Social Justice Working Group Newsletter |
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"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences."
-Audre Lorde
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The ORA Social Justice working group is charged with keeping ORA staff informed of opportunities to engage in activities on Emory’s campus and the greater Atlanta area around social justice, diversity, and inclusion. Our newsletter aims to provide relevant information and events to stay connected to the Emory and Atlanta community.
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Black History Month, observed annually in February, is a dedicated period to honor, recognize, and celebrate African Americans' achievements, contributions, and history. It provides an opportunity to delve into the rich cultural heritage, struggles, triumphs, and notable figures who have played pivotal roles in shaping the history of the United States and beyond. The month serves as a reminder to acknowledge the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and understanding the broader narrative of our community and nation. |
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How Emory vs. Nash changed the legal education in Georgia
In 1961, Emory University challenged segregation in Georgia’s private schools in. Ben F. Johnson, Jr. 36C 40L 05H, then the law school’s dean, and Henry L. Bowden 32C 34L 59H, chair of the Board of Trustees, led Emory’s suit against the state to overturn a state constitutional provision that voided private schools’ tax exemptions if they integrated. The case, Emory v. Nash, quietly opened the doors of private education in Georgia while the nation wrestled with desegregation and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Following the successful disposition of the case, Johnson worked with the faculty to recruit qualified African American students when the LSAT failed to do so. Their efforts led to Pre-Start — the precursor to the Council for Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO). CLEO has led minority student recruiting to the legal field since 1968.
Taken from https://law.emory.edu/impact/civil-and-human-rights-and-social-justice.html
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Exploring Fascinating Black History Month Figures
- African American inventor Garrett Morgan patented the three-position traffic signal in 1923. He also invented the smoke hood (a precursor to the gas mask) and sold it to fire departments.
- An African American inventor, Lewis Latimer, played a crucial role in developing the telephone. He worked closely with Alexander Graham Bell and patented an improved method for producing the carbon filaments used in light bulbs.
- Granville T. Woods, often called the "Black Edison," held more than 50 patents, including one for the multiplex telegraph, a device that allowed communication between train stations and moving trains.
- Charles Richard Drew was a pioneering African American physician and medical researcher known for his work in blood plasma preservation. He established the first large-scale blood bank during World War II and revolutionized the field of blood transfusions.
- The phrase "the real McCoy" is believed to have originated from the invention of Elijah McCoy, a black inventor known for his automatic lubrication device for steam engines.
- An African American inventor, Sarah Boone, patented an improved ironing board design in 1892, making it more effective for ironing sleeves and other garments.
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Autism Acceptance Month
Did you know that 1 in 36 children in the U.S. have autism, up from the previous rate of 1 in 44? 4 in 100 boys and 1 in 100 girls have autism? Also, 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. have autism.
Autism prevalence is lower among white children than other racial and ethnic groups:
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- White – 2.4%
- Black – 2.9%
- Hispanic – 3.2%
- Asian or Pacific Islander – 3.3%
These changes reflect an improvement in outreach, screening, and de-stigmatization of autism diagnosis among minority communities. *The CDC autism prevalence estimates are for 8-year-old children across 11 monitoring sites in the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network in 2020.
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Arab American History Month
During the month of April, the achievements of Arab Americans are celebrated during National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM), along with the Arab-American community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.
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A fascinating historical figure, especially given Emory's healthcare mission, is Ibn Sina, whose "Canon of Medicine" became the standard reference and textbook for physicians for some 600 years.
A great resource for learning more about Arab-American culture is the Atlanta’s Alif Institute. They hold Arabic lessons for kids and adults, the Arabic Festival in the fall with music, dancing, food, and music classes!
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Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign observed in April to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities on how to prevent it. The primary goal of SAAM is to promote a broader understanding of sexual violence and its impact on individuals and communities.
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National Food Month!
National Food Month is celebrated in April to remind you of the fantastic variety of cuisine options and learn more about other cultures and their unique dishes!
This month also allows us to understand and reflect on the difficulties that several Georgians and Americans endure to secure food.
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See below for some great information on food deserts and documentaries to learn more about the different cuisines in our country and beyond!
Find these great documentaries on this topic at:
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SJWG Events
SJWG Lunch and Learn: Documentary viewing "Stamped from the Beginning"- Using innovative animation and expert insights, this documentary based on Ibram X. Kendi's bestseller explores the history of racist ideas in America.
Movie Outing with the SJWG- We are planning an outing to see "Bob Marley's "One Love." Watch the trailer, and get excited to join us! More details are coming your way soon, and find them on our event's page here.
You can find past and future SJWG events here.
Emory Events
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The SOM is hosting a Webinar, "Celebrating Black History: The Power of Their Story," on Tuesday, February 13, from noon to 1 pm. Free registration here.
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The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will have several upcoming events as part of its Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) initiative. You can find the events here.
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