JusticeCon 2023

The Office of Student Inclusion & Diversity and the Social Justice Symposium Committee at UNC Pembroke recently announced events for the Social Justice Week, to be held in hybrid form April 3-5, 2023.

First held in 2022, JusticeCon offers students, faculty, staff, alumni, scholars and the community a two-day UNCP Comic-Con experience that incorporates opportunities to explore the intersection of fandom, popular culture, and social change. This year, we are partnering with Campus Engagement & Leadership, the Livermore Library, and the eSports Club to provide additional opportunities for our community to engage, learn, and advocate. 

The 2023 JusticeCon, held on April 4 and 5, will feature a keynote speaker and breakout sessions, a student research poster session, an Artist Alley, a Cosplay Catwalk, and gaming opportunities. 

REGISTRATION

  • Admission is free but registration is required to attend JusticeCon.
  • Registrants will receive information on how to attend the Con, virtually and in-person.
  • Register for JusticeCon

 

SCHEDULE - Tuesday

Sessions include:

11-11:50 a.m.: Keynote Address

  • It's All a Plan (Unless It Isn't) with Dr. Paul Booth, DePaul University (#VirtualJusticeCon)

12-12:50 p.m.: Breakout Sessions

  • Music as a Vehicle for Social Change, Dr. Joanna Hersey (#VirtualJusticeCon)

1-1:50 p.m.: Breakout Sessions

  • Evaluating the Quality of LGBTQ+ Representation on Television, Stephie Bertorelli (#VirtualJusticeCon)

2-2:50 p.m.: Breakout Sessions

  • Exploring the Theatre Gap Initiative, Corey Mitchell (#VirtualJusticeCon)

3-3:50 p.m.: Breakout Sessions

  • Through the Eyes of Eywa, Angelica Hernandez
  • The Impact of Fandoms, Joy Piedmont (#VirtualJusticeCon)

4-4:50 p.m.: Breakout Sessions

  • Kindness as a Tool for Success, Sean Whalen (#VirtualJusticeCon)

5-5:50 p.m.: Breakout Sessions

  • Like and Leave a Comment: Exploring Body Issues and Mental Health through Social Media, Tazanna Cummings

6-6:50 p.m.: Breakout Sessions

  • Shireside Chat: Building Intercultural Fellowship with the OG Fellowship, Sam Hauser

 

SCHEDULE - Wednesday

Sessions include:

1-1:50 p.m.: Breakout Sessions

  • Harry Styles & Queerbaiting?, Cara Martin & Yaniasia Royal

  • Indigenous Representation in Fandoms, Johnnie Jae (#VirtualJusticeCon)

2-2:50 p.m.: Breakout Sessions

  • Controversy vs. Civility, Katie Aguilar Manueles & Shania McMillian

  • Star Wars, Racism, & Being an Anti-Fan, Max Dosser (#VirtualJusticeCon)

3-3:50 p.m.: Breakout Sessions

  • Breaking the Invisible Wall, Anesu Mavhiya

  • Red Flags on Reality T.V., Dava Renee (#VirtualJusticeCon)

4-4:50 p.m.: Breakout Sessions

  • Dodging Red Flags: Identifying Toxic Relationships in Pop Culture, Crismira Egerton
  • The Blurs of Freedom: Tackling U.S Imperialism through the Sonic Universe​, Adonis Johnson

5-5:50 p.m.: Breakout Sessions

  • Evaluating the Quality of Female Representation on Television, Stephie Bertorelli (#VirtualJusticeCon)

 

Cosplayers showing off their costumes
Cosplay Catwalk

JusticeCon's first ever Cosplay Catwalk will be taking place on April 5 at 11:00am in the U.C. Annex. Cosplayers of all kinds are invited to participate, and there will even be a "Best in Show" award! 

Cosplayers will be on stage for a short moment and will do a so called walk on – walk off. You do not need to prepare an act. The catwalk does welcome both handmade and purchased cosplays. 

Sign up today on BraveConnect!
a blurred image of an exhibit hall
Exhibit Hall

This year's Exhibit Hall will be taking place on April 5 from 10:00am - 2:00pm. The hall will feature local artists, student organizations, and campus and community partners. 

people playing games
Gaming

UNC Pembroke's eSports Club is leading a number of opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to get involved in the gaming community!

On April 4 at 5:00pm, there will be a "Cozy Games" set up in the James B. Chavis Student Center Room 251.

On April 5 from 11:00-2:00pm, there will be opportunities to play Dungeons & Dragons and other board games in the U.C. Annex.

On April 5 at 2:00pm, there will be a Smash Bros Tournament held in the Hawk's Nest. 

Check out all these opportunities and sign up here!

If you need an accommodation to access the program and/or program materials, please contact Lisa Gonzalez-Bullard at 910.521.6508 no later than five business days prior to the program.  However, a good faith effort will be made for any request made less than five days in advance.

JusticeCon is sponsored by the Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity, Campus Engagement and Leadership, the Livermore Library, and the eSports Club. 

For more information, contact the Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity at osid@uncp.edu or 910.521.6508.