Immigration climate causes concern
Student Senate considers evolving immigration policies
Matthew Orquia Editor-In-Chief
Hayden Kobza Managing Editor
Last month, in response to growing concern on campus regarding changing federal and state immigration policies, Student Association (SA) Senate sent a statement to Southern Adventist University administrators requesting a plan to protect students.
The statement reads, “In the light of the fact that the Trump Administration has allowed ICE to rigorously enforce the deportation policy in schools and churches, we request action or a protection
plan that manifests keeping all students safe from this policy.”
The statement refers to heightened efforts by the Trump administration to crack down on illegal immigration, such as the rescinding of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy memorandum from the Biden administration that protected areas of churches, schools and hospitals from enforcement action near the locations, according to the Homeland Security website.
In response, the university has formed a task force to monitor ongoing developments and evaluate potential
community impact. Additionally, Terrence Olsen, an immigration lawyer who advises Southern on student immigration, spoke to campus on Feb. 11.
The removal of the "protected area" designation... sparked concern among SDA institutions.
The removal of the “protected area” designation granted to churches, schools and hospitals sparked concern among Seventh-day Adventist institutions across the United States.
Last week, Pacific Union College released an administrative statement addressing the topic, joining the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Seventh-day Adventist Office for Regional Conference Ministry, the Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Loma Linda Health as organizations that have put out statements or social media posts.
Legal changes in Tennessee
In Jan. 2025, Senate Bill 6002 passed in the Tennessee General Assembly (TGA) and has until Feb. 18, 2025, to
be either signed into law or vetoed by Gov. Bill Lee. If the governor does not do either, the bill will become law without a signature, according to lawmaking policies on the TGA website.
The proposed legislation includes a new Immigration Enforcement Division...
The proposed legislation includes a new Immigration Enforcement Division, grants for local enforcement, distinct driver’s licenses for non-citizens and the penalizing
Shakes-and-sandwiches diner opens in Cambridge Square
From onion rings to super greens, Joe Mama’s diner is introducing a blend of family favorites and original recipes to Cambridge Square in Ooltewah.
The new eatery recently made its debut via a soft opening on Jan. 26, offering shakes, sandwiches and salads with plenty of choices for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Joe Mama's is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Joe Mama’s is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. According to the diner’s Facebook page, it will be closed on Mondays until the spring.
Restaurateur Joseph Keel said he developed the concept of Joe Mama’s after more than 30 years of experience in the food service industry. Keel is also the owner of Marthie Ann’s Tennessee Blue Plate, a restaurant with locations in both Cambridge Square and Cleveland, Tennessee.
Joe Mama’s menu draws inspiration from various cul-
tures, featuring a salad based on Mexican-style street corn and a spicy hot dog served with Thai curry vinaigrette among other dishes, according to Keel. The menu also includes a veggie flatbread made from tandoori naan topped with caramelized onions, arugula, tomatoes and a feta spread.
“What we think of as international food is really just soul food,” said Keel. “It might be
from Thailand. It might be from Chicago. It might be from Southern Appalachia … but when it comes to me dining out, this is what I want.”
Other items on the menu showcase classic deli food and shakes. Sandwiches include a reuben, a cheese hoagie and a build-your-own burger, among others. For a lighter meal, customers can choose from salads such as super greens
and kale, sesame ginger or Mediterranean. The majority of the restaurant's dishes can be substituted with meat replacements, such as tofu.
Keel's concept is designed for casual dining and a family environment.
Keel’s concept is designed
for casual dining and a family-friendly environment, with no alcohol and an approachable menu.
He said he drew from memories of traditionaldiners in his childhood for the intended atmosphere, with ’90s alternative music and plans for ’90s-themed wall decor.
According to Keel, he began his lifetime career in the food service industry on his 16th birthday with a job at a fastfood joint. Over the years, he gained various kinds of experience, from running a gourmet sandwich truck to managing restaurants in Knoxville and Key West, Fla.
