Shaping a Better Future: Dialogues and Strategizing for Change

The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is proud to announce a new virtual series, Shaping a Better Future: Dialogues and Strategizing for Change.

Dialogues and Strategizing for Change is part of a yearlong series focusing on social justice topics to combat racism (i.e., anti-racism), homophobia, gender-related oppression (i.e., sexism, transphobia, etc.), anti-Semitism and ableism/accessibility. These intentionally focused events will occur in an interactive, virtual town hall format as previous events led by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Beginning in August 2020, Dialogues and Strategizing for Change will host the first series, which will focus on racism.

Topics will include:

• Anti-racism efforts at Kent State
• Supporting Black, Indigenous and students of color
• Building allyship skills
• Black, Indigenous and people of color strategizing for change 

Upcoming Town Halls

Shaping a Better Future for Kent State

• Date/Time: Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 5 p.m.
• Facilitated by:
  • President Todd Diacon
  • Amoaba Gooden, Ph.D., Interim Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Lamar R. Hylton, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs

Skill Building and Best Practices in Allyship

• Date/Time: Thursday, Aug. 6, at 5 p.m.
• Facilitated by:
  • Michael Daniels, M.A., Director of the Student Multicultural Center
  • Carla Goar, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology
  • Julie Mazzei, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science 
  • Yvonna Washington-Greer, M.P.A., Assistant Vice President for Equity, Identity and Success, Division of Student Affairs

Supporting Black, Indigenous and Students of Color in the Classroom

• Date/Time: Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 5 p.m.
• Facilitated by:
  • Gregory King, M.F.A, Assistant Professor of Dance
  • Jennifer Marcinkiewicz, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning and Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
  • Christa J. Porter, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Higher Education Administration

Supporting Black, Indigenous and Students of Color Out of the Classroom

• Date/Time: Thursday, Aug. 13, at 5 p.m.
• Facilitated by:
  • N.J. Akbar, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Academic Diversity Success
  • Tina Bhargava, Dr.P.H., Associate Professor in the College of Public Health

Black, Indigenous, Staff and Faculty of Color Strategizing for Change

• Date/Time: Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 5 p.m.
• Facilitated by: 
  • Kizzy Albritton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of School Psychology
  • Janice A. Byrd, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Counselor Education and Supervision
  • Marquis Davis, M.A., Project Coordinator, Equity and Diversity Training, Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Lashonda M. Taylor, M.S., Executive Director of University Events and Protocol

Registration links can be found under each town hall event, above. Please send any questions to diversity@kent.edu.

We look forward to hearing from you and engaging with all areas within the university to create sustainable change.