By Susan M. Carini 04G
Originally published on Emory News Center.
Publisher Malcolm Forbes characterized diversity as “the art of thinking independently together.” However you define it, one thing is beyond dispute: diversity is a key source of Emory’s strength and central to its core values.
The first week of October, which is National Diversity Week, will find the university celebrating that strength with a host of activities to deepen our ties to one another and to highlight the range of identities—including ability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation—we bring with us each day to carrying out Emory’s mission to “create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity.”
The theme for this year’s Diversity Week is “A Commitment to One Emory: Accountability in the Face of Change.”
“Diversity Week is such an amazing time of reflection at Emory that allows our campus to acknowledge our journey as a community that aspires to be more inclusive and more equitable,” says Carol Henderson, vice provost for diversity and inclusion, chief diversity officer, and adviser to the president. “So much wonderful work is being done at Emory to create a sense of belonging and flourishing for students, faculty and staff. A focus on this commemorative week elevates that work, connects communities across identities and demonstrates a common humanity that we celebrate.”
As the following schedule indicates, there is no shortage of ways to be part of this special week. As Henderson notes, “With longstanding activities and initiatives across the enterprise, as well as signature events our office has created in collaboration with key campus partners, Diversity Week places Emory in a national conversation with other institutions around the country who understand the importance of this work to the educational mission of higher education.”
Monday, Oct. 2
Keynote Address: “Dissent from Hopelessness: Taking a Stand from Where You Sit”
12–1:30 p.m., R. Randall Rollins Building, Margaret Rollins Room
Sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Open to all; register here.
It will stand as a welcome reminder in Diversity Week and one that keynote speaker Traevena Byrd is happy to provide — namely, that to effect change, we should not hesitate to lead from our perch.
In a talk titled “Dissent from Hopelessness: Taking a Stand from Where You Sit,” Byrd takes her inspiration from former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who noted: “I wish I could say that racism and prejudice were only distant memories. We must dissent from the indifference. . . . We must dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust. . . . We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better.”
Byrd will note that higher education is uniquely positioned to engage subjects such as diversity and equity. These core principles are, she says, the “bread and butter” of higher education, topics in which administration, faculty, staff and students are deeply invested.
She is vice president, general counsel and board secretary at American University in Washington, D.C. Earlier roles in her career included Title IX coordinator, EEO investigator and director of the Commission on the Status of African Americans for the state of Iowa. She is a frequent presenter on higher education legal issues, notably on the subject of free speech and student protest.
Chill with the Center for Women: Candle Making
1-2 p.m., Cox Hall, Center for Women, 3rd Floor
Sponsored by Center for Women.
For graduate and undergraduate students. No registration needed.
Crafting and camaraderie come together in perfect harmony at this event. Come experience an afternoon of creativity, connection and relaxation.
Guided Meditation and Community
6-7 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center
Sponsored by the Emory Buddhist Club.
Open to all; register here.
Hosted every Monday, the event features a monastic from the Atlanta area leading a guided meditation, Dharma talk, discussion and Q&A. Snacks after the session will afford members and attendees a chance to get to know each other.
Bollywood Zumba
8-9 p.m., Woodruff PE Center, 4th-Floor Studio
Sponsored by Emory Recreation and Wellness.
Open to all; register here.
It’s the Zumba you know and love, but with a twist: Bollywood Zumba utilizes traditional Bollywood music and dance movements within a familiar format.
Tuesday, Oct. 3
Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Workshop
11 a.m.-12 p.m., Goizueta Business School, East Wing, Room 500
Sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The event is open to all; register here.
Sharon Stroye, Emory’s inaugural director of truth, racial healing and transformation (THRT), will lead this workshop. In 2016, TRHT emerged as an approach to racial-equity work that connects healing with systemic transformation. In Stroye’s words, it “creates places and spaces, through a methodological framework and process, where all people are welcome and healing can take place.”
SCOTUS Impact on Higher Education, Health Care and Beyond
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Room 110
Sponsored by the School of Nursing.
Open to all; register here. Lunch is included.
A presentation on the Supreme Court by Sherard Robbins, a constitutional scholar and the founder and CEO of Visceral Change. The court’s decisions have wide-ranging implications for our lives, but most of us know little beyond the headlines. This session will analyze some of the latest rulings — including women’s reproductive rights, LGBTQ protections and affirmative action. Learn how cases are chosen and the real-life impact of the court’s rulings.
Diversity Winners Circle
10:30-11:30 a.m., Room 1.432, 1599 Building
Sponsored by Emory Human Resources’ Learning and Organizational Development.
Limited to 25 participants; register here.
Diversity Winners Circle is an interactive game that navigates participants through DEI concepts such as diversity, culture, communication, privilege and engagement.
