Diversity& “There is so much comfort in knowing there are people you can relate to on multiple levels. It makes it easier to tackle tough topics and have in-depth conversations.”
Inclusion
Trinity Brown, ’22 Fayetteville, GA
In 2020, University of the Cumberlands named Mr. Jerton Evans the university’s first director of diversity and inclusion. Soon after, the Diversity Leadership Council (DLC) was established as an official club on campus. The DLC operates with three core initiatives: the NetWorth Network Program, where it connects professionals with students to better their understanding of prerequisites (such as courses and experience) they need in order to acquire particular professions; Open Window Sessions, which are held during DLC’s monthly meetings, to discuss social issues and how to solve them; and volunteering in community service opportunities as they arise. The club has also partnered with other organizations to collaborate on campus events like cookouts, game nights, sporting 4
events, and worship services. The events have brought a deeper sense of connection and unity among students. “It’s important for us to realize that racial reconciliation – all-inclusive, true, lasting racial reconciliation – has already been purchased for us by the blood of Christ. God not only reconciles us to Himself, but also to one another, which is a beautiful part of the gospel message,” said Devon Goings, associate campus minister. “It’s already been achieved for those who are in Christ, but the difficult thing is living it out because of sin. It’s great seeing DLC bring people of different ethnicities and backgrounds together to build community. It offers opportunities for us to see others the way God sees us: as people who have inherent dignity and value because we are image-bearers of God.”
I ACT because. . . We are stronger together than we are divided, and it is nice to see exactly how true that is. Trinity Brown, ’22
