessed that S-CAR is not only distinguished in its academic excellence but also in promoting an inclusive community through activities that help to create social cohesion.
The S-CAR Dean, Andrea Bartoli, has a tradition of organizing holiday parties at the end of every fall semester for faculty, students, friends and families. However, The Student Association and the Africa Working Group (AWG) were asked to co-sponsor the event this year, which signified the emerging cooperation among the various bodies in the School. The event was organized under the theme “From Conflict Analysis to the Celebration of African culture” and it featured authentic delicacies, cultural displays, and dances from the different students at S-CAR representing the African nations of Sudan, Rwanda, Ghana, Liberia, Somalia, Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, Burundi, Congo DR, Ethiopia, and Mali.
During the cultural displays, an individual noted, “This is the first time I have seen a lady carrying a basket on her head and walking and dancing with it at the same time. I was largely surprised to see that the basket was not empty but filled with bananas.” Another participant, after having a taste of the African delicacies, asked if there were any African restaurants in Arlington where she could get similar food, or even if someone present would volunteer to teach her how to make it herself.
The night showed that the S-CAR community could do fun and exciting events while at the same time keeping the traditions of the School. It was a night of fun, relaxation and enlightenment as a staff member stated, “The culture difference within the S-CAR community has a chance to show how it could build strong ties and collaboration in such a way that everyone will have a chance to observe and appreciate one another.” For me in particular, the event was a memorable one. It made me reflect on a discussion we had in a class, about the different ways that people can promote peace by engaging in conflict resolution. I also reflected on an adage that I was told when I attended the Shinnyo Foundation retreat in San Francisco last summer about the “six billion paths to peace.” This implies that every one among the roughly six billion people on earth today has a unique way of contributing to peace. I am looking forward to another Holiday Party for a repeat of the celebration of S-CAR diversity.