Showing Up for Social Justice, Showing Up for Baltimore

A reflection written by Megan Tagle Adams, Women’s Center Assistant Director.

Over the past month since Critical Social Justice: Baltimore 365 and especially in light of recent events, I’ve been thinking a lot about what social justice activism means to the UMBC community. More specifically, I’m thinking about what it means to show up for social justice and what it means to show up for Baltimore.

During the uprisings in April and as recently as last week, the University administration has often reasserted our communal responsibility to thoughtfully engage with issues of racism and systemic injustice — particularly in affirming our commitment to Baltimore City — a sentiment that I know is heartily shared by many of our students, staff, and faculty. Although early on I had a few doubts about how well this year’s CSJ theme and keynote would be received on what I consider a relatively apolitical campus, I felt encouraged by the enthusiastic response from UMBC community members who expressed their appreciation that local activists and leaders would be coming to campus to discuss the work they’re doing on the ground in Baltimore.

“You don’t have to leave your campus to become an activist.” – Marisela B. Gomez

When the high anticipation for the keynote didn’t translate into a packed room of people, I had to check my initial disappointment and frustration (How could people miss such an incredible panel?) in order to remind myself that activism doesn’t look like only one thing. No one can be part of every event on every issue every time, of course, and setting unrealistic expectations for ourselves and others can contribute to activist burnout. That said, as we care for ourselves we must also remember to challenge ourselves (and our communities and institutions) to show up for social justice and for Baltimore in ways that reflect our stated values and priorities.

So what does it mean to show up for Baltimore? What does it mean to show up for social justice? I’m still writing the story of what that means for me in connection to my values and priorities. What will it mean for you?

In case you missed it the first time, watch the “Baltimore in Action” keynote video below: