From Me to We
In collaboration with SMC Public Policy Institute, SMMUSD, City of Santa Monica, and the SMC Associated Students
Building Cross-Racial Solidarity for a Better Democracy
May 15 – 18, 2023All events are free and open to the public.

Featuring: Heather McGhee and Dr. Ian Haney López
How We Build Power: Linking Race and Class Mass Incarceration, Wealth Inequality, Threats to Democracy
Monday, May 15, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Discussion with Dr. Ian Haney López, UC Berkeley School of Law, author of Merge Left and Dog Whistle Politics
Moderators: Dr. Paul Klumpe, SMC Philosophy
SMC Student Services Center Orientation Hall (SSC 183)
SMC Main Campus
Putting White Interests on Trial: Derrick Bell’s ‘Space Traders’ Thought Experiment
Tuesday, May 16, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
A screening of “Space Traders”, a 30-minute film based on a short story by civil rights champion, lawyer, and professor Derrick Bell, will be incorporated into this discussion and reflection on race.
Moderators: Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein; Dr. Amber Katherine, SMC Philosophy; and Tim Conley, SMC Film
SMC Student Services Center Orientation Hall (SSC 183)
SMC Main Campus
Why can’t we have nice things?: A Student Panel on Race, Class & Solidarity
Wednesday, May 17, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Featuring SMC Students
SMC Student Services Center Orientation Hall (SSC 183)
SMC Main Campus
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together
Thursday, May 18, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Keynote Address by Heather McGhee; author of The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together.
John Adams Middle School (JAMS) Auditorium
2425 16th St,
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Accommodations
If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in any of these events, please contact Kiersten Elliott at Elliott_Kiersten@smc.edu or 310-434-4173, at least 5 business days in advance.
About the Public Policy Institute
The Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues. The Institute—which presents informative discussions on the policy issues that affect our daily lives—proudly offers an Associate in Arts degree and a Certificate of Achievement in Public Policy. Students can choose to specialize in one of five policy areas: arts and cultural affairs, education, environment and sustainability, public health, and urban/socioeconomic affairs. Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, Co-Director, and Founding Associate Director; Shari Davis, MPP, Co-Director. To view past events, visit PPI Past Events.