Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor: (Re)igniting the Voice of the Marginalized
Monday, February 3 - Thursday, February 6, 2025
In much of human history, the voices and lives of one group of people deemed to be “lesser” by another were often suppressed, even erased. As a result of this unresolved humanitarian transgression, which continues today, local (or traditional) knowledge, values, beliefs, and expressions have been greatly diminished or lost.
As we work towards the ecological renewal of our university and city, the spirit of integral ecology requires a commitment on our part to reconcile this transgression.
In our 2025 symposium, we invite the university community and general public to examine how best to restore and honor the traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, and dignity of marginalized people and communities.
Schedule
To Attend. This symposium is free and open to the university community and general public. All are welcome!
University Hall, Ahmanson Auditorium
Loyola Marymount University
1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, California
- Monday, Feb 3
- Tuesday, Feb 4
- Wednesday, Feb 5
- Thursday, Feb 6
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EXHIBIT | UNH ATRIUM
Business for Good Poster Presentation
Student proposals for business solutions that address a problem related to a sustainable development goal (SDG) will be on display during the symposium. Please take a moment to learn about their creative solutions to the ecological crisis we face as a global community. In partnership with D.K. Kim Foundation Business for Good ProgramKEYNOTE | 7 – 8:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
Empowering Earth and People: A Pathway to Inclusive Environmental and Social Justice
The CSJ Center is pleased to welcome Jesuit scholar and environmentalist Barwendé Médard Sané, S.T.L., Ed.D. to keynote the 13th Annual CSJ Center Symposium.This lecture explores the interconnected crises of environmental degradation and social inequality, focusing on marginalized communities and the need to reconcile historical injustices that have silenced traditional knowledge and erased cultural expressions. By integrating Afrocentric epistemologies and the principles of sacred ecology, it underscores the spiritual and cultural dimensions of ecological justice, presenting nature as a sacred entity and humanity’s partner in resilience and balance. It traces these challenges to colonial legacies while advocating for governance models that honor harmony between humanity and nature, offering inclusive frameworks rooted in dignity, localized wisdom, and sustainable practices.
Barwendé Médard Sané, S.J., S.T.L, Ed.D. is a postdoctoral research associate at Georgetown University's Earth Commons Institute focusing on the intersection of Afrocentric epistemologies and environmental justice. Passionate about integrating African values into strategic peacebuilding education, Dr. Sané combines Afrocentric insights, integral ecology, and Catholic principles to develop innovative educational modules.
SESSION 1 | 10 – 11:30 A.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
Responding to the Moment: A Dialogue and Reflection
Our city and university have experienced extraordinary change in recent weeks. In one month’s time, we have witnessed historical environmental disasters, as well as significant societal changes in addressing those disasters. Join us for a shared discussion and reflection on recent events, how we are called to respond, and how we can step forward into the future with purpose and hope. In partnership with the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion[CANCELLED] SESSION 2 | 12 – 1:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
Air Quality Environmental Justice Summit: Current Issues, Impacts and Actions
Air quality, especially in urban Los Angeles, is one of the more pressing issues of our time. This session brings together community leaders, regulators, and students to continue the dialogue and take actionable steps forward together. By educating our community on the efforts underway, we aim to empower student voices, build stronger relationships among stakeholders, and ensure community needs are centered. In partnership with LMU Center for Urban ResilienceDue to a recent change in U.S. government policy, our presenters have regretfully cancelled their participation. This session will not be held. We apologize for the inconvenience.
[CANCELLED] SESSION 3 | 2 – 3:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
Air Quality Environmental Justice Summit: Environmental Regulatory and Enforcement
Air quality, especially in urban Los Angeles, is one of the more pressing issues of our time. This session is a dialogue for the community to collaboratively explore the pressing issues, impacts, and actions relating to air quality environmental justice concerns in partnership with enforcement and regulatory agencies. In partnership with LMU Center for Urban ResilienceDue to a recent change in U.S. government policy, our presenters have regretfully cancelled their participation. This session will not be held. We apologize for the inconvenience.
SESSION 4 | 4 – 5:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
The Indigenous Response to Climate Change
This session will examine climate justice from an Indigenous lens as documented by filmmaker Makayla Gingrey. This new documentary series, Facing the Storm: The Indigenous Response to Climate Change, spotlights the voices of Indigenous leaders and the impact of climate change on Indigenous Peoples. Along with the series producer, we will screen a few episodes of the first season of this new series, and hear what’s in store for season two.SESSION 5 | 7 – 8:30 P.M. | UNH ATRIUM
An Evening of Art and Music for the Care of People and Planet
Join us for an evening reception and performance of original music, dance, and art by students that elevate the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor. In partnership with LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts and Marymount Institute for Faith, Culture and the ArtsSESSION 6 | 10 – 11:30 A.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
Parables for a Planet in Crisis: Voices from Southeast Asia
This session will explore how literature, specifically creative nonfiction, may serve as a meaningful avenue to explore existential questions about climate justice and sustainable futures. The panel will discuss The Nutmeg’s Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis by Amitav Ghosh, which explores the linkages between imperialism and the global climate crisis. It begins through narrating a poorly understood massacre in the Banda islands of Southeast Asia in the name of nutmeg – and control of the nutmeg trade – and continues through explorations of human greed, environmental destruction, and lessons of hope as we envision our joint future. The session will provide a meaningful reflection on the humanities as a site for engagement in environmental (in)justice issues.SESSION 7 | 12 – 1:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
Hearing the Voice of Marginalized in Person: The Importance of International Encounter, Study and Companionship
In this session, hear about the importance of encounters of other communities and cultures, and the opportunities to do so at LMU.SESSION 8 | 2 – 3:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
Back to the Future: Learning from Indigenous Knowledge on Ethics and Sustainability
SESSION 9 | 4 – 5:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
Teaching Religion, Big History, and Ecology
As we continue to think about how education meets the times, how might we tap into the resources of our campus and community presently available to us? In this session, a panel of faculty will explore how using campus and campus-adjacent resources in shaping our pedagogy can foster ecological awareness and transformative action.[CANCELLED] SESSION 10 | 7 – 8:30 P.M. | UNH AHMANSON AUDITORIUM
Earth and Public Demands: Environmental Injustices in Los Angeles
This session concerns several environmental crises in the Los Angeles area: the Exide Battery plant in Vernon, the Allenco extraction site in University Park, and the Murphy Drill site in the West Adams area. Panelists will provide an overview of each situation, as well as advocacy efforts from the faith community and multiple partners. This presentation will show the intimate interconnection of the community power, poverty, race, and corporate interests.We regret to share that the presenters were impacted by the Eaton fire. This session will not be held. We apologize for the inconvenience. At this time, donations and fundraising are the most effective assistance the LMU community can provide to fire relief efforts in Los Angeles. We invite you to support the victims.
[CANCELLED] SESSIONS 11 - 15
Due to the extraordinary events of recent weeks, the final day of sessions on the institutional priorities of the LMU Laudato Si' Action Platform have been cancelled so that faculty, staff, and students can address the present ecological challenges. This portion of the symposium will be rescheduled for a later date in the semester. Thank you for your understanding and support.