Sustainable Food Fair
11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Asbury Walk
Sponsored by Office of Sustainability Initiatives and the Emory Sustainable Food Fair Team
Open to all. No registration required.
The Sustainable Food Fair fosters greater awareness of sustainability issues in food and expands knowledge of the pros and cons of different production systems, including issues of environmental, social and cultural impact; diversity; and taste and nutrition/health issues among the Emory community. There will be locally farmed food and vendors, live music and performances, and interactive educational tables on topics such as fair trade, local produce and modern diets.
Association of Black Public Health Students Family Reunion
5-8:30 p.m., Rollins Courtyard
Sponsored by Association of Black Public Health Students.
Open to Rollins School of Public Health Students; register here.
The Association of Black Public Health Students welcomes back the Rollins community for a family reunion. Enjoy food, music and activities as we celebrate the start of the school year.
Empowerment through Self-Defense
7-9 p.m., Goizueta Business School, West Wing, Room 525
Sponsored by Goizueta Women in Business Club.
Open to women; register here.
An opportunity to learn essential self-defense techniques and strategies with the globally recognized self-defense training organization SASS GO. This event, tailored to women’s needs and concerns, will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate potential safety challenges and enhance their personal security.
Cafecito with La Alianza Latinx
12-1 p.m., R. Randall Rollins Building, Room N101
Sponsored by La Alianza Latinx.
Open to students; register here.
Over cafecito and pan dulce, discuss tips related to your educational journey and look at academic timelines.
Emory Black Student Union Kickback: Shuffle, Step, Slide
4-6 p.m., Alumni Memorial University Center, Emory Black Student Union, Room 106
Sponsored by Emory Black Student Union.
Open to all; no registration needed.
Showcase your dance moves as you learn popular and classic line dances that have played a significant role in our community’s history. Join us for an afternoon of music, dance and learning as we come together to embrace the soulful beats and cultural significance of line dancing.
“Bee Yourself” Button Making
11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Lobby, Robert W. Woodruff Library
Sponsored by Emory Libraries.
Open to all; no registration needed.
Express who you are by making your own button. All supplies provided.
You Are Not Alone
12-1 p.m., virtual
Sponsored by the Emory Black Employee Network.
Open to employees; register here.
Join the Emory Black Employee Network for a conversation about employee resources available through the Institutional Equity and Compliance office. This will be a virtual, nonrecorded event open to all employees.
Wednesday, Oct. 4
Celebration of the Oxford College Library’s “Creative Justice” Exhibit
Oxford College Library, 1st Floor, Ran Elizer Exhibit Space
Sponsored by Oxford College Library.
Open to all; no registration required.
Members of the Arts and Social Justice Fellows Program will be at the Oxford College Library to discuss the program and celebrate the Oxford Library’s new “Creative Justice” exhibit. Oxford faculty who have participated in the program also will be on hand to answer questions. A light hors d’oeuvres reception will follow.
Sukkot Pickling Workshop
12-2 p.m., Dobbs Common Table Patio
Co-sponsored by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life and Tam Institute for Jewish Studies
Open to all; register here.
Join Rabbi Jordan, Emory’s Jewish chaplain, for a fermentation workshop. We are currently in the midst of the holiday of Sukkot, a time connected to agricultural cycles and the harvest season. In the ancient world (and today), the abundance of produce is preserved through pickling. Stop by for a quick tutorial on making pickles through lactofermentation and leave with your own small jar of kosher dills. No prior pickling experience required.
Diversity Winners Circle
10:30-11:30 a.m., Oxford College, Seney Hall, Room 209
Sponsored by Emory Human Resources’ Learning and Organizational Development.
Limited to 25 participants; register here.
Diversity Winners Circle is an interactive game that navigates participants through DEI concepts such as diversity, culture, communication, privilege and engagement.
Diversity of Desserts
12-2 p.m., Asbury Circle
Sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Open to all; register here.
Sample a Diversity of Desserts—sweet treats from around the world—at Wonderful Wednesday. Join us as we celebrate the diverse richness of the Emory community.
Rose Library Drag Show
7 p.m., Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library
Sponsored by Rose Library.
Open to all; no registration needed.
Don’t be a drag by missing the third-annual drag show.
Bollywood Zumba
8-9 p.m., Woodruff PE Center, 4th-Floor Studio
Sponsored by Emory Recreation and Wellness
Open to all; register here.
It’s the Zumba you know and love, but with a twist: Bollywood Zumba utilizes traditional Bollywood music and dance movements within a familiar format.
Supplier Diversity Open House
10 a.m-12 p.m., 1599 Clifton Road, Atlanta
Sponsored by Emory Procurement.
Open to certified diverse suppliers; register here.
This session will offer the opportunity to learn more about working with Emory’s systems and its procurement team, while offering insights on doing business within Emory’s large, decentralized environment.