Eventually, he opened his first restaurant, which eventually was rebranded as Marthie Ann’s Tennessee Blue Plate. After a building near his Marthie Ann’s location in Cambridge Square became available, Keel decided it was time to bring his concept for a more casual diner to life.
Cambridge Square, a commercial and residential shopping area off of Lee Highway, hosts over 45 businesses.
According to Jim Cheney, who oversees marketing and leasing for the development, the majority of those companies are locally owned.
"[Keel’s] decision to bring a second concept to the square
Joe Mama’s restaurant held a soft lanuchon Jan. 26 and is open for customers. Monday, February 10, 2025 (Photo by Andrew Boggess)
Immigration policy changes have caused concern in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
(Photo sourced from Unsplash)
Sienna Escobar Reporter
NEWS
Convocation speaker Sofia McDonald challenges racial injustice
Jehiely Balabarca Reporter
Sofia McDonald, an attorney with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), spoke at Southern Adventist University’s Thursday convocation on Feb. 6, delivering an informative presentation on race, justice and the responsibility to address inequality.
McDonald is a graduate of Harvard College and was a special education teacher in Chicago before attending law school at New York University School of Law.
She said her work at the EJI, which is located in Montgomery, Alabama, spans a wide variety of cases involving Alabama death row, abusive conditions in Alabama prisons, and post-incarceration re-entry.
McDonald said, during her time as a teacher in Chicago, her classes almost entirely consisted of Black teenage boys, all of whom had been impacted in some way by mass incarceration. Her time there is when she began to understand the true impact of the criminal justice system on the Black community,which motivated her to go to law school.
“Having a mom or a dad in prison impacted my students' academic performance, their behavior, whether they had to have a job outside of school [or] whether they had to take care of their siblings because a parent wasn't it wasn't in the home,” McDonald said.
Immigration
continued from page 1
of local officials who adopt sanctuary policies, according to the TGA website.
The Accent reached out to Assistant Police Chief Jamie Heath, of the Collegedale Police Department (CPD), to ask about the bill’s potential impact on the local community . Heath replied in an email that he is not able comment on the impact of the pending bill prior to an official outcome.
“If it does [become law], then the city and police department will evaluate our enforcement practices to see if there are any requirements for our compliance,” he said. “Until that time, the Collegedale Police Department would prefer not to speculate about such a sensitive topic and instead reassure everyone that we are here to serve and protect regardless of race, creed, gender, national origin, or immigration status.”
A professor’s perspective
The Accent interviewed Adrienne Royo, chair of Southern’s Modern Languages Department, who shared her thoughts on the new policies and possible Tennessee legislation.
Royo has worked as a lay pastor at several Spanish-speaking or bilingual churches, which she says allowed her to experience a “cultural richness” that she considers herself blessed to have received.
While getting her PhD, Royo worked with undocumented people who were trying to get documented. She was also a teacher for a class preparing people to get citizenship.
“No undocumented person should cross the border,” Royo
Southern Accent
"And in response, there was no emergency, no mobilization of experts as there was when the pandemic was declared."
White political leaders and decision-makers rely on the criminal justice system as the primary tool for maintaining
racial hierarchy, McDonald further explained. She said black people are over-policed, disproportionately arrested, prosecuted, convicted and subjected to harsh sentences for the same kind of conduct as white people.
“Bureau of Justice Statistics data from 2001 predicted that one in three Black boys would serve jail or prison time in their lifetime,” McDonald said.
Tennessee General Assemby Bill Overview
“Immigration - As introduced, creates within the department of safety the centralized immigration enforcement division, to be administered by the chief immigration enforcement officer; establishes a grant program for purposes of promoting the enforcement of federal immigration laws; creates criminal penalties for officials who adopt sanctuary policies and subsequently requires their removal from office upon conviction; requires department of safety to issue lawful permanent residents a temporary driver license, instead of a standard license, to aid in determining voter eligibility for someone who presents a Tennessee driver license as identification,” TGA.
said in a phone interview. "… I say that across the board.”
