Calendar

Kickoff event

Noon - 1:30 p.m. in Student Union 308
F2F: Race and Health: The Infant Death Crisis in Our Community
Presented by Greta Lax

2-3:30 p.m. in Student Union 310
F2F: Viewing globally and acting locally—to promote community health
Presented by Baomei Zhao

3 p.m. in Student Union 312
"Race, The Other & Justice: Addressing the Ghost of History to Move Forward"
Presented by Jason Reece of the Kirwan Institute at OSU

Jason Reece will discuss contemporary challenges to social justice and equity in today's demographically changing society, and focus on the long term impacts of our historical legacy of exclusion on today's and our future landscape of opportunity and equity.

Noon - 2 p.m. location in SU Theatre

The Death Lottery: How Race Impacts the Death Penalty in Ohio

Two thirds of murder victims in Ohio are African-American, yet two thirds of those who have been executed in our state had white victims. This panel brings together individuals with direct experience with the aftermath of murder, providing context to a newly released report examining racial and geographic disparity in the application of Ohio's death penalty.

PANELISTS

• Kwame Ajamu & Wylie Bridgeman, Cleveland area brothers who, together with their friend Ricky Jackson, were wrongly convicted and sentenced to be executed for a crime they did not commit.
• Judge Stephen L. McIntosh, who served as the Vice-Chairman of the Ohio Supreme Court Joint Task Force on the Administration of Ohio's Death Penalty. A former prosecutor, McIntosh is a Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge.
• Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr., Executive Director of Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation, a national organization working to end the death penalty. Sullivan's sister Jennifer was murdered in Cleveland in 1997 - a crime which remains unsolved.
• Moderator: Margery M. Koosed, a noted expert on Ohio's death penalty system, is Professor Emeritus at The University of Akron School of Law.

3:30 - 5 p.m.
in SU 310

F2F: Islam, Law and Politics

Today, the negative perceptions and anti-Islamic sentiments have been widely present and affecting many in our community. Please join us in better understanding Islam and battling the negative perceptions of Islam through fostering interfaith relationships and education on our campus.

6-7 p.m. at Quaker Station

African Ancestry and High Risk/Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Lisa A. Newman, MD, MPH, FACS, FASCO director, Breast Oncology Program at the Henry Ford Health System.

The presentation will help us understand disparities in breast cancer incidence and outcome related to racial/ethnic background; the socioeconomic versus biologic factors that account for disparities; and the epidemiology of triple negative breast cancer.

More on Dr. Newman

• Medical Director, HFHS International Center for the Study of Breast Cancer Subtypes
• Adjunct Professor of Surgery, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
• Adjunct Professor of Health Policy and Management, University of Michigan School of Public Health

RSVP for this event

11:30 a.m.
Student Union Theatre

PHD to Ph.D.: How Education Saved My Life - One Woman Show
Dr. Elaine Richardson, tenured professor at The Ohio State University, performs her one-woman show at The University of Akron.

Based on excerpts from her autobiography "PHD (Po H# on Dope) to Ph.D.: How Education Saved My Life," the show features expressive performance, storytelling and music. The emotional weariness of Dr. Richardson’s passage through a life nearly torn apart by sex trafficking and drug addiction emerges into victorious living, triumphantly immersed in education and service. Dr. E’s story of sexual exploitation and other forms of bondage is used to promote healing and empowerment through education.

Dr. Richardson’s book “PHD to Ph.D.: How Education Saved My Life” is available for purchase at the event and a book signing will immediately follow the talk.

3 - 4:30 p.m.
in SU 312

Race: Addressing the Inequities; Seeing Them and Working to Change Them

Attorneys from Community Legal Aid and representatives from East Akron Neighborhood Development and Mayor Horrigan's office will speak on racial trends in housing patterns in Akron, including work and training being done in the area of housing, health, tax liens, criminal justice and fair housing. The 2015 U.S. Supreme Court disparate impact fair housing case, and what it means for our work, will also be discussed. The impact and the effects of institutional racism and economic status are strongly linked in our country, and unraveling that linkage is something Legal Aids around the country are trying to do.

