John Carroll University Division of
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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Volume 2, Issue 13: November 26, 2020
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R.I.S.E.* Up Newsletter
*Reinforcing Inclusion through Skill-building and Education
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At Thanksgiving,
Seeking Unity in Gratitude
Today, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, I think we all recognize the unprecedented nature of this year's celebration.
Even as we discern whether we can gather safely with family and friends amidst an alarming surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide, and even as our national dialogue on race leads us all to grow in awareness of the colonial violence at the heart of our Thanksgiving narratives, there is still so much value in gathering (even if we must do so virtually) for the purpose of gratitude.
In terms of building practices of gratitude that help bring a community together, we have much to learn from this country's first peoples.
In our recent Community Book Read of botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer's book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, our student, faculty and staff participants were struck by the author's description of the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address, a ritual recitation used at the beginning of each community gathering, and described in the Onandoga language as "The Words that Come Before All Else." This lengthy recitation enumerates the people's shared gratitude for a long list of gifts: the sun, moon and stars, animals and plants, food and shelter, wind and water, community. As each thanksgiving is offered, the recitation repeats the phrase, "now our minds are one," calling the people to unity around this shared gratitude for the community's wealth of gifts.
Kimmerer writes: "The Thanksgiving Address reminds us that duties and gifts are two sides of the same coin. Eagles were given the gift of far sight, so it is their duty to watch over us. Rain fulfills its duty as it falls, because it was given the gift of sustaining life. What is the duty of humans? If gifts and responsibilities are one, then asking 'What is our responsibility?' is the same as asking 'What is our gift?' It is said that only humans have the capacity for gratitude. This is among our gifts."
I count you, my JCU community and friends, among the many gifts for which I am grateful. In this season of gratitude, may we listen to and learn from one another, and find unity in our shared appreciation for the many gifts we bring, and in our acceptance of the responsibilities they generate. Now our minds are one.
Sincerely,
Tiffany Galvin Green, Ph.D.,
Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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Cary Dabney, M. Div.
Director of the Office of Ministry to African-American Catholics, Diocese of Cleveland
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The Black Catholic Experience,
Yesterday and Today:
A Conversation with Cary Dabney
Monday, November 30, 7-8 pm - via Zoom
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In honor of Black Catholic History Month, the JCU Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and the Office of University Mission & Identity will host a virtual lecture and conversation on Nov. 30 with the Cleveland Diocese's Cary Dabney.
Mr. Dabney will discuss the Black Catholic experience in Cleveland and across the U.S., particularly in the current historical moment.
All are welcome; registration required.
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New! Dr. Green's Pocket Guides on
Navigating Difficult Holiday Conversations
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Trying to figure out how to raise the difficult topic of holiday plans in this unusual year? Wondering how to engage in meaningful, civil dialogue about issues of equity and justice with that difficult family member over the Thanksgiving table (or, more likely, in the family Zoom call)? Do you want to speak up, but afraid the only way to keep the peace is by staying silent?
Just in time for the holidays, Dr. Tiffany Galvin Green has created two "pocket guides" with tips on navigating difficult conversations with family and friends. Click below to download!
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There is still time to take the November Native Voices Challenge!
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During this Native American Heritage Month we are calling on all members of the JCU community to notice where Native voices and perspectives are missing from our own awareness and disciplines. Here are just a few of the things our participants have reported they are doing as part of this month's Native Voices Challenge:
Reading current events about Indigenous communities:
Reading books by Indigenous authors:
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N. Scott Momaday, House Made of Dawn; The Way to Rainy Mountain; and Earth Keeper: Reflections on the American Land.
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Cherie Dimaline, The Marrow Thieves and Empire of Wild
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Reading articles by Indigenous scholars:
- Margaret Robinson, "Veganism and Mi'kmaq Legends"
- Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn, "Indigenous Perspectives on Native Student Challenges in Higher Education"
Filling up the "to-read" list:
Finding initiatives to support:
... and much more!
There is still time to participate! Sign up at the link below.
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The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion will host a series of fall community hangouts each week on Zoom. The next hangout will be Tuesday, December 1st at 11:30 am. Grab a snack and drink and come say hello!
Passcode: 992027
The same link and passcode will work for each weekly hangout. All are welcome and no RSVP is necessary. Come join the hangout and check in with your community! For more information, visit CSDI on Instagram.
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Other happenings at JCU...
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New Organization for Boler Students of Color
meets Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 5 pm
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The new student organization for Boler Students of Color will meet the Wednesday after Thanksgiving Break at 5:00pm.
This organization is for all Boler students (undergraduate and graduate) who identify as persons of color, including Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Native American, and Bi/Multi-racial. This is a place for sharing experiences, finding support, and learning together.
Zoom Meeting ID: 991 3087 6195
Passcode: 851295
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R.I.S.E. Higher: Featured Article of the Week
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How COVID-19 Turned Higher Ed Upside Down and Created New Urgency for Racial Justice, Student Well-Being, and Democratic Engagement
Liberal Education, Fall 2020 issue (Vol.106, No.3)
The Fall issue of Liberal Education, the quarterly publication of the Association of American Colleges & Universities, features a series of articles on topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. The entire issue can be found at the link below.
This month's articles include:
.... (click below to read more)
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Announcements from our network...
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Increasing diversity in academe has helped shape new understandings of slavery and structural racism. What new truths are being discovered, where have myths exploded and where is the next generation of racial inquiry going?
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Exploding Myths: How Diversity in Academia has Deepened Our Understanding of Slavery
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A conversation between Historian Daina Ramey Berry and Communications scholar Ernest J. Wilson III.
Wednesday, Dec. 1
3:30-4:30 pm
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Other articles we're reading this week:
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