Black History Month Features Series Of Virtual Events

Dominican University of California’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is partnering with the University’s Diversity Action Group (DAG) to present a series of events in recognition of Black History Month.

“This is an opportunity for the Dominican community to recommit to justice, equity, and to the diversity that strengthens our community and our educational mission,” said Dominican University of California President Mary B. Marcy.

“Faculty, staff, and students are invited to join in this series of thought-provoking discussions on race and equity, history, and how to make progress toward social justice,” President Marcy said. “I also encourage you to revisit Dominican’s Declaration for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This declaration, along with Dominican’s Strategic Diversity Plan, have been a significant focus for the campus this year as we evaluate our practices and envision the future of our institution.”

All events, apart from the February 25 student event, are open to all students, faculty, and staff. To acquire Zoom links to each event, please email dei@dominican.edu.

“February is Black History Month, a time to reflect and celebrate the history, accomplishments and culture of Black Americans and the African diaspora in the U.S.,” President Marcy said. “Now more than ever, Black History Month calls each of us to deepen our knowledge of Black American history as a story both of injustice and violent exclusion, and also of stunning and profound resilience.”

• February 10, 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Dr. George Faithful, Assistant Professor of Religion and Philosophy, “I Belong Here.” What does it mean to be Black and mixed race? What does it mean to have a chronic mental health condition? George Faithful, Ph.D. has long wrestled with these questions, including how they can relate to each other. Now in his fourth year of teaching religious studies, ethics, and social justice at Dominican, George shared his story and answered questions.
• February 16, 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. "Celebrating Black Lives and Black History in Psychology." The full-time Psychology faculty will discuss people and topics central to the history of Black lives and psychology in the United States.
• February 17, 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Galen Abdur-Razzaq, Flautist, FluteJuice Productions, “Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement.” This lecture and music performance begins with a flute prelude performed by Galen followed by a presentation chronicling the music from the turn of the century to the present. The presentation will highlight artists, their music, their influence on the evolution of jazz, and their struggles. Galen also will discuss how jazz became an advocacy for the Civil Rights Movement, with proceeds from jazz concerts used to finance major events such as the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington in 1963. The lecture will be infused with music demonstrations.
• February 19, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The History Club welcomes Dr. Jacob Ivey, Assistant Professor of History, Florida Institute of Technology. Dr. Ivey will present “A Land Which Defined Itself on a Hostile Frontier: South Africa, the United States, and the Global Struggle against Apartheid." From Robert Kennedy’s condemnation of apartheid in Cape Town to Nelson Mandela’s visit to New York City in 1990, the United States and South Africa were intrinsically linked in the struggle to end apartheid. This talk will explore the contentious debates surrounding the economics boycotts of South Africa’s apartheid regime, the protests movements that permeated the second half of the twentieth century in both countries, and the powerful impact that social protest can have in effectuating concrete change in a global society. 
• February 23, Noon-1:30 p.m. Facilitated by Stacy Davidson, Director, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, “Race: The Power of an Illusion, Part 1.” Participants will view PBS Documentary and respond to questions prior to the scheduled workshop. During the workshop, participants will have an in-depth discussion of the topics discussed in the video. Stacy Davidson will serve as the facilitator. Part 1 of “Race - The Power of an Illusion” examines contemporary science - including genetics - that challenges our commonsense assumptions that human beings can be bundled into three or four fundamentally different groups according to their physical traits. This episode helps us understand why it doesn't make scientific or genetic sense to sort people into biological races, as it dismantles our most basic myths about race, including natural superiority and inferiority. The movie can be viewed for free using Dominican's library's Kanopy account: Please reflect on these questions while viewing the film and prior to the workshop.1) How would you define race?  What does it mean to you? 2) How many races do you think there are?  What are they?  How do you decide which race someone belongs to? 3) Look around the room or around your community.  Who do you think is likely to be most similar to you, biologically or genetically?  Why? 4) Where do your ideas about race come from? What are the sources of your information?
   
• February 25, 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Melinda Martinez Becker, “Rise Up: A Vocal Workshop and Dialogue for Students.” In addition to students, Dominican faculty and staff are welcome to attend. Join your voices and sing in solidarity in a virtual choir with your fellow students. We will be learning the inspiring and empowering Grammy-nominated hit "Rise Up" by Andra Day and Jennifer Decilveo. We'll discuss the role of singing as a source of healing and action in this critically important time for our country. We will also consider how and why representation and inclusion of BIPOC musicians is necessary in our learning and listening. No prior singing experience needed. All voices are welcome! This event is co-sponsored by DAG in conjunction with the Department of Music, Dance and Performing Arts.
• February 26, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. The Dominican University of California Black Student Union and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion present “Mahogany Night,” an event to celebrate and teach about Black culture through Black poetry, music, games, and food!  All faculty, staff and students are welcome. It will be an exciting night of fellowship, competition, and good vibes.