“Cultural Conversations: Celebrating the Social Significance of Ethnicity” is the theme of West Virginia University’s Diversity Week 2021, scheduled for October 10-16.

WVU’s annual Diversity Week endeavors to promote celebration, education, and understanding of different identities and experiences present on our campuses. Its aim is to create an atmosphere that provides the WVU community, including students, faculty and staff, the opportunity to explore different cultures, engage in discussions that bring new perspectives, and celebrate the presence of, and contributions made by, people of all identities and experiences.

The 2021 theme is designed to provide the WVU community with an opportunity to explore the ways ethnic and pan-ethnic identities lead to shared social, cultural and historical experiences that can be a source of pride and belonging, while also being a source of conflict and prejudice.

Sunday, October 10

Petty Poetry

7 p.m., Mountainlair J. Gluck Theatre

Hosted by Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Petty poetry is a tool for expressing emotions in a healthy format and processing anger, grief, jealousy, and bitterness through poetry. In this workshop, poet Ashlee Haze will help WVU students, faculty, and staff learn how to engage this art form. This event has been made possible in part by a grant from the Big 12 Violence and Discrimination Awareness and Prevention Fund.

 

Monday, October 11

Antiracism in Nursing Education: Recommendations for Racial Justice Praxis

Noon – 1 p.m., Zoom 

Hosted by School of Nursing

Join a Journal Club Article discussion with author Tesiah Coleman and Dr. Sam Cotton

 

IMPACTed by Words: Can Free Speech Cause Harm?

1 p.m., Zoom 

Hosted by Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The First Amendment is known and celebrated for protecting the freedoms of speech, religion, petition, press and assembly of all people, but can these freedoms cause others harm? Join panelists from across West Virginia University as they discuss the balance between protecting freedoms and protecting people.

 

Black Culture Centers in Higher Education, Past, Present, and Future

2 p.m., Zoom 

Hosted by Center for Black Culture and Research

Marjorie Fuller, Director of the WVU Center for Black Culture and Research and President of the National Association for Black Culture Centers, will lead a conversation about the historical significance of Black Culture Centers, and how they have evolved to continue to serve students in a new era.

Mentoring with Cultural Competence

3 – 4:30 p.m., Zoom 

Hosted by Health Sciences Center Office of Research and Graduate Education

This introductory workshop on Culturally Aware Mentoring by Dr. Kelly Diggs-Andrews is for faculty and staff who mentor graduate students and other trainees. It will be followed with a more advanced session early in the spring semester. This seminar will provide an intellectual framework to accelerate the acquisition of mentoring insights and cultivate effective mentoring relationships.

 

Ugly Tomatoes: Appalachian Food Culture and Food Justice

5 p.m., Percival Hall 316

Hosted by WVU Campus Food Garden Project

West Virginians and other Appalachians experience a variety of cuisines unique to their regions. Their fruits and vegetables are no different. The heirloom tomato was once largely lost to commercial interests in high production of blemish-free, uniform, durable, and long shelf-life tomatoes. After a resurgence in consumer desire for the unmatched taste and texture of heirlooms, we are beginning to see what has historically been deemed as "ugly tomatoes" come to the forefront of home gardening and celebrations of Appalachian cuisine. While researching West Virginia varieties for inclusion in the first WVU Campus Food Garden, Dr. Nikki Byrne-Hoffman and Dr. Katrina Stewart rediscovered a rich history of tomato traditions that can be traced back to the Mountain State's earliest roots. In this workshop, they'll discuss the history of varieties such as Kellogg's Breakfast, Mortgage Lifters, and others and how deeply they are tied to West Virginia's long battle with poverty and food insecurity. Drs. Byrne-Hoffman and Stewart will also talk about current tomato research and present the case for community gardens and highlight the achievements of the WVU Campus Food Garden during its first season on the Evansdale campus. More information will also be provided on local food resources and Hungry Mondays, a periodic Monday workshop series hosted by the Garden. Participants are encouraged to send along their favorite "ugly tomato" recipe.

