On June 23, 2016, the United States Supreme Court upheld in the Fisher v. University of Texas case the continued use of race-conscious policies in higher education. I must admit that I am somewhat surprised but given the balance of the court of liberal and conservative voices with the absence of Justices Kagan and Scalia, maybe this is what tipped the scale. This decision, … [Read more...]
100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women GALA Event and Book Launch
When I arrived in Canada to start my new post at Ryerson University, I was very excited and looked forward to working in one of the most diversity cities in the world. Ryerson was willing to take the risk and hire an African American women from the Midwest to lead the country’s first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion division as the Assistant Vice President/Vice … [Read more...]
Ryerson University’s Soup and Substance Series: Winter 2016
The Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at Ryerson University presents the Soup & Substance Series, a series of noon hour moderated panel discussions held at Podium (POD) 250 (unless otherwise noted). While enjoying a warm bowl of soup and refreshments, participants will engage panelists in an open conversation on a range of diversity related … [Read more...]
Charleston Church Massacre: It’s Not Enough To Just Show Sympathy, Black Lives Matter
While I listen and watch different newscasts and the read plethora of reactions to the horrific Charleston Church Massacre, terrorist attack and hate crime, I feel I need to contribute my own voice. As I thought about this task, I became speechless and numb. Our collective struggle, suffering and victimization as Black people continue to be embedded in the DNA of the … [Read more...]
Race Together Towards Understanding Each Other’s Humanity
In this video blog, I discuss Starbuck's #RaceTogether initiative and provide three recommendations for approaches to try in engaging the topic of race via productive dialogue. These are the books I mentioned in the video: Microaggressions in Everyday Life: Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation by Dr. Derald Wing Sue: http://amzn.to/1Ouaa5c Why Are All the … [Read more...]