In “Sanctuary, Solidarity, and Latina/o/x Practices of Accompaniment,” the four of us learned about historical and contemporary notions of sanctuary, belonging, community-engaged learning, and solidarity in the broader Latinx community and across other identity markers.  Throughout the semester, we read books, scholarly articles, OpEds, listened to podcasts, watched videos, attended lectures, and visited museums to increase our knowledge of sanctuary.  When it was time to think about creating our own projects, our group was drawn to making a podcast because of how the format resonates with us.  The podcasts we listened to for class allowed us to hear the voices of those sharing their stories and left us feeling more connected to the material.  Initially, we wanted to create a walking tour of Oberlin's history, beginning with the Underground Railroad.  However, we quickly realized that it would be best to focus our conversation on a specific aspect of sanctuary and the Oberlin community.  So, we turned to program houses.  Right away, several questions emerged: Do program houses exemplify sanctuary, safe spaces, or both on Oberlin's campus?  Are safe spaces the same as sanctuary? How did program houses arise in response or in relation to events locally and nationally?  Has the purpose of these spaces changed since their establishment? 

 

We knew that beyond our own research, personal experience (as two of the four members currently live in program houses), and visits to the Oberlin College Archives, we needed to interview students and faculty who are closely tied to these spaces.  We interviewed two students and a professor who help provide their knowledge of history and share their own personal narratives that mimic the podcasts that inspired this project.  We hope that you learn about an aspect of Oberlin that is so essential to certain students' experience here.