 

Supporting Asian Americans: A Film & Panel Discussion

6 p.m., Mountainlair J. Gluck Theatre

Hosted by School of Social Work, School of Medicine, West Virginia Prevention Research Center, and the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources

Amidst a global pandemic, another epidemic was resurging in the United States: anti-Asian hate and violence. Join us in person for an exclusive viewing of the documentary film The Race Epidemic about the rise in anti-Asian hate and violence during the pandemic, rooted in systemic and historic racism. Award-winning screenwriter and director Tony Shyu developed a documentary that dives deep into the history of America’s Asian American community through storytelling and interviews with prominent Asian American politicians. After the film, we invite you to a panel discussion of the film, where social workers and community members will weigh in on how we can better support Asian Americans in the WVU community and beyond. Panelists include: Dr. Yoosun Park, Stefanie P. Hines JD, Miki Demary-Andrews, and Reina Edwards.

View a trailer of the film

How to Read an Indigenous Film: Karlu Karlu: Devil’s Marbles

7:30 p.m., Zoom Registration

Hosted by Native American Studies Program

On a day commemorating Indigenous Peoples, Mervyn Tano, Indigenous Rights Activist and President of International Institute for Indigenous Resource Management, will discuss how this quiet, reflective film invites the audience to consider the collective responsibility to care for each other, respecting Indigenous human rights, spiritual and cultural traditions, and work to protect sacred sites. 

Tuesday, October 12

What if Colin Kaepernick Was a White Man?

10 a.m. Mountainlair J. Gluck Theatre

Hosted by Center for Applied Coaching and Sport Sciences

Being a college athlete is challenging. Yet, for Black athletes and coaches, culture and race further impact their sport experience. A panel of individuals from different cultural backgrounds discuss racial implications for athletes in sport.

 

State of Diversity Address

Noon, College of Law Fitzsimmons Hall and streamed on YouTube

Hosted by Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and College of Law

Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Meshea L. Poore, Esq., delivers her annual State of Diversity address, a keynote designed to celebrate successes and acknowledge opportunities for growth as WVU strives to create the safe, diverse, and welcoming community every Mountaineer deserves.

 

Moments with Meshea Reception

1 p.m., College of Law

Hosted by Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Following the 2021 State of Diversity address, the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host a Moments with Meshea reception. Students, faculty and staff can discuss the address and meet with Vice President Meshea L. Poore, Esq. and other division staff members.

 

Examining Inclusion & Exclusion in the Contemporary American College Fraternities

3 p.m., Zoom

Hosted by Center for Fraternal Values and Leadership

This program will provide historical context to the founding of Greek-lettered organizations and discuss the current "Abolish Greek Life" Movement which posits that Greek organizations are inherently racist and exclusionary. Strategies for reform will be offered. Current students and Center staff will serve on a Q&A panel after a brief lecture.

 

Muslim and African American Student Association Tours / Panel Discussion

4 to 5 p.m. Health Sciences, West Virginia Room, HSC North H 1155

Hosted by the School of Dentistry

The School of Dentistry Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is having student tours and panel discussion for the Muslim and African American Student Association, undergraduate level, on Tuesday, Oct. 12, and Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 4 p.m. The panel discussion with the group will begin around 4:30 p.m.

 

How to be a Male Ally: Podcast Listening Event

4 to 4:50 p.m., Zoom 

Hosted by the Health Sciences Center Office of Research and Graduate Education

A podcast listening event, featuring The Fix with Michelle King, specifically the episode “How to be a Male Ally at Work” in which David G. Smith, Ph.D. and W. Brad Johnson, Ph.D. discuss why, and how, men play a crucial role in promoting gender equity at work. Smith, a sociologist, and Johnson, a clinical psychologist, are former naval officers committed to supporting men in becoming more effective allies for women and more inclusive leaders in the workplace. After listening to the brief podcast, participants will participate in a group discussion.