She cited Matthew 22, which says “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” to support her assertion.
However, she expressed disappointment at the current immigration landscape and shared that while she was serving as a lay pastor, she knew that some of her congregation was undocumented, but said that it was more important to share the Gospel with people.
“Our focus was not to identify individuals who were either documented or undocumented,” Royo said. “ … [The Gospel] has been brought to a lot of people, and it's been brought to a lot of people because they were attending church and seeking God and wanting to have answers and understanding.”
She said that people of all backgrounds in church can benefit and then share that benefit with their family and community.
"Many churches have been started and have been established in Spanish speaking countries..."
“Many churches have
been started and have been established and have been strengthened in Spanish speaking countries because of the persons that were here who learned about God and learned about the Gospel, and they were so excited and so uplifted that they carried that excitement and that knowledge with them wherever they went.”
When asked if these new policies and bills could bring racial profiling, Royo said that it could pose a concern.
When asked if these new policies and bills could bring racial profiling, Royo said she believes that it could pose a concern.
“It’s already started from what I've been hearing,” she said. “Before even [Donald Trump’s] administration came in, before they were sworn in, and all that, it seemed to be that there was already some research that was being done to identify locations where you might find people who are undocumented,” Royo said. “So it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility whatsoever.”
Royo finished her sentiment
“And in response, there was no emergency, no mobilization of experts as there was when the pandemic was declared. Instead, there was nothing.”
"... One in nine Black children has a parent who is incarcerated."
According to McDonald, that silence is prevalent. For her, it’s
by talking about the importance of prayer.
"We need to pray that God will intervene wherever He needs to, that God will be in control..."
“We need to keep people in prayer at all times,” Royo said. “We need to pray that God will intervene wherever he needs to, that God will be in control, and that the Gospel will continue to be able to be shared in spite of all the other external situations."
"And also, I would just like to pray that each one of our administrators, that faculty, that students, that employees, we need to keep them in prayer too, because it is an uncertain time that we're living in," she continued.
why systemic problems endure. Actual change necessitates more than passive acknowledgment. As for incarceration rates, she said, “One in 57 white children has a parent who is incarcerated, while one in nine Black children has a parent who is incarcerated.”
Diner
continued from page 1
is very much in line with our philosophy of supporting local business owners,” said Cheney in a press release on the Cambridge Square website. “We’re very fortunate to have Joseph and are confident that the community at large feels the same way.”
Local residents responded to a Facebook post by the Accent with appreciation for new dining options in the Ooltewah area.
“We need more variety for lunch in this area,” said Apison resident Sandra Stephens in a direct message, adding that the location in Cambridge Square offers a convenient alternative to the traffic congestion of the Hamilton Place Mall area.
Sofia McDonald speaks to the students at Southern Adventist University for convocation. Thursday, Febraury 6, 2025 (Photo by Preston Waters)
Southern Adventist University is working on a digital badging system to affirm student leadership skills, providing verified credentials for students to display alongside their experience.
Dennis Negrón, vice president for Student Development, said the initiative is part of a larger campus strategy to embed digital credentials in academics, student leadership and campus employment.
“The idea is to let potential employers know that somebody has developed a skill as a result of the classes that they take or leadership roles that they hold on campus,” Negrón said.
"The badges will be for four specific skills: leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving."
The badges will be for four specific skills: leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
Southern to develop digital badging system for student leadership COLLEGEDALE
“This year, we’re building the ones in leadership and teamwork,” Negrón said. “We hope to start the pilot next year with student government leaders and develop the other two.”
The program has a five-year implementation plan, with all four badges anticipated to be accessible to students by the 2027-28 academic year.
Badges will be listed on Southern’s co-curricular transcript, which documents participation in extracurricular activities and learning of soft skills. Although they won’t show up automatically on resumes, students will be able to add them.
Joseph Khabbaz, vice president for Spiritual Life, said that digital badging could help with students’ personal and professional development.