4-5:30 p.m.
in SU 310

F2F: What does America stand for?

An open dialog on race relations with collage art work and poetry reading. "The road to freedoms promise."

5:30-7 p.m.
Mary Gladwin Hall 301/305

F2F: Does your health care provider consider race and culture in planning your care?
Presented by Carolyn Sutter DNP CNP

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Student Union 312

“John Brown: Martyr or Madman?”

Dave Lieberth of the Summit County Historical Society will speak on "John Brown: Martyr or Madman?"

11 a.m. - Noon
Student Union 335

Robert M Sellers, Vice Provost for Equity, Inclusion and Academic Affairs, Charles D Moody College Professor of Psychology, Professor of Education, and Faculty Associate, Research Center for Group Dynamics at the University of Michigan.

2-3:30 p.m.
Student Union Theatre

Transforming American racial conflicts: Why peacemaking is desperately needed today
Presented by Grande Lum

"Civil unrest such as those experienced recently in Ferguson and Baltimore is increasing polarization in ways not seen in decades. In many instances, participants experience the divisions as intense and pervasive. Deep racial divisions pose significant challenges to the integrity of our democratic society, as they can escalate to bitter contests that leave fissures within communities for decades to come. They can result in major economic damage and even loss of life. The role for of peacemaking and mediating to assist in advancing constructive dialogue and concrete problem solving is urgent. Grande will discuss how his agency, the Community Relations Service has worked tirelessly in the communities like Baltimore, Ferguson, and countless others to establish a dialogue and construct a path to peace. It is a complex and oftentimes difficult road to navigate, but since its establishment in 1964, CRS has been peacemaking and problem solving in numerous conflicts involving race, religion and other identity-based issues."

Grande Lum was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed Director of the Community Relations Service (CRS) on June 29, 2012. CRS is the Justice Department's "Peacemaker" for community conflicts and tensions arising from differences of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and disability.

During his tenure as the Agency’s Director, CRS was recipient of the 2013 Association of Conflict Resolution Peacemaker Award. CRS was also the recipient of the 2014 American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution Lawyer as Problem Solver Award.

Grande Lum received his B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley, and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

4-5 p.m.
Student Union 335

F2F: Achieving Global Competency: Tips, Tricks & Traps
Presented by Greg Ladewski

Mr. Gregory B. Ladewski. Esq is Chief Operating Officer of The Stratus Group Inc. providing workshops, climate surveys and diversity audits to universities, law firms and hospitals. After receiving his J.D, (Magna Cum Laude), from the University of Michigan, he practiced discrimination, employment and education law for 25 years. Previously he had been a speechwriter, voice and media coach, and high school teacher in Washington, D.C. Mr. Ladewski continues to wear many hats in his career. Please join us for this special session.

5-6:15 p.m.
Bierce 154

"Sustained Dialogue"
A facilitated discussion with Dr. Ron Nikora

This is a session designed for faculty. As space is limited for this session, please contact Marnie Watson at mwatson@uakron.edu if you would like to attend.

By respectfully listening to, questioning and learning from one another, we gain greater insight into how race, power and privilege have shaped not only our own lives, but those of our students, colleagues, neighbors and friends. With this new knowledge and relationships, we then begin formulating as a group steps to address these inequalities individually and collectively.

Having meaningful dialogue is not easy, nor is looking within to answer the hard questions posed. But the rewards that await—stronger collegial relationships, insights into our most serious social problems, and personal growth—are well worth the risk.

Dr. Rongal Nikora, is an assistant professor for Political Science and Health & Society at Beloit College. Professor Nikora’s research interests include the politics of race and ethnicity, domestic and global health inequalities, national health care systems, and public health policy.

8 - 10 p.m.
The Balch Street Theatre

Play: Death of a Man

Tickets: $5 for UA students, $10 for general public.

A solo performance-in-process, this story takes place in the jungles of the Amazon (and the Congo) where countless indigenous men, women and children were mutilated and massacred in the mad search for natural rubber. “Death of a Man” is an attempt at authentic intercultural understanding by re-engaging the past and bringing it alive in the present. The performance is not meant to sentimentalize the story or merely invoke empathy, but to interrogate, criticize, and empower by opening a dialogue between text, past, present, performer and audience.

