Fox Cities News

Seemingly small actions in pursuit of social justice can lead to consequential change. This was the message delivered by Dr. Ruha Benjamin during Lawrence University's Winter Term Convocation address on February 2, held at Memorial Chapel.

Dr. Benjamin, a professor of African American studies at Princeton University and author of the book "Viral Justice: How We Grow the World We Want," emphasized that significant changes can occur through individual efforts within communities. She likened this concept to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting how something initially undetectable spread widely.

“Doesn’t this imply that small things, seemingly minor actions, decisions, habits, could have exponential effects in the other direction, tipping the scales toward justice, affirming life, fostering well-being, invigorating life?” she stated during her address.

Benjamin is known for her interdisciplinary work focusing on science, medicine, and technology's relationship with social inequity. She founded the Ida B. Wells JUST Data Lab and has authored several books including "Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code."

During her speech, she highlighted examples like Ron Finley’s transformation of city-owned grass pathways into vegetable gardens in Los Angeles and Breonna’s Garden project as instances where small efforts led to significant impact.

Lawrence University hosts three convocations annually to mark academic milestones and recognize achievements among students and faculty.

Benjamin also pointed out how technology can amplify these efforts towards justice. “Don’t ever think that change can’t happen because you’re just one person,” she remarked. She suggested that like a pandemic, justice too can become widespread through collective action.

“This isn’t charity work," she explained regarding working towards a just world. "Falling from a burning building, I might hit the ground first but you won’t be far behind.”

The event marked Lawrence University's second convocation of the 2023-24 academic year; it will be followed by an Honors Convocation on May 24 featuring Mark Phelan from Lawrence's philosophy department.