Four years ago (January 5, 2016) I did a post titled: “5 Tips for Inaugural Chief Diversity Officers (CDO) in Universities”. I was half way through my fourth year at Ryerson University as the inaugural, Assistant Vice President/Vice Provost of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). As such, my mandate was to provide leadership, advocacy, and coordination for the institution … [Read more...]
Through My Optics: Black Lives Matter (BLM) Chicago Protest Up Close Through Photos and Poetry
Poem Published Courtesy of Romel Bryant: Educator, Head Basketball Coach, Mentor & Founder of ICan2 Youth Programs, and Artist. In June 2020, Romel Bryant was running an errand and little did he know that he would find himself in the middle of a Black Lives Matter (BLM) protest, with little to no Black people. He uses poetry and photos to share his first hand experience. … [Read more...]
5 Ways of RESILIENCE to Support and Empower
It has been over two months since the murder and death of George Floyd, May 25, with the backdrop of a global pandemic and economic shutdown. And the destructive forces and realities of anti-Black racism are just as strong as ever. For Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color, these forces and the endless fight against them are certainly nothing new. Some have been … [Read more...]
5 Ways to RESIST for Greater Self Empowerment and Agency
It has been over two months since the murder and death of George Floyd, May 25, with the backdrop of a global pandemic and economic shutdown. And the destructive forces and realities of anti-Black racism are just as strong as ever. For Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color, these forces and the endless fight against them are certainly nothing new. Some have been … [Read more...]
The Invisibility of EDI During Uncertain Times: Part 3
When news of the COVID-19 pandemic hit the airwaves in January, little did we know how much it would change our lives two months later. For those of us who are on the frontlines, advocating for greater equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in our organizations, policies, practices and actions, during “good” times there are persistent challenges to make sure EDI is front and … [Read more...]