 

The Harlan Renaissance: Stories of Black Life in Appalachian Coal Towns

5 p.m., Mountainlair Cathedral Room and Zoom Registration Link 

Host: Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

This event features Dr. William H. Turner and the launching of his book The Harlan Renaissance on WVU Press. The event will begin with a book-signing and reception, followed by a discussion. Dr. Turner will discuss his new book, The Harlan Renaissance - an intimate remembrance of kinship and community from the treasured son of one of the most successful and diverse coal camps in Appalachia's history.

 

Songs on the Line: Music, Politics, and Humanitarian Crisis on the US/Mexico Border

6 p.m., Zoom

Hosted by Campus Read, WVU Humanities Center

How can the story of undocumented migration on the Arizona/Mexico border be told? This talk will describe Professor Robert Neustadt’s trips to the border with students, his journey from academic to academic-activist-singer-songwriter, and how ‘songs on the line’ can be vehicles to teach awareness and compassion about this catastrophic and often misunderstood humanitarian crisis.

 

Overcoming Barriers and Thriving in a Complex and Diverse Environment/Perspectives on Different Career Paths

6 p.m. Zoom

Sponsored by Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Statler alumni field career advice questions from students in this informal, respectful discussion.

• Line-Audrey Nkule, MinStar Health
• Sabrina Ridenour, General Motors
• Andrew Gillette, Disney

Misconceptions of Islam

7:30 p.m., Mountainlair Rhododendron Room

Hosted by Muslim Student Association

Join the Muslim Student Association as they discuss and correct misconceptions and stereotypes about Islam. Students will talk about what it means to be a Muslim student at WVU, the rise of Islamophobia, and how to be an ally to the Muslim community.

 

Wednesday, October 13

Eberly Roundtable on Race, Identity, and Place

8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mountainlair Shenandoah Room and Zoom Registration link 

The West Virginia University Eberly College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to invite faculty, staff, students, and the entire Mountaineer community both near and far to the first annual Eberly Roundtable. This inaugural event brings together academic and public scholars, artists, and intellectuals to engage on a topic central to WVU’s land-grant mission and national identity. The inaugural theme of this year’s Eberly Roundtable is “A Coming Together. ” Our distinguished participants have been invited to discuss blackness, black identity, black agency, and black presence in Appalachia.

Addressing Racism in Nursing: Acknowledging the Past, Changing the Present, and Shaping the Future

Noon, Zoom 

Hosted by School of Nursing

Dr. Sam Cotton will facilitate a panel discussion with Ms. Tesiah Coleman, MSN, RN, AGPCNP-BC, WHNP-BC, CLC; Ms. Anita Coleman Law, CRNA, MSN, RN; Dr. Heather Washington, PhD; and Dr. Rachel Woldoff, PhD

 

The International Human Right to Health

Noon to 1 p.m., MDTV Webcast

Hosted by the School of Public Health and the College of Law

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has placed a renewed focus on the human right to health, a protection provided by numerous international declarations. To address health as a human right and the legal obligation it creates, the West Virginia University School of Public Health and College of Law will welcome an international human rights and law scholar for two lectures.

David H. Moore, professor of law at Brigham Young University, will present “The International Human Right to Health” as part of the School of Public Health’s Dean’s Colloquium Series. The lecture is free and open to the public.

 

Open House: Multicultural Center at WVU Potomac State College

1 p.m., Academy Hall, Third Floor

Hosted by WVU Potomac State College and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Join faculty, staff and students, along with WVU Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Meshea L. Poore, Esq., and tour the Multicultural Center as we celebrate Diversity Week across the WVU system.

 

Muslim and African American Student Association Tours / Panel Discussion

4 to 5 p.m. Health Sciences, West Virginia Room, HSC North H 1155

Hosted by the School of Dentistry

The School of Dentistry Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is having student tours and panel discussion for the Muslim and African American Student Association, undergraduate level, on Tuesday, Oct. 12, and Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 4 p.m. The panel discussion with the group will begin around 4:30 p.m.

