Theater Student Shares Storytelling's Connection to Solidarity in UN Event

Gabriella “Gabby” McKinley views theater as a vehicle for social justice. On December 20, the Buffalo State College theater major and legal studies minor had the opportunity to share how she’s done just that during International Human Solidarity Day, sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Culture Organization (UNESCO).

McKinley, a Staten Island, New York, native who graduated in December 2020, joined Drew Kahn, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor and director of the college’s Anne Frank Project (AFP), to present the talk “AFP/BSC: Unlocking Solidarities through Stories” in the virtual event attended by thousands of participants representing more than 100 countries.

“It was an amazing experience,” McKinley said. “People were talking about art, culture, and science. I was nervous at first, but everyone was welcoming and friendly, which took the pressure off.”

The purpose of the event was to celebrate unity in diversity, with presentations ranging from practical examples of solidarity in 2020 to using music, dance, and storytelling to promote solidarity going forward.

 “Buffalo State was one of very few colleges or universities invited to attend,” Kahn noted.

The invitation comes at a time when Buffalo State, a longtime proponent of social justice, is in the process of launching new social justice initiatives. They include creating a scholarship in honor of George Floyd, planning a permanent social justice outdoor space and monument on campus, and starting an onboarding and mentoring program for minority faculty hires.

Kahn’s goal, he said, is to have students be the voice of AFP, which is why he invited McKinley to join him for the UN event.

 “I selected Gabby because she is an exceptional student, artist, and citizen,” Kahn said. “I also know Gabby’s interests lie at the cross-section of theater, social justice, and international policy. The UNESCO opportunity seemed ideal for Gabby.”

Indeed, the experience dovetailed with McKinley’s study of the UN in the political science course International Organizations, which she was completing when Kahn extended the invitation.   

During their 15-minute talk, Kahn and McKinley explained story-based learning, which is a pillar of the AFP workshops theater students conduct with schoolchildren and teachers in Buffalo and in Rwanda.

“The takeaway is that everyone’s story is different,” McKinley said. “Everyone perceives life differently, but at the heart of it all, we all want the same thing—to be heard and to feel like we matter.”

McKinley got to share her passion for AFP, the campus festival where she volunteered since her freshman year; each year the festival focuses on a theme reflected in performances, art exhibits, and participatory explorations of difficult topics.

“AFP is one thing that drew me to Buffalo State,” she said. “I fell in love with it immediately and kept volunteering every year. I eventually was offered an internship where I helped create the workshops and prepare for the next year.”

 McKinley started acting at age 3 and said she has since immersed herself in all aspects of theater. While she still loves acting and looks forward to the day when local theaters can safely reopen, she said, she’s considering pursuing a law career.

Participating in Solidarity Day boosted her confidence and interest in the international arena.

 “I’m extremely grateful that Drew chose me to participate,” she said. “I made some new connections with people from around the world. It was awesome.”