Events

Upcoming Racial Justice Institute Events

Past RJI Events

Advancing Racial Justice in the Storm: Putting it all together: What must we do to move forward?
April 15, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Riggs Library, Healy Hall, Third Floor

This event is the culmination of a series of University-wide discussions called “Advancing Racial Justice in the Storm” which has been hosted by the Racial Justice Institute. These discussions are intended to catalyze deeper thought, scholarship, and new collaborations that will bring us closer to a world where all are free to be, thrive and prosper. The path to racial justice is through building a truly representative democracy. In this final discussion, the moderator and the panelists will share their prescriptions for building a representative democracy in light of the challenges we face and engage the audience in reimagining the path forward.

Advancing Racial Justice in the Storm: Voting Rights and Safety
March 19, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Riggs Library, Healy Hall, Third Floor

This is the third of four University-wide panel discussions hosted by the Racial Justice Institute called: ‘Advancing Racial Justice in the Storm’. These discussions aim to catalyze deeper thought, scholarship, and new collaborations that will bring us closer to a world where all are free to be, thrive, and prosper. The path to racial justice is through building a truly representative democracy. This panel will explore the current challenges to equal access to voting rights and safety. The right to vote and fair representation at every level of government is essential – not only to prevent abuses of power but to advance policies that dismantle structural racism and promote a fairer and more just society. Among the areas most affected by structural racism and in need of reform is our approach to public safety.

South Africa: Democracy and Arts Activism 
February 29, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
Riggs Library, Healy Hall, Third Floor

This event will feature a discussion with Tladi Ditshego, a special guest from the South African Embassy, and two South African artists about the arts as democratic place-making and how the arts contribute to ongoing efforts for economic equity in contemporary South Africa with a performance by Refiloe Lepere and Mxolisi Masilela.

Holding Sacred Space as Sanctuary. Connecting through the Spirituality of Sound 
February 26, 2024, 5:00 p.m.
Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart

This event will center the sacred, focusing on African Diaspora spirituality. Working with the student campus community, guest artists Antonio Lyons, Alexandria Davis, Refiloe Lepere, and Mxolisi Masilela will work to create sounds, soundscapes, and movement that evoke the sacred. The soundscapes will be based in African and African diaspora music and movement. 

Advancing Racial Justice in the Storm: Education, Family Autonomy, and Wellbeing
November 16, 2023, 5:00 p.m.

This is the second of four University-wide panel discussions hosted by the Racial Justice Institute called: ‘Advancing Racial Justice in the Storm’. These discussions aim to catalyze deeper thought, scholarship, and new collaborations that will bring us closer to a world where all are free to be, thrive, and prosper. The path to racial justice is through building a truly representative democracy. This panel will explore the current challenges to equal access to education, family autonomy and health and chart the course forward.

Advancing Racial Justice in the Storm: Setting the Stage
October 26, 2023

The Racial Justice Institute will host four University-wide panel discussions called: ‘Advancing Racial Justice in the Storm’. These discussions aim to catalyze deeper thought, scholarship, and new collaborations that will bring us closer to a world where all are free to be, thrive, and prosper. The path to racial justice is through building a truly representative democracy. In the end, democracy is about sharing power and having the perspectives and voices of various people reflected in policy. If a broader diversity of views is reflected in policy we will advance racial justice. This is the first of four panels and will set the stage for subsequent discussion providing historical, political, and social context for the issues that will be examined.

Racial Justice: Intersections and Possibilities
September 21st, 2023, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Meet members of the RJI team and learn about upcoming 2023-24 events and activities with Refreshments and conversations to follow. Moderator: Nina Angela Mercer
Panelists:
– Anita Gonzalez, professor of performing arts and African-American studies
– Derek Griffith, Founder and Director of the Center for Men’s Health Equity, Member of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Professor of Health Management & Policy and Oncology
– Robin A. Lenhardt, Agnes Williams Sesquicentennial Professor of Race, Law, and Justice; Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
– Evelyn Patterson, professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy

See More Past RJI Events