 

Toward Equity and Justice in Mentoring

4 p.m., Zoom registration link

Hosted by the WVU Health Sciences Center Graduate Student Organization and the WVU Higher Education Student Association

Dr. Linda DeAngelo, associate professor of higher education at the University of Pittsburgh, will illuminate how factors such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status influence a student's pipeline to higher education, in particular graduate-level studies. Dr. DeAngelo will present how the mentorship process can transform a student's journey through higher education. The session will appeal to individuals who impact higher education administration currently or in the future, educating on how decision-making processes and biases can impact students’ ability to continue their education.

 

West Virginia Black Business Leaders: Pride and Prejudice

6 p.m., Mountainlair Ballroom, Small Blue

Hosted by Center for Community Engagement

Panel discussion with Black owned and operated small businesses in West Virginia speaking on the sense of belonging and the conflicts they have faced in the community as well as their successes and failures.

 

Celebrating Religious Diversity - POSTPONED

Hosted by School of Medicine Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and Multicultural Association for Students in Healthcare

This panel discussion will address common misconceptions about major religions in a respectful and fun way. Primarily the panelists will discuss how health sciences education interfaces with Muslim culture, Jewish holidays, and other world religions. This includes a discussion about how non-observing health science educators can be good allies. The panel will include representatives from the Student Muslim Association, the Jewish Center, and various religious organizations on campus.

 

Indigenous Connections to the Night Sky: Indigenous Perspectives & Tales of the Maya Skies

7 p.m., WVU Planetarium (White Hall) Register: https://planetarium.wvu.edu/showtimes

Hosted by WVU Planetarium

Join the WVU Planetarium to learn about Indigenous astronomy. The night sky has long inspired humans around the world and throughout time. Indigenous peoples of the Americas have rich stories and important cultural connections to the motions of the sun, moon, and stars. Yet, mainstream astronomy presentations generally focus on Greek or Roman mythological star stories. With this show, the Planetarium aims to amplify and feature the star stories of Indigenous groups. They will consider Indigenous worldviews and explore the wide variety of ways Native American cultural traditions are influenced by astronomical phenomena. The Planetarium will share resources from the National Museum of the American Indian and the Native Skywatchers research and programming initiative, including star maps and story recordings shared by Ojibwe, Blackfoot, and Cheyenne peoples. Additionally, they will spotlight the Indigenous astrophysicists who are working at the forefront of astronomy research, and how they are revitalizing and sharing Indigenous star and Earth knowledge. The Planetarium will follow the presentation with the "Tales of the Maya Skies" full-dome feature film. The Planetarium is grateful to Professor Bonnie Brown from the WVU Program for Native American Studies for advising on this presentation.

 

Thursday, October 14

WVU Tech Diversity Week Celebration

Noon – 1 p.m., WVU Tech, Robert C. Byrd Learning Resource Center patio

Hosted by WVU Tech and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Join WVU Tech Diversity Programs and WVU Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Meshea L. Poore, Esq. for games, prizes, and fellowship as we celebrate Diversity Week across the WVU system.

 

Healing in Community: The Power of the People

1 p.m., Zoom 

Hosted by Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

In 2020 people experienced grief, trauma and uncertainty all while in isolation. Yet, 2021 brought with it new hope, a chance to return to campus with energy, to sit in classrooms that were not virtual, to restart paused traditions. As people celebrate "returning to normal" there is a collective responsibility to acknowledge the struggles people have experienced as a society. Join a panel of experts as they discuss the role and importance of community in healing.

Expressing Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Workplace

3 p.m., Zoom 

Hosted by Career Services

Students may be hesitant to discuss their race or their ethnicity in professional settings. However, companies increasingly understand the benefits of having a diverse workforce. Learning to recognize and understand the challenges of diversity can help students embrace their identities as they launch their professional careers.

