Everett Cafe: Thinking, Acting & Learning

Students must have initiative; they should not be mere imitators. They must learn to think and act for themselves, and be free.
—Cesar Chavez

Student activism plays a major role in motivating others for political, economic, social, or environmental change. It may be expressed through marches, sit ins, walk outs, vigils, rallies, boycotts, strikes, letter writing, petitions, or publications, with the most common form being demonstrations and protests. Acknowledging respect for the freedom of students and their right to free speech, activism also serves to develop skills in communications, relationship building, and critical thinking -- skills that grow leaders. It is both a learning experience and an opportunity for more traditional forms of leadership to examine and address concerns on many levels, including those that relate to campus life, culture, and administration.

In Thinking, Learning, and Acting: On Student Activism, we explore different facets of student activism, from its historical example in the United States, to its reach and influence across the globe, with compelling narratives drawn from Europe, Asia, and Africa. This book display complements the archival book display, Student Voices in Print and Perpetuity, in the Third Floor Reading Room cabinets, as well as the adjoining Offit Gallery art exhibition, Artivism: Art from the Heart.

Academic year 2023-2024 saw a rise in student demonstrations and campus takeovers that were especially focused on continuing conflict in Gaza. We wish to acknowledge the initiative and efforts of our students as they become leaders for change and help us realize the complexities of ourselves, our societies, and the world around us.

At Everett Cafe, you'll find a new book collection every few weeks that relates to current events, education, or learning environments.