This month, Lee University will present a series of lectures, discussions, and documentary presentations on the journey refugees take from their home country to the United States. Lee professors Drs. Carolyn and Murl Dirksen will head up the series.
“Unsheltered” was envisioned by Erin Williamson, Lee alumna, who spent time in Egypt with refugees. “In a way, we hope to take students on a journey from conflict to host countries to resettlement without ever needing to leave campus,” said Ms. Williamson. “Each speaker has been selected to introduce a different and significant aspect of the modern global refugee crisis, while also showing the impact of refugees in our local Tennessee communities.”
Chelsea Markham Lyle, a representative for Catholic Charities, will kick off the series on Tuesday, talking about the journey refugees take from their homes to resettlement in the United States. Lee religion professor Dr. Michael Fuller will offer a biblical framework for a Christian’s response to refugees, as well.
On Thursday, Feb. 9, the documentary “Exodus” will be shown, which includes first-person stories of refugees and migrants as they flee war and persecution. The film will be followed with a discussion panel of Lee professors including Dr. Ana Alves, Dr. Rolando Cuellar, and Dr. Murl Dirksen.
The Student Leadership Council social justice committee will provide food and drinks after the screening. SLC and the Cultural Diversity Committee are helping sponsor the series.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, Lee students and alumni Emily Martin, Myka Retro Smith, and Matthew and Kristin Turvin will discuss their work in refugee camps in Germany and Austria. Augustine Bocco, Lee alum and current French professor at Tennessee Wesleyan, will share his experience as a refugee.
Bassam Issa, president of the the Islamic Center of Greater Chattanooga, will discuss the experiences of being Muslim in Tennessee and the relationship between Islam and Christianity in Tennessee communities on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Current Lee student Alwatheq Zboun will offer personal insights into his experience as a refugee.
On Thursday, Feb. 23, Bridge Refugee Services of Chattanooga will present a session including refugee clients who have made East Tennessee their homes and now run independent organizations designed to help refugees adjust culturally to the Chattanooga area. Lee students will also be informed about local volunteer opportunities.
“We started planning this series last semester, and it has become increasingly timely,” said Dr. Carolyn Dirksen. “Our goal is to provide information for our students and the Cleveland community about the plight of the growing number of refugees in the world and the processes they go through for resettlement.”
The community is invited to enjoy this free, reflective experience and join the discussion.
All events will take place at 7 p.m. in the Paul & Carmelita Walker Lecture Hall in the Science and Math Complex.
For more information about the series, contact Dr. Carolyn Dirksen at cdirksen@leeuniversity.edu.