Cafecito with La Alianza Latinx
12-1 p.m., R. Randall Rollins Building, Room N101
Sponsored by La Alianza Latinx.
Open to students; register here.
Over cafecito and pan dulce, discuss tips related to your educational journey and look at academic timelines.
LGBTeas
1 p.m., Cox Hall, Office of LGBT Life, Suite 324
Sponsored by the Office of LGBT Life.
Open to all students; no registration needed.
Kick back, relax, sip, and enjoy the community.
Snactivities with the Asian Student Center: Embroidery
3-4 p.m., Cox Hall, Asian Student Center, 3rd Floor
Sponsored by the Asian Student Center.
Open to all students; no registration needed.
Join the Asian Student Center for its weekly Snacktivities session. Take a break and relax with crafts, snacks, music and friends. This week we are getting tangled up with embroidery: stop by and embroider a hoop to decorate your space, or if you’re feeling especially creative, bring an item of clothing to embroider. We are “sew” excited to see you there!
Comedy Night with Liz Glazer
6:30-8 p.m., Emory School of Law, Classroom 1E
Sponsored by Jewish Law Students Association and Emory OUTLaw.
Open to all; register here.
Glazer is an award-winning standup comedian, actor and writer. She began her career as a tenured law professor and gave it all up to do comedy, where her material draws from her own life as a lesbian, a rabbi’s wife, and a former lawyer.
Thursday, Oct. 5
Rainbow Thumb Queer Chat
6 p.m., Oxford College Mural Room
Sponsored by the Oxford College Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and OxPride.
Open to students; register here.
Celebrate LGBTQ History Month this October with this meet-and-greet, de-stressor event, where each attendee will receive a small desk plant with instructions on how to take care of it. There will also be a roundtable discussion about LGBTQ awareness education.
Buddhist Meditation
6:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Sponsored by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
Open to all.
Contact: Emory Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Priya Rakkhit Sraman
Join the Emory Buddhist community in guided meditation and discussion. Come to meditate, make friends, and learn about Buddhist life at Emory.
Centro Latinx and Escritores ATL Open Mic
6:30 p.m., Cox Hall, Centro Latinx, 3rd Floor
Sponsored by Centro Latinx and Escritores ATL.
Open to all; no registration needed.
This will be an evening of poetry, food and community celebrating the voices of trans and queer Latinx writers.
Friday, Oct. 6
Social Movements and the Politics of Law
9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Emory School of Law, Emory Center for Civil Rights and Social Justice
Sponsored by Emory Law.
Open to all; register here.
This symposium examines the possibility of creating social change by merging legal and political advocacy with social-movement activity. Speakers will reflect on the life of Urvashi Vaid, who advanced social justice using a multidimensional lens that exposed the connections between inequity based on race, sexual orientation, gender identity, poverty, immigrant status and nationality, and disability. Presenters also will offer recommendations for contemporary social-justice advocacy in a climate of stiff political resistance.
Students of Color Support Group
1-2 p.m., Emory Counseling and Psychological Services, Suite 235, 1462 Clifton Road
Sponsored by Emory Counseling and Psychological Services.
Open to undergraduates and graduate students. Register here.
This group provides a safe space and support to students of color on Emory’s campus by providing an outlet to discuss intersecting identities, realities and experiences that align with student life (including interpersonal concerns and family dynamics, as well as academic and sociopolitical stressors).
Muslim Jumu’ah Prayers
1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Sponsored by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
Open to all.
Contact: Muslim Religious Life Scholar Isam Vaid
Come be part of Friday Prayers.
Hindu Aarthi
5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Sponsored by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
Open to all.
Contact: Hindu Chaplain Shweta Chaitanya
Join Emory’s Hindu community for weekly prayers and community.
Emory Veterans Alumni Network: Welcome Back to Campus
5:30-7:30 p.m., Miller-Ward Alumni House
Sponsored by Emory Alumni Veterans Network.
Open to all veterans; register here.
Join the Emory Alumni Veterans Network (EAVN) for a “Welcome Back to Campus” for Emory-affiliated veterans. Enjoy an evening of networking, connecting and sharing. With the desire to create a community of and for veterans, EAVN is rebranding this year as a network with events primarily in the Emory community in metro Atlanta. We will also have a special flag-dedication ceremony during the event. Special guests include student veterans as well as Emory employee veterans.
Shabbat Services at Hillel
6:30 p.m., Service; 7:00 p.m., Dinner
Sponsored by Emory Hillel
Open to all; register here.
Join Emory Hillel for Shabbat services and dinner.
Friday Night Shabbat
7:30-8:30 p.m., Chabad at Emory, 1500 N. Decatur Road, Atlanta
Sponsored by Chabad at Emory.
Open to all; registration required.
Experience a perfect blend of gourmet food, spirited singing, friendly schmoozing and inspired ideas.