 

Fireside Chat: Why Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Matter - Addressing the News and Information Gap

4 p.m., Vantage Ventures, 2156 University Avenue, Suite 400

Registration

Hosted by WVU Vantage Ventures

Crystal Good is an entrepreneur and founder of Black by God, the West Virginian. This emerging digital and print media company was organized to share the stories of black communities and black-owned businesses. Its medium seeks to share perspectives that cultivate, curate, and elevate Black voices from West Virginia providing the tools, resources, and bed of knowledge to help people build sustainable news. Its mission is to make critical support more accessible to first time founders that are underrepresented in the news landscape.

Crystal is an Irene McKinney Scholar and WVU Reed College NewStart Fellow.

For this Fireside Chat, Vantage Ventures is delighted to partner with the WVU Chambers College Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Equity (DICE) committee and WVU’s Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Please join us so we can hear more about Crystal’s mission in building a publication encompassing the needs, wants, hopes and aspirations of the West Virginia Black community in Appalachia.

 

VOX: Exploring the Voices of Latina/o/x

6 p.m., Mountainlair, Rhododendron Room

Hosted by RISE WVU

Join RISE WVU as they explore the many voices of the Latin American and Caribbean community and how those voices often get overlooked due to the Black and White binary when discussing race in the US.

 

Club Unity - POSTPONED

Hosted by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Join DJ Woody Woods for the first in what is designed to be a series of gatherings for students to dance, enjoy music and build community. Dance can expand social and cultural interaction as well as provide an overall community feeling of well-being and togetherness. Club Unity will develop a regular on-campus space where students can come together and enhance their creativity and mental health through movement and have a great time.

 

Friday, October 15

Black Community Life in Early 20th Century Southern West Virginia

10 a.m., Zoom

Hosted by the College of Law

This presentation by attorney Elliot G. Hicks, Esq. will delve into the unique experience of Black coal miners and the influence of coal mining on the identity of Black West Virginians.

Educating Culturally Competent Healthcare Professionals: Delivering Patient-Centered Care

Noon, Zoom 

Hosted by School of Dentistry Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Dr. Karen West, DMD, MPH and President and CEO of the American Dental Education Association will help participants learn to identify the benefits of educating health care professionals to provide culturally competent patient-centered care; summarize key elements associated with providing culturally competent patient-centered care; explain best practices for educating students to provide culturally-competent patient-centered care through a health equity lens; and describe how to infuse cultural competence into an integrated-comprehensive care model to facilitate patient-centered care for all persons.

 

"Identity in the Age of Ancestral Testing"

Noon to 1 p.m., Zoom

Hosted by the School of Nursing

Join the School of Nursing for this presentation by Dr. Anita Foeman, PhD.

 

A Business Case for Globalization: The ROI for Ethnic Diversity

1:30 p.m., Zoom

Hosted by Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee John Chambers College of Business and Economics

A panel of professionals discuss how they have successfully incorporated ethnicity, culture, and globalization into their business. This panel will showcase why diversity of race and ethnicity in business is important.

 

Women of Color Trivia and Networking Event

3 p.m., Rhododendron Room

Hosted by Council for Gender Equity Women of Color Committee

Join the Women of Color Committee with the Council for Gender Equity for a fun and active networking event.

 

Comedians with Disabilities

7 p.m., Mountainlair Ballroom Small Blue

Hosted by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Join the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for an evening of laughter with a comedy stand-up show: Comedians with Disabilities with Nina G and Mean Dave.

Nina G hails from Oakland and is billed as the San Francisco Bay Area’s favorite female stuttering stand-up comedian (granted, she is the only one). Nina G is a disability activist and author of "Stutterer Interrupted: The Comedian Who Almost Didn't Happen".

Stand-up comedian Mean Dave is a regular at Cobb's Comedy Club and Punch Line in San Francisco and Sacramento. Mean Dave has performed with the Comedians with Disabilities Act as an addict in recovery from drugs and alcohol.