"We want to ensure that these badges have true currency in the workplace."
Digital badges have emerged in higher education as mech-
anisms to document informal learning that occurs outside of courses or credit programs. According to Khabbaz, research shows that they offer a broader representation of student achievements than degrees or certificates.
“Digital badges can give students a more tangible way to showcase their skills and experiences to employers, graduate schools and professional networks,” Khabbaz stated.
Negrón said the badging system might grow beyond
leadership roles to include volunteer work and campus employment.
“We want to ensure that these badges have true currency in the workplace,” he said.
An inside look at Tropical Cuisine, a Collegedale community restaurant
Collegedale is home to a community with a strong emphasis on vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, largely influenced by its deeprooted Seventh-day Adventist values. This unique cultural mixture fosters a healthy, often privately owned and plant-based food scene, with people always searching for new food options that cater to their appetites.
One restaurant in particular, Tropical Cuisine, has taken strides to serve the vegan and vegetarian population of Collegedale. Located on Ringgold-Ooltewah Road, the restaurant serves various healthy vegetarian and vegan dishes according to its website.
Alberto Torres, Tropical Cuisine owner, founded the restaurant in October 2021, so plant-based eaters near Collegedale had another dining option.
“I opened the restaurant because, in this area, there are many people who like vegetarian food and healthy food,” Torres said. “So many customers like that it’s vegan.”
While the restaurant’s menu emphasizes homemade and vegan items, it also has a unique South American influence, as reflected by the comments of satisfied customers and employees.
“The food they offer- I can't find something quite like it anywhere else,” said Sharon Duque, a senior accounting major at Southern. “They have a vegetarian or vegan alternative that you just can't find elsewhere.”
The menu ranges from sandwiches, soups and salads to Mexican fare. Some signature dishes include the House Plate, Enchiladas, Tropical Burrito, House Fried Rice and other vegetarian specials.
"I wanted good food that was semi healthy. It's very authentic."
“The food, actually, was one of the main reasons I went back,” said Elyse Baltodano, a junior business-public relations major. “I wanted good food that was semi healthy. It's very authentic. [The] authentic flavors remind me of childhood, and just things that I grew up with.”
In addition to the popular
dishes, the restaurant also serves açaí bowls, smoothies, juices and desserts in another section of the building. The drink menu includes customizable smoothies, coffee and more.
“All of our smoothies are fresh; we cut the fruits ourselves,” Royes said.
Despite there being other vegan cuisine in the area, such as High Su and The Garden at Southern, Tropical
Cuisine aims to stand out.
“There’s competition, yes, but our food is different,” Torres said. “It’s more homemade.”
The restaurant also takes pride in its welcoming atmosphere and Christian values.
“[I enjoy working in] the Christian atmosphere,” Royes said. “Most people who come are believers in Christ.” Duque said. “The staff were all really nice, they all
greeted us with smiles.The atmosphere was very welcoming, and they catered to my needs.”
According to its website, Tropical Cuisine aims to create “a place where the community [can] kick back, relax and savor the taste of home.”
Collegedale to host Storm Safety Day to help prepare community
Collegedale is set to host a Storm Safety Day on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at The Commons. The free event is intended to help residents better prepare for severe weather and provide them with safety demonstrations and resources.
According to a press release from Collegedale Commissioner Laura Howse, Storm Safety Day will run from 3 to 7 p.m., with volunteers from the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management and the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron on site to provide free weather radio programming.
Live demonstrations will cover storm safety, emergency preparedness and protective measures...
Attendees can bring their own weather radio or purchase one at the event. In addition to radio programming, live demonstrations will cover storm safety,
emergency preparedness and protective measures for homes and families. Residents will be able to ask questions to local storm safety experts.
“All residents of Collegedale and the surrounding areas are encouraged to attend,” the release states.
“Whether you are a firsttime weather radio owner or just looking to refresh your knowledge on storm safety, this event has something for everyone.”
