In celebration of Black History Month, the Black Futurity Group invites you to join us in an evening of storytelling that will celebrate the richness of black experience. “Kuumba (Creativity): Celebrating Black UMSL Voices” will feature poetry by MFA alumnus and author of Shrimp Jason Vasser-Elong as well as MFA student Kelli Roberts’ short story “Black Madonna”. The evening will close with a special reading from Black Sunday by Assistant Professor Tola Abraham.

When: Thursday, February 25^th at 7 pm   Where: Via Zoom, passcode: 481880

 Sponsored by: The Black Futurity Group, English Department, Gender Studies Program, & OSI

KUUMBAFlyer

Download the flyer for the ODEI Dialogue Series

This series provides an opportunity for faculty and staff to dialogue about highly relevant and less-discussed topics. The series will be led by special guest facilitator, Tabari Coleman. Tabari is a training consultant and social justice advocate known for his thoughtful but direct approach in facilitating dialogue sessions that focus on effective communication and building empathy.  With more than 18 years-experience in diversity and inclusion training and social justice work, he brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise to his work.

This series is  based on the premise that effective communication is the foundation of any inclusive organization. Conversations will acknowledge perspectives without judgment, address blind spots, and challenge the status quo.

Click here for more information and registration.

Dear UMSL Faculty, Staff, and Students,

The Black Futurity Group invites you to join us in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream via a virtual discussion of N.K. Jemisin’s short story “The Ones Who Stay and Fight”.

When: Thursday, January 21^st at 2 pm

Where: Via Zoom, passcode: 560689

Reading: “The Ones Who Stay and Fight”

For questions, contact  Kara Moskowitz (moskowitzk@umsl.edu), Lauren Obermark (ObermarkL@umsl.edu), or Kimberly Welch (kwelch@umsl.edu).

Please download and share this flyer: Black Futurity Group_January event

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, ODEI is proud to partner with Dr. April Regester, Associate Professor, Special Education, UMSL College of Education to offer a session on Inclusive Language for our disability community.

This session will provide you with an opportunity to learn about currently appropriate terminology as well as the reasoning behind why these terms are generally preferred. This will be a safe space to ask questions, voice concerns, and share your experiences.

Register here.