Learn more

11 a.m. to noon
Quaker Station B

Panel Discussion: Race and Local Politics, Akron Style

While the discussion about race and politics usually focuses on national politics, this panel discussion will talk about racial issues in local politics with direct reference to Akron, Summit County, and Northeast Ohio. In addition to providing their perspectives the panelists will include the audience in the conversation. The panelists are: Eddie Sipplen, 2015 Republican Akron Mayoral Candidate; Emilia Sykes, Democratic Ohio State Representative, 34th House District; and Mark Turner, Executive News Editor, Akron Beacon Journal.

1-3 p.m.
Bierce 154

Star Power
Facilitated by Brant Lee

Ready for something more active than listening to people talk about race? Come participate in an engaging, challenging chip-trading game and try to earn the most points! In the process, you’ll learn something about society and group dynamics, and you may even discover something about yourself. Maximum of 35 participants, first-come, first-served.

2-3:30 p.m.
SU 308/314

F2F: Race and Political Advertising
Presented by Stephen Brooks

Campaign ads for the 2016 election have contained many racial messages. Come discuss the impact they have on you and how you think they shape the election.

2-3:30 p.m.

Summit County Historical Society trolley tours

Take a ride in a heated trolley to see sites around the city of Akron that relate to civil rights, including the location from which Sojourner Truth gave her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech. Stops include the John Brown house (weather permitting) and the John Brown memorial.

Board the trolley at College Street Circle off E. Buchtel Avenue by the Honors College and Arts & Sciences Building. Seating is limited.

The hike may be physically challenging for some. The trail is unimproved and rugged. Participants need to dress appropriately for the weather.

Free trolley service provided by The City of Akron and sponsored by The Summit County Historical Society.

5:30-7 p.m.
Bierce 154

F2F: Am I Racist?
Presented by Amber Sylvan

An interactive and audience driven discussion on race and the media. Awareness will be raised on issues of racism and oppression in a way that leaves participants educated.

8 - 10 p.m.
The Balch Street Theatre

Play: Death of a Man

Tickets: $5 for UA students, $10 for general public.

A solo performance-in-process, this story takes place in the jungles of the Amazon (and the Congo) where countless indigenous men, women and children were mutilated and massacred in the mad search for natural rubber. “Death of a Man” is an attempt at authentic intercultural understanding by reengaging the past and bringing it alive in the present. The performance is not meant to sentimentalize the story or merely invoke empathy, but to interrogate, criticize, and empower by opening a dialogue between text, past, present, performer and audience.

Learn more

8 to 10 p.m.
The Balch Street Theatre

Play: Death of a Man

Tickets: $5 for UA students, $10 for general public.

A solo performance-in-process, this story takes place in the jungles of the Amazon (and the Congo) where countless indigenous men, women, and children were mutilated and massacred in the mad search for natural rubber. “Death of a Man” is an attempt at authentic intercultural understanding by reengaging the past and bringing it alive in the present. The performance is not meant to sentimentalize the story or merely invoke empathy, but to interrogate, criticize, and empower by opening a dialogue between text, past, present, performer, and audience.

Learn more

2 - 4:30 p.m.
The Balch Street Theatre

Play: Death of a Man

Tickets: $5 for UA students, $10 for general public.

A solo performance-in-process, this story takes place in the jungles of the Amazon (and the Congo) where countless indigenous men, women, and children were mutilated and massacred in the mad search for natural rubber. “Death of a Man” is an attempt at authentic intercultural understanding by reengaging the past and bringing it alive in the present. The performance is not meant to sentimentalize the story or merely invoke empathy, but to interrogate, criticize, and empower by opening a dialogue between text, past, present, performer, and audience.

Learn more

1-2:30 p.m.
SU 314

F2F: How to Talk About Race When It's Impossible

Do you avoid sharing your opinion about race, or getting involved in a discussion on race issues? Have you had a bad experience talking about race? Law professor Brant Lee will share a few thoughts about why that happens, and then facilitate an open dialogue.

