The Student Government Association, in partnership with the Office of Student Involvement and various academic departments, offices and student organizations, has planned various discussions, film screenings, workshops and multicultural events exploring the theme of “Intersectionality of Identity.” The events, which run from Nov. 9 to 18, are part of the 16th annual Unity Week celebration.
“The concept behind this theme was to encourage our community to recognize the diversity within ourselves and understand the complexities within an identity,” says Ameer Phillips ’17, SGA Director of Diversity and chair of the Unity Week planning committee. “Identity and diversity deal with more than just race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sex, and gender; they can also include aspects such as ideology, age, ability, faith, spirituality, religion, class, and so-forth. We would like faculty and students on campus to explore all aspects of their diverse identities during Unity Week and how, despite our differences, we can still be an inclusive and accepting campus.”
The keynote event of Unity Week will feature a moderated discussion with Janet Mock on Monday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom. Mock is a writer, cultural commentator, advocate for trans women’s rights and the New York Times bestselling author of “Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More.” Feminist cultural critic bell hooks called the memoir “a lifemap for transformation,” while Melissa Harris-Perry said “Janet does what only great writers of autobiography accomplish-she tells a story of the self, which turns out to be a reflection of all humanity.” K.J. Rawson, assistant professor of English, will moderate a Q&A discussion with Mock on her inspiration for “Redefining Realness” as well as her experience with intersectionality of identity as a trans woman of color in the media business.
Other events of the week include:
November 10
8 p.m. | Hogan 409 “Breaking Down Political Identity” A discussion focused on the impact of an individual’s political affiliation on their personal identity and beliefs. Sponsored by: College Democrats, College Republicans, Student Government Association Diversity & Programming
November 15
6 p.m. reception; 7 p.m. performance | Hogan Ballroom Black Student Union Presents “Griot: A Night Of Edutainment!” Featuring noted spoken word artist Crystal Leigh Endsley, assistant professor of Africana studies at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, along with the Bamidele Dancers & Drummers, our very own FUSION hip-hop dance team and introducing “Uncut Poetry.” Sponsored by: Black Student Union (BSU), Office of Diversity and Inclusion
November 17
12 noon | Bud Ryan Room
"Sports & Politics: Do They Mix?"
Audience members will view clips of the political documentary " Not Just A Game" by David Zirin and will engage with the question “Sports and Politics: Do they Mix?” Session will be facilitated by members of the Division of Student Affairs and Athletics.
Sponsored by: Office of Student Involvement
For a full list of events, please visit the Unity Week website.
