DIVERSITY MATTERS
APRIL 2017
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Black History Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Painting with a Twist of Soul. . . . . . . . . 2 A Taste of Soul . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 National Museum of African American History and Cultural. . . . . . 3 Commemorative Month Observances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 UTHSC Black History News. . . . . . . . 4 Madison Plaza Conference Room C-1 ADA Renovations. . . . . . . . 4 Women’s History Month . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Religious Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
OFFICE OF EQUITY AND DIVERSITY TEAM uthsc.edu/oed/staff
Michael Alston, EdD, CCDP/AP Assistant Vice Chancellor
Amber Carter
Publications Editor, Diversity Matters
Dustin Fulton, MS
Sr. Equity Assurance Administrator
Maggie Joyce, JD
Sr. OED Consultant
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Held in February, National African American History Month celebrated the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality. The month also deepens our understanding of our Nation’s history. Its origins date back to 1915 when historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. His hopes to raise awareness of African American’s contributions to civilization was realized when he and the organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), conceived and announced Negro History Week in 1925. The event was first celebrated during a week in February 1926 that encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The response was overwhelming: Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils; and progressive whites, not simply white scholars and philanthropists, stepped forward to endorse the effort. At the time of Woodson’s death in 1950, Negro History Week had become a central part of African American life and substantial progress had been made in bringing more Americans to appreciate the celebration. At mid–century, mayors of cities nationwide issued proclamations noting Negro History Week. The Black Awakening of the 1960s dramatically expanded the consciousness of African Americans about the importance of black history, and the Civil Rights movement focused Americans of all color on the subject of the contributions of African Americans to our history and culture. In 1975, President Gerald R. Ford issued a Message on the Observance of Black History Week urging all Americans to “recognize the important contribution made to our nation’s life and culture by black citizens.” In 1976 this commemoration of black history in the United States was expanded by ASALH to Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, and President Ford issued the first Message on the Observance of Black History Month By this time, the entire nation had come to recognize the importance of Black history to the American story. Since then each American president has issued African American History Month proclamations. Presently, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) continues to promote the study of Black history all year.
The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/ Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA/V institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services.
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DIVERSITY MATTERS
APRIL 2017
PAINTING WITH A TWIST OF SOUL
FEATURING DANNY BROADWAY Participants learned about visual arts as it relates to the Black Arts Movement during the Civil Rights era and enjoyed a painting session with local Memphis artist Danny Broadway. Each participant created their own painting.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE OPENS The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the Museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts and nearly 100,000 individuals have become charter members. The Museum opened to the public on September 24, 2016, as the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution. For more information, visit africanamericanhistorymonth.gov. 2
COMMEMORATIVE OBSERVANCES
A TASTE OF SOUL
Want to know more about the Office of Equity and Diversity’s (OED) programming efforts with commemorative months? Visit uthsc.edu/oed/events for a list of notable observed commemorative months. These recurrent observances are used by various governments, groups and organizations to raise awareness of an issue, commemorate a group or event, or celebrate something. OED’s programming efforts related to commemorative months are offered to enhance the knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity, cultural competence and inclusion, but more importantly are in support of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s (UTHSC) mission. The Law Library of Congress provides commentary and recommended resources for selected national observances and commemorative months.
SELECTED COMMEMORATIVE OBSERVANCES CELEBRATED AT UTHSC: • Black History Month February
• Women’s History Month March
• Asian Pacific Heritage Month May
• LGBT Pride Month June
• Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
September 17
• National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15
• National Disability Employment Awareness Month October
• Veterans Day
November 11
• American Indian Heritage Month November 3
DIVERSITY MATTERS
APRIL 2017
GIVING BACK
PRESIDENT-ELECT
DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP AWARD MARIE CHISHOLM-BURNS, PharmD, MPH, MBA, FCCP, FASHP, FAST
FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO LEAD AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION ALTHA STEWART, MD
Chisholm-Burns, PharmD, MPH, MBA, FCCP, FASHP, FAST, Dean of College of Pharmacy was selected as a recipient of received the 2017 Giving Back Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine This national award honors college and university administrators for their commitment to diversity through leadership, and for giving back to their campus and community. This award presented as a tribute to her passion and dedication, along with your demonstration of outstanding social responsibility throughout your campus and community.
Altha Stewart, MD, associate professor of psychiatry and director of the Center for Health in Justice Involved Youth at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), today was named president-elect of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). She is the first African American to lead the more than 37,000-member organization, which sets policy, establishes practice guidelines, and represents the field of psychiatry nationally and internationally. Learn more at news.uthsc.edu.
Dean Chisholm-Burns will be recognized in the upcoming April 2017 “Leadership Support and Giving Back� issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity and inclusion magazine and website in higher education, with a readership of nearly 300,000. The issue will be published on March 15 online and March 22 in print. Congratulations Dean Chisholm-Burns!