"During my campaign, I spoke with many citizens who were concerned about storm safety."
In an email to the Accent, Howse explained how the initial idea of having a safety day came about.
“During my campaign, I spoke with many citizens who were concerned about storm safety,” she stated.
“While the SAU campus has a tornado siren, the rest of the county does not, leaving many residents without reliable warnings during severe
weather. The lack of designated storm shelters and a countywide tornado siren system means people need to do what they can to be informed and shelter safely at home.”
"... the Collegedale Police Department will showcase one of their emergency response trucks... "
According to Howse, organizations such as the American Red Cross will be involved to “host a table featuring their ‘Be Ready program,’ providing valuable preparedness information. Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department will have a representative on-site to discuss safe sheltering, and the Collegedale Police Department will showcase one of their emergency response trucks, with officers available to explain how they assist during severe weather events.”
Additionally, local thrift store The Samaritan Center will also staff a table to inform people of how they help others “recover after a storm.”
The emergency preparedness event will take place on “Foodie Wednesday,” an initiative organized by Alex Ferney that brings a variety of food trucks to The Commons.
Chloe Smith Reporter
Tropical Cuisine is located at Four Corners in Collegedale Monday, February 10, 2025 (Photo by: Andrew Boggess)
Storm Safety Day will be held on Feb. 26 from 3-7 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Laura Howse)
Edvan Benitez working in the SA office. Friday, January 10, 2025 (Photo by Shengzhe Zhao)
Emma Rodriguez Collegedale Editor
Jehiely Balabarca Reporter
Super bowl!
Residents from Talge Hall celebrate the Super Bowl together. Sunday, February 9, 2025. (Photo by Shengzhe Zhao)
Meg Ermer watches the game with anticipation. Sunday, February 9, 2025. (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Students congregate in Spalding Cove to watch the 2025 Super Bowl. Sunday, February 9, 2025. (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Students talk about the big game.
Sunday, February 9, 2025. (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Southern student watches the Super Bowl on Sunday Night.
Sunday, February 9, 2025. (Photo by Elias Zabala)
MENTAL HEALTH
Signs that someone may need help
Rylan Spencer Contributor
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.
In our society, we are pressured to present a positive outlook, even when the opposite is true. While this is mostly due to cultural expectations and norms, it can create a mask for those who hide their feelings despite their wish to express themselves. Thus, it can be hard to know when even the closest of friends needs your support.
In this article, we will discuss several ways to tell whether someone around you may need help, for although many signs may be internal, depression and anxiety symptoms often show in other areas of life.
Sudden Physical Changes
Changes in a person’s physical appearance can often be a strong indicator that they’re dealing with emotional or mental struggles.
For example, a sudden drop in weight might signal that they’re not eating enough, possibly due to stress, anxiety or a depressive episode affecting their appetite. Similarly, dark circles or “bags” under the eyes may point to sleep difficulties, suggesting they’re struggling to find rest or peace of mind.
Social Withdrawal
In addition to neglecting personal care, people suffering from depression or anxiety often withdraw altogether from their community and social ac-
tivities. This may be portrayed by a friend always finding an excuse to back out of a preplanned event or from initiating future plans. This warning sign may also present as a tendency to show up late when they normally do not, miss classes or skip work.
Anxious Behaviors
Stress and anxiety can trigger habits such as nail-biting, skin-picking or hair-twisting, which are often clear indicators of distress. While some people may engage in anxious behaviors out of boredom, they can also be signs of deeper emotional struggles, particularly if they appear suddenly or become more intense.
Addressing these behaviors
early is essential, as they can develop into painful, long-lasting habits if left unchecked.
Recognizing and gently addressing these signs can help prevent these habits from becoming chronic sources of discomfort.
Changes in Eating Habits
Another significant indicator of anxiety or depression is a drastic change in someone’s eating habits. It may appear as either overeating or undereating, depending on how the individual copes with stress.
For example, a person might restrict their food intake due to heightened concerns about their appearance, or they might lose their appetite entirely following a traumatic event,
lacking the energy or motivation to eat.