3 - 10 p.m.
Student Union - Study Lounge above Starbucks

Tunnel of Oppression

The Tunnel of Oppression is an interactive event that highlights historical and contemporary issues of oppression. It is designed to introduce participants to the concepts of oppression, privilege, and power. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness and promote diversity education using passive and interactive displays highlighting various topic areas.

4-6 p.m.
Student Union 335

Star Power
Facilitated by David Vale

Ready for something more active than listening to people talk about race? Come participate in an engaging, challenging chip-trading game and try to earn the most points! In the process, you’ll learn something about society and group dynamics, and you may even discover something about yourself. Maximum of 35 participants, first-come, first-served.

7:30 - 9 p.m.
Student Union Theatre

Dr. Helen K. Qammar Memorial Lecture
"Race, Education, and the Law - From Brown v. Board to the Present"

The first annual Dr. Helen K. Qammar Memorial Lecture welcomes Dr. Qammar's son, Shammas Malik.

Malik, a class of 2016 Harvard Law student, will discuss the history of efforts to create racial and socioeconomic equality in education, looking at where we are both as a nation and as a local community.

10-11:30 a.m.
Bierce Library 154

F2F: Mascot Madness: The Abstract Racism of Indigenous-Based Sports Mascots
Presented by Aimee deChambeau

This open discussion will concentrate on the symbolic, abstract racism of Indigenous-based team names and mascots. We will explore how unauthentic representations of Native American peoples and cultures perpetuate a distorted mythology that can render racism against Native Americans invisible.

3 - 4:30 p.m.
Student Union 310

F2F: Race and Health: The Infant Death Crisis in Our Community
Presented by Greta Lax

Ohio has the largest racial disparity for infant death in the nation, ranking 48th out of 50 states. . Join us for a conversation about how to address infant mortality as a community. A College of Health Professions, Akron-Region Interprofessional AHEC, and Summit County Public Health, Office of Minority Health collaborative event.

3 - 10 p.m.
Student Union - Study Lounge above starbucks

Tunnel of Oppression

The Tunnel of Oppression is an interactive event that highlights historical and contemporary issues of oppression. It is designed to introduce participants to the concepts of oppression, privilege, and power. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness and promote diversity education using passive and interactive displays highlighting various topic areas.

7:30 - 9 p.m.
SU Ballroom A & B

Keynote Speaker: John Quinones

Most known for this role as anchor of the ABC news program, “What Would You Do?,” John Quinones has been in reporting for nearly 40 years.

In that time Quinones has reported on illegal immigration to the US, the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama, child slavery in the sugar cane fields of the Dominican Republic, the flow of undocumented persons over the U.S. border, and problems of air and water pollution in the U.S. He was the first news reporter from the more than 2,000 journalists who covered the Chilean mining disaster in 2010 to get an exclusive interview with one of the survivors.

Born into a family of migrant workers, Quinones was ABC’s first Latino correspondent. He served as a news reporter in Texas and Chicago prior to joining ABC News in 1982.

1-2:30 p.m.
Bierce Library 154

F2F: Are you ready for 2040?
Presented by Amy Shrivr Dreussi

Demographers predict that around 2040 the United States will become a "majority minority" nation, meaning that the majority of the nation's populations will be of minority race and whites will be in the minority. Let's talk about how that change is going to impact us and our national institutions.

3 - 8 p.m.
Student Union - Study Lounge above starbucks

Tunnel of Oppression

The Tunnel of Oppression is an interactive event that highlights historical and contemporary issues of oppression. It is designed to introduce participants to the concepts of oppression, privilege, and power. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness and promote diversity education using passive and interactive displays highlighting various topic areas.

4 - 5:30 p.m.
Student Union Theatre

F2F: Reclaiming CommUnity: The Role of Activism
Facilitated by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Beta Beta Chapter and P.R.I.D.E. Research Lab

This workshop will provide participants a historical and contemprary overview of activism in the Black community, with a special focus on the Black Lives Matter movement. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss their perspectives on the relationship between activism and racial justice.