CONFERENCE ROOM RENOVATION The Madison Plaza Conference Room C-1 was renovated in a three step process to be more accessible for those with disabilities. The Office of Equity and Diversity spearheaded the renovations with the assistance of the Facilities Administration. The first step included the installation of an automatic door. This will assist with the entrance of those individuals with mobility issues. LED Lights were installed to give a uniform appearance to prevent visibility concerns. Additionally, acoustical panels were mounted. Noise problems can create communication difficulties, cause headaches, distractions, and prevent employee productivity. The installation of the acoustical panels is beneficial for training opportunities and clear communication. 4
MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
UTHSC EVENTS: TRAILBLAZING WOMEN: WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
Women’s History Month is an annual declared month worldwide that highlights contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. March has been set aside as this month in the United Kingdom and in the United States. In India, this month is celebrated in October and corresponds with the celebration of Persons Day, which is October 18. The event traces its beginnings back to the first International Women’s Day in 1911. In 1978, the school district of Sonoma, California, participated in Women’s History Week, an event designed around the week of March 8 (International Women’s Day). In 1987 Congress expanded the focus to a whole month. Soon, other state departments of education began to encourage celebrations of National Women’s History Month as a way to promote equality among the sexes in the classroom.
Human Resources and the Office of Equity and Diversity are excited to host a panel discussion in observance of Women’s History Month. Panelists will discuss how they became successful leaders within their fields and offer advice to women seeking success. When: Wednesday, March 29 12:00 pm—1:30 pm Where: Student Alumni Center (SAC) Room 305 The event is open to all UTHSC faculty, staff, and students. Lunch will be served.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION ZONE Feeling Stressed? Overwhelmed? It can be hard to balance life, career and family. In commemoration of Women’s History Month the Office of Equity and Diversity presents: “Women’s Meditation Zone.” Join a guided meditation led by Marcy Seeberg. All faculty, staff and students are welcome! When: Tuesday, March 7 | 12:00 pm—12:30 pm Where: Madison Plaza Conference Room C-1
WOMEN’S WORKOUT Staying active is an important part of maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. In commemoration of Women’s History Month UTHSC Campus Recreation and the Office of Equity and Diversity present the following fitness classes:
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS March 1
St. David of Wales Christian Ash Wednesday Christian
March 2–20
Nineteen Day Fast Baha’i
March 5
Orthodox Sunday Orthodox Christian
March 12
Purim Jewish Magha Puja Day Buddhist
March 13
Holi Hindu Hola Mohalla Sikh
March 17
St. Patrick’s Day Christian
March 19
St. Joseph’s Day Christian
March 21
Naw-Rúz (New Year) Baha’i
March 25
Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Christian
March 27
Great Lent begins—Clean Monday Orthodox Christian
March 28
Hindu New Year Hindu
ZUMBA When: Monday, March 13 | 12:00 pm Where: UTHSC Fitness Center, Studio 2 WOMEN AND FREE WEIGHTS When: Monday, March 6 | 5:45 pm
Wednesday, March 8 | 5:45 pm
Wednesday, March 22 | 12:00 pm
Where: UTHSC Fitness Center, Weight and Cardio Room Please contact Suzanne French at sfenech@uthsc.edu for registration
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES: Women in Leadership and the Bewildering Glass Ceiling, Marie A. Chisholm-Burns, Christina A. Spivey, Tracy Hagemann and Michelle A. Josephson, American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy January 2017.
March 28—April 5 Ramayana Hindu
National Women’s History Month 2017 and 2017 Honorees 5
DIVERSITY MATTERS
APRIL 2017
COMMUNITY EVENTS LANTERN LIGHT FESTIVAL
DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM
The Lantern Light Festival in Memphis presents the pageantry and beauty of a tradition and craft that was started over 2,000 years ago in China. Emperor Hanmingdi heard that monks lit lanterns in the temples to show respect to Buddha on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. The Emperor ordered that all the temples, households, and royal palaces should light lanterns on that evening. This Buddhist custom gradually became a grand celebration for the Chinese people and is the inspiration for the Lantern Light Festival. agricenter.org/events
A rousing blend of the elegance of classical ballet and the gritty drive of soul music, Return is a quintessential DTH ballet. To songs of Aretha Franklin and James Brown, Garland pushes the boundaries of ballet technique and form, incorporating and blending vernacular movement from the African American experience. From Pas de Bouree to the Cabbage Patch, Ballone to the bump, the ballet fulfills Dance Theatre of Harlem’s idea of what it means to be “Classically American.” orpheum-memphis.com/events
When: March 31 – May 7 Friday – Sunday 6:00 pm – 12 am Cost: Adults – $20.00
AN EVENING WITH DAVID CROSBY & FRIENDS
Cost: $20.00 - $79.00
Two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, David Crosby is heading out on tour in April and May. Joining him will be five musical friends, James Raymond on keys, Mai Agan on bass, Steve DiStanislao on drums, Jeff Pevar on guitar and Michelle Willis on keys and vocals. Crosby is in the midst of an incredibly creative and powerful period, showcasing his skills as the brilliant songwriter that he is and on this tour, he will be performing music from his recent solo album “Croz” and the soon to be released new album “Sky Trails” alongside some of Crosby’s greatest hits. gpacweb.com
Where: The Orpheum Theatre
When: May 11 | 7:30 pm
When: April 29 – 8:00 pm April 30 – 2:00 pm
Where: Agricenter International 7777 Walnut Grove Road
Where: Germantown Performing Arts Center
For more information, please contact: Office of Equity and Diversity | 920 Madison Avenue | Suite 825 phone 901.448.2112 | fax 901.448.1120
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