On the other hand, some individuals turn to food and binge eat when they feel low, which can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food.
According to an article by the Cleveland Clinic, during periods of overeating or undereating, “It feels like it controls you and interferes with your mental, emotional and physical well-being.”
Recognizing major shifts is essential, as they often signal deeper emotional struggles that could benefit from professional support.
Compassionate Observation
Recognizing signs of distress in others—whether through
physical appearance, behaviors or changes in habits—can make a meaningful difference in supporting someone who may be struggling.
Subtle cues, including shifts in personal hygiene, anxious habits, social withdrawal and changes in eating patterns, are often indicators of deeper emotional or mental challenges.
By being observant and compassionate, we can offer understanding and encourage those around us to seek help if they need it. Sometimes, simply showing that you care and are there to listen can be the first step toward someone’s healing journey.
SPORTS
Skateboarding: A community open to all
Isaiah Lawrence Contributor
For a very long time, while I loved sports and the community they offer, it has been difficult to find a collaborative community that I liked. I played football. I ran track, and I even had short stints doing aikido and other martial arts. But the community that I have immersed myself in the most, and that I have invested time, energy, money, tears and effort into, has been skateboarding.
As a Black skateboarder I still take time to find and educate myself on the history of Black skateboarding. A staple Blackowned brand in the skate community is DGK, which specializes in skateboards and skate fashion. At first glance, its name seems quite baffling because it’s an acronym for “Dirty Ghetto Kids.”
The backstory is that when a young Stevie Williams entered a skate photography contest in the mid-’90s at age 11. When the photographer saw Stevie
and his friends, he labeled them “Dirty Ghetto Kids.” Instead of allowing those hateful words to tear them down, theyused it to fuel their company motto, which says, “DGK is for those who come from nothing. It represents turning a negative into a positive and making something out of nothing against all odds.”
Today, DGK is listed as one of the most authentic skateboarding brands by the skate community and is known for how it invests in young skaters and
the communities where they live. Brands such as DGK — or my personal favorite: SBB, Scary But Beautiful — use their talent and creativity to uplift positive values and, in some cases, the power of the love of God.
Black History Month isn’t a reminder to simply give Black history “a nod” and move on, it’s a time to reflect on the efforts of those before us who fought and worked and sacrificed so much to be included in the same spaces as others, like DGK and the skateboarding community.
For me, skateboarding has been everything. It has taken me to places like Hawaii, where I am a student missionary right now, and it has helped me make friends and be a part of
this huge community. Culturally, there are differences within skateboarding, since specific kinds of tricks are commonly learned by Black skaters and celebrated by that community. This constant blend of cultures has allowed me to gain an understanding of where people come from and the history of how skating as a sport developed in their communities. I learn more about other cultures everywhere I skate.
Black History Month shouldn’t be filled with hatred or comparison, but rather, an acknowledgment of the struggle and the celebration of the contributions by the Black community to American history and American culture.
Intramural Schedule
PLAYOFFS - Games start from 6 - 9 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
- Ladies B @ 6 p.m.
- Mens C @ 7 p.m.
PLAYOFFS - Games start from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
- Mens B @ 7 p.m.
- Ladies A @ 8:30 p.m.
- Mens A @ 9: p.m.
Isaiah Lawrence demonstrates a trick to a class. (Photo by Miguel Manzo)
Pressure to display a positive outlook can conceal how people are really feeling. (Photo sourced from Pexels)
OPINION
Senseless and Unamerican: Trump suspends refugee admissions
Meg Ermer Contributor and prove they are at risk of persecution in their home country. The entire process usually takes about two years, leaving many applicants in dangerous situations while they wait for their cases to be processed.
During his first week in office, President Donald Trump signed a slew of executive orders, one of which suspends the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) until further notice.
The executive order says that the United States “lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of … refugees into its communities in a manner that [ensures] the availability of resources for Americans [and] that protects their safety and security,” implying that citizens need to be safeguarded from refugees.