Nina G and Mean Dave have collaborated several times in the past. Mean Dave appears in Nina G's book, "Stutterer Interrupted: The Comedian Who Almost Didn't Happen" and he is also the illustrator of Nina G’s children’s book “Once Upon an Accommodation: A Book About Learning Disabilities.” They perform together at colleges and events across the US. The two talk about being an ally to people with disabilities and bring a unique perspective to disability awareness.

 

ALL WEEK

State of Mind Art Exhibition

Location: Health Sciences Pylons

Hosted by School of Dentistry Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in collaboration with the School of Dentistry Wellness Committee

This exhibition features diversity-related artwork created by students and some faculty members.

  Health Sciences Events

Diversity Week questions? Contact amvasquez@mail.wvu.edu

---

If you missed an event of interest during Diversity Week 2020, some of the events were recorded and are still available to view.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Allyship and Advocacy

• ·       Hosted by DEI
• ·       Keynote Speaker: Bonnie Brown Native American Studies Program Coordinator
• ·       Moderator: Aisury Vasquez (she/her/hers), Diversity Outreach Coordinator
• ·        Link to recording

---

Oct 11 - 17 Exhibit: Women Beyond Bars (in the Pylons)

• ·       Hosted by Schools of Public Health, Reed College of Media, Honors College
• ·        Description

October 12   Indigenous Peoples’ Day

10 a.m.      Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Allyship and Advocacy

• ·       Hosted by DEI
• ·       Keynote Speaker: Bonnie Brown Native American Studies Program Coordinator
• ·       Moderator: Aisury Vasquez (she/her/hers), Diversity Outreach Coordinator
• ·        Link to recording

October 13   30th Anniversary of the ADA: Advancing Disability Justice

9 a.m.        Race, Science and Power

• ·       Hosted by HSC Office of Research and Graduate Education
• ·       Keynote Speaker: Angela Saini

10 a.m.      Disability Justice, Identity and Liberation

• ·       Hosted by DEI
• ·       Keynote Speaker: Jill Hess, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator
• ·       Moderator: Aisury Vasquez (she/her/hers), Diversity Outreach Coordinator
• ·       Link to recording

Noon         2020 Election Series: The Value of Citizenship

• ·       Hosted by Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
• ·       Speaker: Greg Graham, Associate Professor in the Clara Luper Department of African and African American Studies, University of Oklahoma
• ·        Description

5 p.m.       How to Navigate and Be Successful in a Male-Dominated Industry

• ·       Hosted by Statler College
• ·       Speaker: Laurie Wiegand-Jackson, Board Chairperson, Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership

6:15 p.m.       Advancing Disability Justice on a College Campus

• ·       Hosted by DEI
• ·       Student Panelists: Lauren Florio, Nicolette Edwards, Vanessa Bishop
• ·       Moderator: Aisury Vasquez, (she/her/hers), Diversity Outreach Coordinator
• ·       YouTube Link

October 14   LGBTQIA+ Justice

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.           Poster Display to Showcase Diverse Cultures

• ·       Hosted by School of Dentistry DEI Committee
• ·       Location: Hallway to the right beyond the Pylons, between the School of Dentistry and the School of Pharmacy

10 a.m.      LGBTQ+ Justice: Current and Future Movements

• ·       Hosted by DEI
• ·       Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ellen Rodrigues, Interim Director of the LGBTQ+ Center
• ·       Moderator: Aisury Vasquez, (she/her/hers), Diversity Outreach Coordinator
• ·       Link to recording

11 a.m.      Inclusive Language Training

• ·       Hosted by WVU Health Sciences Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• ·        Description

1 p.m.       Trans SafeZone Training

• ·       Hosted by WVU Tech Diversity

2 p.m.       Voting While Transgender

• ·       Hosted by First Presbyterian Church, Morgantown
• ·       Speaker: Natasha Stone of Fairness WV

4 p.m.       Defining the Future of Diversity in the Workplace

• ·       Hosted by WVU Career Services
• ·       Speakers: Charlotte Swiger, Ryan Stannard, Charrae Rogers
• ·        Description and Link to Recording

