Domincan Republic: Culture, Race & Baseball
Before leaving for the Dominican Republic, I’d read about how travel is the only thing you buy, that makes you richer. I wasn’t quite sure what I’d “gain” from such a short trip, but now that I’m back home, and have had time to reflect, I feel like I’ve gained the world. The small island put the concept of intersectionality, that I’ve so desperately tried to master, into perspective. Through religion, politics, citizenship, race, and gender, the DR beautifully paved out the importance of not just using the term “intersectionality” to describe “diversity”, but instead, using it to ensure that we don’t overlook the challenges and grievances of people who belong to MULTIPLE marginalized communities. It helped develop my understanding of the hierarchical nature of power, and the struggles that come forth by trying to “belong”. And most importantly, it has shown me how important it is for people who have lived through their own struggles, to write their own narratives, and work towards a better future for themselves. #nowesternsaviorneeded
Maimuna Gassama, Spring 2018 Domincan Republic: Culture, Race & Baseball Program