5:30 - 7 p.m.
Student Union 310

F2F: Anti-racist Parenting: Possibilities, Responsibilities, and Resources
Facilitated by Jodi A. Henderson-Ross

This F2F conversation will explore the possibilities of intentionally applying anti-racist practices to parenting, ask questions about the responsibilities of and for such practices and share ideas for resources to support such efforts.

7 - 9 p.m.

Colorblind/Gender Neutral?

The 2008 election of President Barak Obama, for some, brought forth the era of a Post Racial America, where race and issues of racism are thought no longer relevant, and where the socio-historical realities of systemic and institutionalized discrimination are assumed to be dismantled.

In this new age, overtly racist and discriminatory behavior have become taboo, and explicit bias unmentionable. In their place, microaggressive behavior and silent racism have emerged as the methods through which individuals, often those who think themselves not racist, express their internalized ideology.

Microaggressive behavior, where seemingly benign comments regarding, and actions toward, minorities are entrenched in both interpersonal interactions and institutional structures, has given rise to adverse outcomes -personal and professional - for the targets of such conduct.

In "Colorblind/Gender Neutral? Not Exactly ..." Professor Martina Sharp-Grier and Dr. Jennifer Martin identify and discuss the processes and outcomes of microaggressions and implicit bias in academe. They uncover and expose not only hidden racism, but also hidden sexism in an arena often presumed impervious to bias, and share methods through which organizations may interrupt the behavior which oftentimes leaves its targets questioning their "place" in academe.

Presented by Martina Sharp-Grier from Stark State, and Dr. Jennifer Martin from Mount Union University.

Noon - 2 p.m.
Student Union Theatre

The African American Dream: Historical perspectives in today’s society

In the spring of 1963 Dr. Kenneth B. Clark, a professor of psychology at the City College of New York, interviewed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Minister Malcolm X, and author James Baldwin, respectively, in order to examine and discuss the racial climate of America. This thought-provoking film depicts the varying perspectives of three passionate, powerful leaders in the Black community. We will examine how those perspectives changed the American landscape of the 1960s and ‘70s, and how those perspectives are still relevant today.

The Drs. Dorothy and Nicholas Cummings Center for the History of Psychology is showing a 16mm film of the program that was originally produced by WGBH Boston and aired on educational channels throughout the spring and summer of 1963, with discussion after the showing. Please stop by Bierce library to see the accompanying exhibit “The African American Experience in Psychology: Black Psychologists and the American Dream” during the month of February.

Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Student Union 310

F2F: Helping a White Guy with The Talk
Facilitated by Stephen Brooks

A discussion about what ‘the talk’ is about and why it is needed.

1:30-3 p.m.
Bierce 154

Film: "Just Black?"

"JUST BLACK?"

Interviews with several young men and women of mixed racial heritage. Each has one black parent and one white, Asian or Hispanic second parent. They discuss their views on their struggle to establish, acquire and assert a racial identity. Their experiences suggest that there is reason to question whether there is room in America for multi-racial identity.

5-6:30 p.m.
Bierce Library 154

F2F: The International Factor: Trail-blazing the route from Akron to Paris

After a record-breaking run as a basketball player at The University of Akron, a Canton native becomes a professional athlete, garnering 3 MVP titles and 4 national championships. As an African-American male, he discusses how race and culture affected his experiences abroad.

3-4:30 p.m.
Student Union 335

Race, Multiplicity, and Intercultural Polyglossia
Facilitated by Dr. Lee McBride from the College of Wooster.

Race is an elusive concept. We are told that races are modern fictions imposed on populations, yet we routinely split ourselves into racial groupings. In his talk, Lee A. McBride III (Associate Professor of Philosophy, The College of Wooster) will discuss the historical creation of racial categories and the persistence of racial identities. He will draw attention to both the multiplicity (e.g., culture and gender) that is typically overlooked, disregarded, or erased by racial categorization and the avenues it opens to intercultural communication and coalitional agency.

