Weekly Three 05/19/21
Greetings Miami Community
Here is the “weekly three” from the Office of Institutional Diversity.
One: DEI Implementation
"Behind the Scenes" Town Hall Sessions
Join us for our next event featuring: Alicia Knoedler, Vice President of Research & Innovation, and Anne Schauer, Director of Research & Sponsored Programs, on June 3rd from noon-1 p.m. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Third Annual Across the Divide Conference
The Third Annual Miami University Across the Divide Conference is the primary Diversity & Inclusion showcase for Miami University, with a goal to promote a deeper community understanding of the key issues and diversity activities across the institution. The theme for the 2021 conference will be “Achievement & Opportunity.” This theme allows us to celebrate the areas we are doing well, while also acknowledging areas of promise and examining pathways for improvement in those areas. This year’s conference will be in person on October 8, 2021, from 9 am–3 pm.
Call for proposals is now open until June 1 at 11:59 pm.
Two: Community Updates
Juneteenth 2021
Dr. Rodney Coates will provide a lecture about this important day in American history. The lecture will be pre-recorded and released on Friday, June 18th, 2021 at 2 p.m. This lecture will be free and available to the general public. Directly following this lecture, Dr. Coates has agreed to host a Q&A session for the Miami Community from 3:15 - 4:00 p.m. (EST). Additional information will be forthcoming.
National Civil Rights Conference
Miami University will host the 10th annual National Civil Rights Conference next month from June 20-22, 2021. Miami University was selected to host the conference because of its sponsorship of the conference, history of activism tied to Freedom Summer, and numerous civil rights landmarks and sites around its campus. The National Education and Empowerment Coalition, Inc., Miami University, and the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana are proud co-sponsors. The theme for this year’s conference is: Rise, Advocate, Educate, and Cooperate: The Challenge of Change. Conference attendees and program participants are required to register for the conference. Registration includes admission to all sessions, and exhibit halls, and daily keynotes. Registration is free for Senior Citizens and High School students (conference meals not included).
Humanities Center Book Club and Guest Presentation
On September 9, the John W. Altman Program in the Humanities and the Miami University Focus Program will host a conversation with Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer-Prize-winning author of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. To prepare for this event, the center invites all faculty, staff, community members, students, and alumni to a Humanities Center Book Club from 5 p.m-6:15 p.m., September 2, 2021. Participants will break into groups for discussion and will reconvene over snacks and drinks. The Humanities Center will provide a free electronic or hardback copy of Caste to the first 50 faculty and staff members who sign up for the Book Club. If you wish to receive a free copy of the book, please contact the Humanities Center.
Three: Celebrations & Recognition
Wayne Embry Recipient of Freedom Summer of '64 Award
On Tuesday, Miami University honored NBA executive and basketball icon Wayne Embry (Miami ’58) and his late wife, Terri Embry (Miami ’60), with the Freedom Summer of ’64 Award. The award is bestowed by Miami University each year upon a distinguished leader who has inspired the nation to advance civil rights and social justice. Wayne Embry has a career spanning nearly 50 years with the NBA. He broke racial barriers as a student-athlete at Miami, as an NBA player, and as an NBA executive. The award was presented to Embry and posthumously to Terri, his wife of 62 years, for their life’s work as civil rights champions, mentors, and as an inspiration to so many others.
"When (people) walk by that statue I just hope that it inspires them as the pictures (of former players) inspired me when I chose to come here," Embry said. He hopes it inspires "young student-athletes to try to be the best they can be." "I came to Miami University and fell in love with the place, and still am," Embry said. "Love and honor." Not only will Embry have a statue at Miami University, but a scholarship in his name will be created to aid varsity men’s basketball student-athletes.
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month Calendar
APIDA Heritage Month is typically celebrated in the month of May. As May at Miami is a busy month with final exams and graduation, OIDI will be acknowledging APIDA Heritage month events throughout April and early May. In efforts to promote allyship, a pillar of the DEI Task Force, The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion is reaching out in solidarity to the Miami University community with the aim of advancing DEI at Miami University. We value relationships that have been forged and continue our efforts to strengthen those and build even more. We encourage all members of our community to promote their APIDA Heritage month events and invite you to submit your event to the University Calendar and complete the Weekly Three Submission.
- 5/20 1-2PM | How to Pronounce Chinese Names
- 5/21 1-2PM | Asian International Student and Asian American Students’ Experiences at Miami
Love and Honor,
Dr. Anthony James, Jr.