Seminar 8: Taking it to the Streets: Rhetoricians Doing Activism in a World on Fire

Leaders: Theon Hill (Wheaton College) and Brynn Fitzsimmons (University of Alabama)

Enduring forms of oppression, marginalization, and exploitation challenge us to ask
crucial questions regarding the role of rhetorical scholars as participants in organizing and
advocacy efforts. Specifically, this seminar questions how rhetoricians might use the tools of the
field to do activism and organizing beyond academic research. To address this question,
participants will reflect critically on the intersections of activism and rhetorical studies, develop a
personal theory of change, and map their own risk tolerance and role within organizing work. In
addition, participants will learn strategies for discovering, contacting, and adapting their skills to
activist and advocacy organizations in their areas. This will include discussions on trust-building
and frequent academic/activist tensions. Louisville’s history of organizing and advocacy
positions it as an ideal site for this conversation. In 2020, the state-sanctioned killing of Breonna
Taylor triggered sustained local organizing efforts, drawing on a deeper advocacy and organizing
history. In 1963, Louisville became the first major Southern city to ban racial discrimination in
public accommodations, a full year before the U.S. Civil Rights Act, a victory driven by Black
high school students and local advocacy organizations protesting segregated businesses. This
seminar treats organizing as a practice that sustains activist moments, working alongside local
organizers and drawing on Louisville’s ongoing organizing infrastructure.

Note from the organizers:
As per previous workshops, there may be pre-reading and pre-work required before June. Your leaders will reach out to you some time after registration with additional details.

There will be no A/V equipment available in this seminar. The seminar leaders encourage participants to bring charged devices with their preferred hardware and software pre-loaded, especially for any participants who have accessibility needs. You should indicate any accessibility needs on your registration form.