Launched last year to celebrate the University’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, Belmont’s second annual Diversity Week is scheduled for Monday, October 24 through Friday, October 28. This year’s celebration will include opportunities for members of the Belmont community to engage in important dialogue, participate in an ongoing service experience and hear from Nashville’s Mayor Megan Barry, among other things.
This year’s events include:
- Belmont Diversity Forum on Monday, October 24 at 10 a.m. in the Bunch Multimedia Hall: A panel of representatives from Belmont’s diversity initiatives and organizations (including the Welcome Home Team, BSA, the Office of Multicultural Learning and Experience, the Hope Council and Belmont’s Vision 2020 Diversity Committee) will offer an opportunity for participants to engage in dialogue surrounding diversity and the university’s initiatives.
- Let’s Talk About Diversity: “Hue” is My Neighbor? on Tuesday, October 25 at 1 p.m. in the Janet Ayers Academic Center, Room 1034: It isn’t always easy, knowing what to say (or not to say) about race and ethnicity. Do we even need to talk about “diversity” at all? Pertinent short films and group discussion will explore these questions, offer food for thought and invite a collegial dialogue. Moderated by WHT member & Associate Dean of the Curb College Dr. Cheryl Slay Carr and Assistant Professor in the College of Pharmacy Dr. Edgar Diaz-Cruz. **Event for faculty and staff.**
- An Opportunity for “REAL Talk”on Wednesday, October 26 from 2-3:30 in McWhorter, Room 110 (for students) and Thursday, October 27 from 12-1:30 in Janet Ayers Academic Center, Room 1037 (for faculty and staff): “REAL Talks” provide participants with the opportunity to engage in a ‘real talk’ regarding diversity and inclusion efforts on Belmont’s campus. Facilitated by Telecommunciations Services Manager Gary Hunter, “REAL Talks” offers the chance to discuss important issues honestly and authentically.
- An Interactive Diversity Art Project on Thursday, October 27 at 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Bell Tower Patio: Belmont’s Hope Council and Student Activities Programming Board will present an opportunity for members of the Belmont community to create an interactive art project highlighting their unique backgrounds and heritages.
- A Diversity Keynote Address with Metro Mayor Megan Barry on Friday, October 28 at 10 a.m. in the Baskin Center, Appellate Courtroom: Metro Mayor Megan Barry will present Diversity Week’s Keynote Address. Her address will cover Nashville’s diversity initiatives, her vision for Nashville’s future as it relates to diversity and inclusion and what Belmont can do to further that vision.
- Side by Side Service Opportunity, an ongoing, week-long opportunity: The University is partnering with our neighbors to learn more about each other as we serve side-by-side & make our community a better place. With an equal number of Belmont and community members represented at three community service projects throughout the week, we are eager to learn more about each other as we serve. To sign up, click here.
An initiative of Belmont’s Welcome Home Team, Diversity Week was created to provide an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to celebrate the diversity represented on Belmont’s campus and facilitate important conversations surrounding existing and upcoming initiatives. For more information, click here.