The order cites Springfield, Ohio, about which Trump during his 2024 presidential debate made baseless claims that immigrants were “eating the pets of the people that live there,” despite the fact that numerous reporting agencies have investigated these claims and found them to be false.
Trump incorrectly conflates the refugee admissions process with his border policy agenda. Before they can set foot in the United States, refugee applicants are rigorously vetted and have cleared background checks by numerous federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Additionally, every applicant must do a face-to-face interview with an officer from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
If applicants pass all of the security checks, they are subject to a thorough medical screening as well as a cultural orientation, and only then can they book travel to the United States. Once applicants arrive, local refugee resettlement organizations help them integrate into their new communities.
Trump’s USRAP suspension took effect on Jan. 27, leaving thousands of refugee applicants with no path forward, even those who had already waited through the admissions process, been approved and booked travel. Among these are over 1,500 Afghans who had risked their lives by working alongside U.S. agencies during the Taliban rule. Some are family members of activeduty U.S. military personnel.
The suspension has also disrupted funding for refugees already in the United States. Refugee resettlement organizations rely on federal funding to provide newly arrived families with rent, utilities and necessities. There is now no clear path forward for these organizations to continue supporting families in this capacity.
Regardless of how one may feel about Trump’s immigration policies, the refugee admissions process is a legal pathway
RELIGION
that has provided over 3 million people with a safe home in the United States. It has been unfairly targeted by a president who seems to have little to no knowledge about the inner workings of the approval process nor the value that refugee families bring to our communities. Trump centered his presidential campaign largely on a crackdown on illegal immigration, but undermining a perfectly valid means of entering this country indicates
that these policies may be about more than someone’s citizenship status.
If you feel compelled to help our community navigate this uncertain time, I encourage you to donate, volunteer and advocate with local refugee resettlement organizations.
One of these is Bridge Refugee Services, an East Tennessee resettlement agency with a branch in Chattanooga. The time I’ve spent working with refugee families in my com-
munity has deepened my understanding of the hardships endured by innocent people as well as shown me the immense power that communities have to uplift each other in the face of hate. To learn how to get involved, visit bridgerefugees. org.
Editor’s Note: The Opinion Section encourages multiple perspectives, so please feel free to send a response or other opinions for future articles to allisongrundy@southern.edu.
Gladventists: Spreading the joy of Jesus
Nina Bueno Religion Editor
Most of us on this campus are Adventists, and certain things define us. It could be having the perfect recipe for haystacks (no olives, no ranch). Or maybe it’s your family having the entire Ellen G. White corpus or the set of felts about her life (we do). Perhaps it was growing up making paper models of the desert tabernacle or practicing marching for a Pathfinder camporee. What defines us as Adventists can even put us into what I call “types of Adventism”: badventism, sadventism, gladventism and the list could go on.
But I wonder, have we been letting these superficial details of our church identity take over the true identity we have in Christ? What should really define us as Adventists, and more importantly, as Christians?
To be a Christian is to be a follower, a disciple and an imitator of Christ. It is to think, act, speak and love like Christ. So we profess to be Christians. We say we have the love of Christ in our hearts and have been entrusted with the Three Angels’ Messages. Yet, so often we do not have joy in Jesus as we should. We do not have joy in the assurance of salvation or desire to spread that joy to other lost souls. Our Sabbath-morning religion does not spill into our day-to-day life. We may have the “joy, joy, joy, joy down in our hearts,” but it does not overflow to others. We are more sadventists than gladventists.
In the Bible, we can see God’s true calling for the church and how our actions should look. Even in the Old Testament,
God’s chosen people were to “Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” (Psalm 96:1-3, NIV). Not only were they to rejoice and sing in the glory of the Lord, but to declare it to others, to “let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for He comes” (Psalm 96:13).
And in the New Testament, we read in Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians about how their exhibition of joy helped spread the gospel to others.