5 p.m.       Moving Towards Anti-Racism: Exploring Racial Trauma

• ·       Hosted by School of Public Health
• ·       Keynote Speaker: Dr. Della V. Mosley, PhD, Black queer feminist, scholar, activist and healer committed to liberation
• ·       Moderator: Dr. Linda Alexander, PhD, Senior Associate Dean and School of Public Health Diversity Task Force chair
• ·        Description

6 p.m.       Exploring Inclusion & Exclusion in the American Fraternity & Sorority Movement

• ·       Hosted by Center for Fraternal Values and Leadership
• ·       Speaker: Dr. Matthew Richardson, Director

7 p.m.       Festival of Ideas: W. Kamau Bell

• ·       Moderator: Vice President Meshea L. Poore, Esq.
• ·        Festival of Ideas information

October 15   The History and Importance of Hispanic Heritage Month

10 a.m.      State of Diversity Address

• ·       Speaker: Vice President Meshea L. Poore, Esq.
• ·       Moderator: Aisury Vasquez, (she/her/hers), Diversity Outreach Coordinator
• ·       Link to recording

2 p.m.       VOX: Much More Than Spicy Food, Reggaeton and Salsa

• ·       Hosted by RiseWVU
• ·       Speakers: Mia Sebastian, Niara Cambell, Ellen Rodrigues, Gary Laruta, Aisury Vasquez

3 p.m.       Promoting Inclusive, Safe and Supportive Research Environment

• ·       Hosted by HSC Office of Research and Graduate Education
• ·       Speaker: Dr. Allison Gammie, Director, Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity, National Institute of General Medical Sciences
• ·        Description and Link to Recording

6:15 p.m.       The Legacy and Power of Hispanic and Latinx/e Students

• ·       Hosted by DEI
• ·       Student Panelists: Mia Sebastian, Emma Locarnini, Rachelle Nieto and Alfredo Rodriguez
• ·       Moderator: Aisury Vasquez, (she/her/hers), Diversity Outreach Coordinator
• ·       YouTube Link

7 p.m.       Learn About Islam with the Muslim Student Association

• ·       Hosted by the Muslim Student Association
• ·       Speakers: Nisa Rana, Sarah Zanablis

October 16   Black Lives Matter & Activism for a Just World

9 a.m.        Reflection: Movement and Meditation

• ·       Hosted by the Women of Color Committee
• ·       Facilitator: Alex Fox, fitness instructor and meditation coach – guided group activity 
• ·        Description 

10 a.m.      The Movement for Black Lives and Racial Justice

• ·       Hosted by DEI
• ·       Keynote Speaker: Dr. Amena Anderson, Assistant Professor of Practice, WVU ADVANCE
• ·       Moderator: Aisury Vasquez, (she/her/hers), Diversity Outreach Coordinator
• ·       Link to recording

Noon         Communicating Culture Change

• ·       Hosted by the Reed College of Media
• ·       Integrate Online website

1 p.m.       You Are Enough. A Thousand Times Enough

• ·       Hosted by the Women of Color Committee
• ·       Keynote Speaker: Dr. Maria del Guadalupe (Lupe) Davidson, Director and Academic Coordinator for Social Justice Affairs, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, Woodburn Professor of Women's and Gender Studies
• ·        Description 

2-4 p.m.    Social Justice Summit #1: A Call to Action

• ·       Hosted by the WVU Faculty Senate Inclusion and Diversity Committee
• ·       Registration
• ·       Social Justice Summit Series website
• ·       (Note: This event will continue 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Oct 17)

4-5:30 p.m.     Women of Color Networking Event

6:15  p.m.       The Movement for Black Lives and the Importance of Student Advocacy

• ·       Hosted by DEI
• ·       Student Panelists: Tracey Picou, Camryn Pressley, Ateria Walker
• ·       Moderator: Aisury Vasquez, (she/her/hers), Diversity Outreach Coordinator
• ·       YouTube Link