One Book One Northwestern

Congratulations to the People's Choice winner of the OBON Photo Contest, Naya Yazigi!

"A Syrian man's tired and weary gaze after witnessing a young street artist getting dragged away for painting anti-regime graffiti. For me, the significance of this image lies in the way it’s perceived before the fall of the Al-Assad regime. I saw in this photograph a muted, frustrated heart enclosed within a soundproof shield. The man seemed to resist even showing a reaction; his calm, expressionless look was an act of self-preservation, concealing any trace of solidarity that could mark him as an ally. His soul, I imagined, was sinking in devastation and cloaking itself in a helplessness dress, a necessary mask for survival in an environment full of fear and surveillance."

Congratulations to the Third Place winner of the OBON Photo Contest, Vani Bansal!

"Through the clear pane of glass, a blurred cityscape stretches beyond – a world of opportunities she can see but not always access. The glass, spotless from her diligent work, becomes a metaphor for her struggle: she cleans and perfects the barriers of others’ lives while silently pressing against her own. Her serene smile masks an inner turmoil – her daughter is in the ER, fighting typhoid. Yet, she carries on navigating life’s demands, including hefty treatment fees.

This photo captures the quiet strength of someone whose struggles remain unseen, where resilience is not loud but quietly persistent."

Congratulations to the Second Place winner of the OBON Photo Contest, Stephen Kao!

"This picture is a metaphor for the state of the polar regions: the melting of ice and glaciers poses a risk to the survival of polar species. With global warming threatening the destruction of their habitat, these penguins are forced to stand on a small iceberg in the middle of the ocean with ominous dark clouds forecasting a grim future. Cracks in the ice represent the fragility of their situation and the orange on the horizon symbolizes the encroaching threat of global warming. The voices of the penguins are not heard; it is humans who can make a difference. However, from this picture, evokes the feeling of hopelessness where they are alone in a vast ocean, waiting for their home to eventually melt if nothing is done. It deeply saddens me to not see more being done to prevent global warming and giving a voice to the populations that cannot speak."

Congratulations to the First Place winner of the OBON Photo Contest, Ashley Xue!

"In the mind of an individual struggling with mental illness, the battle to hold onto hope can feel both vital and elusive. Entrapped in a dark, abandoned room, this photo symbolizes the isolation of such individuals from society, as well as themselves. The light represents hope and help, but its ironically intangible nature reflects the continued inaccessibility of mental health resources in today’s world. Despite progress in awareness, stigma and such barriers still remain deeply entrenched. This photo was captured in an abandoned orphanage, paralleling the abandonment of those in need of mental health support.

The photo is a reflection of something deeply personal to myself and individuals around me. I hope to raise awareness of the systemic gaps in mental health care and societal understanding. While it may not be a conventional “space,” it only further demonstrates the urgency of ensuring these voices are seen and understood. Our society still has a long, long way to go."

Join us at The Block Museum for a 3-part series to learn about the Sand Creek Massacre and Northwestern's place in its history. All are welcome at any number of events! More information is available on the Northwestern Events Calendar.

The One Book One Northwestern selection committee is seeking recommendations for the 2025-2026 academic year. Book suggestions should include the title, author, number of pages, summary, and a brief description of why this book would make an excellent common read.

Submit a suggestion here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgBm0W_sjfUTR4PPV7B3e0mrfQuCrWfOFw8mvxDlA9cjkw-Q/viewform

Join us for a buffet dinner and discussion with Northwestern History Professor, Doug Kiel, a citizen of the Oneida Nation who studies Native American history.

Often perceived through a lens of stereotypes and myths, the Midwest has been dynamically reshaped by the persistent resistance and collective action of Indigenous peoples and communities of color. From enduring Indigenous struggles and environmental justice movements to the rise of labor activism and civil rights campaigns, these communities have confronted oppression, striving for empowerment and resilience amidst challenges and setbacks. Through grassroots organizing, coalition-building, and direct action, they have worked to address social inequities and environmental injustices affecting their lives. This presentation delves into how their efforts underscore the dynamic nature of the Midwest, revealing a region shaped by both struggle and the enduring pursuit of racial justice and transformation.

This event is free but registration is required. Space is limited.

The 2024 One Book keynote with author Louise Erdrich is TOMORROW (Tuesday, October 15) from 5-6 PM in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall! There are limited seats still available, so reserve your tickets now. Head over to tinyurl.com/obonkeynote2024 to claim your seats and submit Q&A questions today! See you tomorrow!

Northwestern University | Ticketing - One Book Keynote - Louise Erdrich One Book Keynote - Louise Erdrich The Night Watchman Author Louise Erdrich, in conversation with faculty Co-Chairs Bryan Brayboy and Megan BangOct. 15 | 5:00 PM | Pick Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle, Evanston, ILPlease join us for the One Book keynote with author Louise Erdrich, winner of the....