Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
At a Stranger's Table
Session Abstract or Summary
We propose to show excerpts from a documentary titled At a Stranger’s Table followed by a panel discussion and Q&A. The documentary highlights the Latino H-2A/migrant farm workers’ plight and tracks them in their isolated, rural environments. The demanding work schedule contributes to the farm workers’ struggles and isolation. This film provides a deeper look at their lives and their contributions to the U.S. food supply.
Our presentation is critical in the current local and national discussion regarding immigration, labor, mental health, and inclusivity. Our film, which has been tracking farm workers since March 2017 and will continue through December of 2018, explores a collection of narratives from farm workers and scholars. Our panel discussion strives to reveal the universal experience of the farm worker to our ASA audience through digital humanities. Through nonfiction narratives, 3 years of mental health research, and “art as activism,” we make “visible” the “invisible” workforce that contributes so much to the United States dinner table. The film will be the catalyst for dialogue and creative expression from which the audience can engage with the panel.
Scott Temple will address ethnography work as a filmmaker and creative writer. Sally Jacobs will speak about art as activism using time-based imagery as a vehicle for social change in rural communities. Dr. Misun Hur will discuss her research about how the isolation of the farm workers’ camps and their proximity to towns and resources have an impact on their mental health and well-being.
Presentation #1 Title
Ethnography and filmmaking
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Scott Temple will address ethnography work associated with the migrant farmworker as a filmmaker and creative writer. He will discuss his process, including, trust building, organizing, relation with farm owners and farm workers, and creating collaboration with other institutions and organizations.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Scott Temple is an instructor of English and Humanities at Pitt Community College, Greenville, NC. He has a MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and BA in English from Appalachian State University. Funding for At a Stranger’s Table is made available through grants by the North Carolina Humanities Council, UNC-Chapel Hill World View Foundation, The Center for Global Initiatives, and The Consortium of Latin American and Caribbean Studies between UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University.
Presentation #2 Title
Art and Activism
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
Sally Jacobs will speak about art as activism using time-based imagery as a vehicle for social change in rural communities. She will address the power of imagery, the creative process, and the importance of remaining open and malleable while learning one's subject.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Sally Jacobs is a lecturer at Belmont Abbey College. She received her MFA in visual arts from Western Carolina University and her BFA from the University of Cincinnati. Jacobs’ work is represented at Prince Street Gallery, NYC. She lived for 8 years in Florence, Italy where her work was exhibited at Gruppo Donatello Gallery. While in Italy, she was the recipient of the Premio Prize from Leo Fortham studios.
Presentation #3 Title
Health and Well-Being
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
Dr. Misun Hur will discuss her research about how the isolation of the farm workers’ camps and their proximity to towns and resources have an impact on their mental health and well-being. She will expand upon her points addressed in the film from her 3 years of field research.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Dr. Misun Hur is an Associate Professor, Urban & Regional Planning program,Department of Geography, Planning, & Environment. She is working with a team at East Carolina University on migrant farmworker camp isolation and how this effects their mental health and well-being. The collection of narratives from the film provide Dr. Hur insight into how the farmworkers’ isolation from services often result in negative consequences.
Conference Subthemes
Diversity and Inclusion, Health, Migration
Ethnography and filmmaking
Scott Temple will address ethnography work associated with the migrant farmworker as a filmmaker and creative writer. He will discuss his process, including, trust building, organizing, relation with farm owners and farm workers, and creating collaboration with other institutions and organizations.
