GMercyU Hosts First "Woke Week"

Gwynedd Mercy University is hosting its first "Woke Week" starting on November 6, 2017. This week-long event, the first of its kind at GMercyU, will focus on various social justice issues in light of the current political climate and in line with the Critical Concerns of Mercy.

There are more than 15 programs scheduled for the entire GMercyU community, including viewings of the popular TV show Black-ish, discussions around sexuality and religion, and Suicide Awareness training. Planning has been a true collaborative effort, with more than 10 campus departments and clubs sponsoring events.

"Because of the current state of our world, many of us around campus saw a unique opportunity to provide a place for students who we know are already having these conversations," Assistant Director of Student Activities & Leadership Programs Ali Jabara Johnston, M.S. said. "We know some of our programs will be 'preaching to the choir,' but even the choir needs to be energized."

To really gear the event towards GMercyU's students, organizers chose to call it "Woke Week" based off the popular slang term. Woke, according to Urban Dictionary, is often used instead of "awake" to reference how people should be aware of current issues.