“You welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit…the Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaea—your faith in God has become known everywhere” (1 Thess. 6-8). If only this could be said about us — that even in the face of severe trials, we could still be known as people who have so much faith in our God that we still rejoice! Peter echoes this sentiment, reminding us that Christ experienced both suffering and joy. “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Pet. 4:13). Thus, as we imitate Christ in our lives, our experiences will imitate His as well. Friends, we can rejoice in the salvation we have in Christ! We may have joy in the fact that Jesus is Lord and that He is coming back again!. We should not keep this joy to ourselves any longer; we should let it spill into every interaction.
Imagine facing the suffering in this life without the joy of Jesus. Imagine knowing the cure
or having the medicine for a disease, but not sharing it with those who need it.
We must share the hope, love
and joy that we have! Let us live up to the calling that God has for us as Christians. Let our joy define our actions, thoughts
and words, both on Sabbath and every day. Our identity is in Christ; let us be gladventists.
Trump incorrectly conflates the refugee admissions process with his border policy agenda. (Photo sourced from Pexels)
We must share the hope, love and joy that we have! (Photo sourced from Unsplash)
Who am I?: Finding my own identity in a complex cultural environment
Matthew Kimbley Contributor
When most people first see me, they often assume I am Hispanic. Every time I visit a Spanish-speaking country, at least a few people speak to me in Spanish, immediately assuming that I understand. My response, “No hablo español,” often results in confused looks. The truth is, I only have one-sixteenth Panamanian blood. My mother is Jamaican and my father is Kentucky hillbilly. My heritage is a mix of German, English, Scottish, African, Indian and who knows what else. It is always a frustrating endeavor when I am asked to check one box asking for my race and ethnicity. It would be nice if they included an option for “all of the above,” since I am quite certain it would apply to me.
Aside from checking boxes on standardized tests or government forms, I also face the challenge of understanding my cultural identity. Looking through the list of cultural clubs on campus, I often wonder: “Where do I fit?” Yes, I could technically participate in any of these clubs, even if I am not specifically from any of these cultures. Sometimes, I can identify with a particular heritage when it is convenient—like when in high school I was awarded an achievement scholarship reserved for African Americans. When visiting Germany, I was able to make connections with my roots from
my father’s side. However, I sometimes get caught in the crosshairs of cultural conflict. Political disagreements surrounding controversial racial topics affect me differently than someone with a strictly white or black heritage. “You aren’t really black, and you can’t really associate yourself as such,” one black person told me. “You really need to go back to your African roots, since that’s who you really are,” one white person told me. Whom do I believe?
In the midst of our challenging environment, I have to
remember that I am part of a race that transcends borders of skin color, language or culture: the human race. And ultimately, my home is in Heaven, not on this Earth. I don’t have to place my identity strictly in a culture if my identity is placed in Christ.
This is not to say that culture is not important. I find the study and exploration of culture fascinating, and I take elements that I find positive from different cultures. If you have a culture that you identify with, that is great! Cultures create a wonderful sense of community
and commonality that can be a great blessing. However, if you are like me and aren’t quite sure where you fit, you can find many other ways to be a part of a community. Southern is an incredibly diverse campus and has numerous communities that transcend the bounds of culture. On a broader scale, the Adventist Church is one of the most diverse religious denominations, and I have felt a strong sense of belonging in many of the churches I have visited.
Whether you have a strong cultural identity or not, I believe
that we can all find a sense of belonging in Christ. No matter how different our accents, skin colors or backgrounds may be, we can unite as fellow human beings and as Christians. We can strive to both create an inclusive environment for those around us and to immerse ourselves in positive communities. Wherever we may fit (or not fit) in this complicated cultural system, let’s find ways to create a world where, as Martin Luther King Jr. stated, no one will be “judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Whether you have a strong cultural identity or not, I believe that we can all find a sense of belonging in Christ. (Photo courtesy of Matthew Kimbley)
Credit: Karl Michael Camacho
Susie Kim
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