8 - 10 p.m.
The Balch Street Theatre

Play: Death of a Man

Tickets: $5 for UA students, $10 for general public.

A solo performance-in-process, this story takes place in the jungles of the Amazon (and the Congo) where countless indigenous men, women, and children were mutilated and massacred in the mad search for natural rubber. “Death of a Man” is an attempt at authentic intercultural understanding by reengaging the past and bringing it alive in the present. The performance is not meant to sentimentalize the story or merely invoke empathy, but to interrogate, criticize, and empower by opening a dialogue between text, past, present, performer, and audience.

Learn more

1 - 2:30 p.m.
Bierce Library 154

F2F: Lets Talk about the police
Presented by Christian Howse

In recent history law enforcement has been jn the spotlight but not in a postive way.Lets talk about the police and use of force with minorities.

2-3:30 p.m.

Summit County Historical Society trolley tours

Take a ride in a heated trolley to see sites around the city of Akron that relate to civil rights, including the location from which Sojourner Truth gave her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech. Stops include the John Brown house (weather permitting) and the John Brown memorial.

Board the trolley at College Street Circle off E. Buchtel Avenue by the Honors College and Arts & Sciences Building. Seating is limited.

The hike may be physically challenging for some. The trail is unimproved and rugged. Participants need to dress appropriately for the weather.

Free trolley service provided by The City of Akron and sponsored by The Summit County Historical Society.

8 - 10 p.m.
The Balch Street Theatre

Play: Death of a Man

Tickets: $5 for UA students, $10 for general public.

A solo performance-in-process, this story takes place in the jungles of the Amazon (and the Congo) where countless indigenous men, women, and children were mutilated and massacred in the mad search for natural rubber. “Death of a Man” is an attempt at authentic intercultural understanding by reengaging the past and bringing it alive in the present. The performance is not meant to sentimentalize the story or merely invoke empathy, but to interrogate, criticize, and empower by opening a dialogue between text, past, present, performer, and audience.

Learn more

8 - 10 p.m.
The Balch Street Theatre

Play: Death of a Man

Tickets: $5 for UA students, $10 for general public.

A solo performance-in-process, this story takes place in the jungles of the Amazon (and the Congo) where countless indigenous men, women, and children were mutilated and massacred in the mad search for natural rubber. “Death of a Man” is an attempt at authentic intercultural understanding by reengaging the past and bringing it alive in the present. The performance is not meant to sentimentalize the story or merely invoke empathy, but to interrogate, criticize, and empower by opening a dialogue between text, past, present, performer, and audience.

Learn more

7:17 at the Student Union Starbucks

The Asia Project

Since 2009, The Asia Project has toured over 450 colleges with an acoustic music poetry act that has amazed audiences all over the country. On the microphone is Asia Samson, writer, poet and part-time ninja.

He has been seen on HBO Def Poetry Jam and has shared the stage with such artists as Janelle Monae, Jill Scott, DMX, and Mos Def. Accompanying him on the guitar is his brother-in-law Jollan, who uses music to create an atmosphere that brings poetry to emotional levels you would never expect. Together they have been featured on TEDx and Button Poetry, and have worked with companies like Disney and To Write Love On Her Arms. They have broken college-booking records for the most booked poetry act, garnering them the awards of APCA College Performer of the Year and thrice APCA Spoken Word Artist of the Year.

Sponsored by RHPB, RHC, and ZPN.

Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Student Union 335 or 312

Dr. Miguel Willie Ramos

Obá Oriaté Miguel "Willie" Ramos, Ph.D., Ilarí Obá, Lukumí, Olorisha of Shangó, was born in Havana, Cuba and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Ordained into the Lukumí priesthood at the age of thirteen, he has been an Obá Oriaté (master of ceremonies for Lukumí ordinations and other rites) and an apuón (singer) for over thirty-five years.

Ramos is a student of Lukumí/Yoruba religion in Brazil, Cuba, and the Cuban Diaspora. He holds PhD in History from Florida International University where he has taught courses on Anthropology, Sociology and History. His dissertation focused on Lukumí and Afro-Cuban history and culture in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.