Browsing by Subject "Polar vortex"
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Item Heather Malkawi Interview(2021-08-04) Institute for Diversity & Civic Life; Department of Religious StudiesThis interview is with Heather Malkawi, a seminarian studying at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Heather shares the story of her experiences living with and treating her epilepsy, including discerning the choice to pursue seminary and fighting for the legalization of medical marijuana. She talks about how the Texas Freeze kept her from receiving shipments of her medication, putting her at risk of seizures. She also speaks about her experiences volunteering to distribute water and home necessities with her church during the freeze.Item Rhyma Castillo Interview(2021-03-14) Institute for Diversity & Civic Life; Department of Religious StudiesThis interview is with Rhyma Castillo, a journalist whose work focuses on the systemic challenges that face underprivileged communities. Rhyma speaks about the path and social concerns that led her into the field of journalism and how she believes in using her platform to speak for those whose voices are suppressed. She details her experience during the polar vortex, describing its impact on communities of color as well as her own mental health, in contrast with its lessened cost to the wealthy and privileged. She closes by speaking against ideas of profit over people and in favor of community engagement.Item Tina Byram Interview(2022-03-18) Institute for Diversity & Civic Life; Department of Religious StudiesThis interview is with Tina Byram, an advocate active in local politics in the extra-territorial jurisdiction of Hornsby Bend. Tina talks about her work advocating for underserved members of her community who do not have the time or resources to get involved in local politics. She describes the differences between political activity at the local level versus the national level, including overlooked issues such as shifting districts and water privatization. She also tells about her journey through local activism, which has involved non-profit work, collaboration with representatives, and voter registration.Item Winnie Kibe(2021-02-28) Institute for Diversity & Civic Life; Department of Religious StudiesThis interview is with Winnie Kibe, who is originally from Kenya, but now lives in North Texas with her family and will soon move to Boston for law school. Winnie speaks about her experience with racism in a small town in Iowa and how she was not prepared to encounter similar situations in Austin, a city that boasts of its diversity and inclusivity. Winnie also discusses a week-long power outage, icy roads, and a shortage of water during the polar vortex. Winnie recommends that communities come together to hold our government accountable and pay close attention to who’s really taking care of everyone.