Join us for Diversity Week 2022, October 3 - 9
- Chapel - Chasing Justice Together: Sandra Maria Van Opstal10-03-2022 | 10:00 a.m. | Gabhart Chapel
Latina pastor, author and activist Sandra Maria Van Opstal will inviting us to believe beyond what our current reality tells us is true. With all that has happened in our world, in the church, and even in us, we need to know that there is a better way forward. She will delve into how our communities can be shaped by justice and become places of true solidarity and mutuality.
WELL-Core event.
- Radical Champions: A Faculty Panel Discussion10-03-2022 | 10:00 a.m. | Johnson Large Theater
Belmont University is hosting a Faculty Panel Discussion to allow faculty members to share their experiences concerning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Jay Gilmore of the Curb College will moderate a candid conversation with professors from different campus disciplines. Students and those in attendance will hear honest dialogue from the perspective of some professors serving at Belmont.
The panel members for this event are Spanish Professor Dr. Paulo Boero, English Professor Dr. Jayme Yeo, Assistant Professor in the College of Education Dr. Darcie Finch, Assistant Professor of Sport Administration Dr. Kristi Oshiro, and Associate Professor of Social Entrepreneurship Dr. Bernard Turner.
- Diversity or Equity and Justice: Sandra Maria Van Opstal10-03-2022 | 3:00 p.m. | Janet Ayers C & D
Latina pastor, author and activist Sandra Maria Van Opstal will give our Diversity Week keynote address.
What good is diversity and representation if it plays out as tokenism? What happens if when we all come together we aren't free to share our opinions about what's happening in our world? Sandra will lead us in a frank discussion of what is required of a community that is chasing equity and justice.
WELL-Core event.
Meeting Passcode: 256068
- Belmont's Diverse Community of Faculty and Staff presents "Lights at the Fountain"10-03-2022 | 6:30 p.m. | Freedom Plaza FountainBCDFS invites you to our 2nd Annual ceremony honoring the enslaved persons that toiled on the land where Belmont University now sits. Come and be inspired!
Monday, October 3
- Diverse Faculty Breakfast10-04-2022 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. | Janet Ayers C & D
- Faculty and Staff Real Talk10-04-2022 | 12:00 p.m. | Janet Ayers C & D
Real Talk: An open, frank, and honest dialogue focusing on, but not limited to diversity, equity, and inclusion here at Belmont University as well as nationally and globally. A confidential, safe, and brave space to voice all opinions. Our slogan is: "If you are bold enough to bring it up, then we are bold enough to talk about it." - Real Talk for Students10-04-2022 | 4:00 p.m. | Janet Ayers C & D
Real Talk: An open, frank, and honest dialogue focusing on, but not limited to diversity, equity, and inclusion here at Belmont University as well as nationally and globally. A confidential, safe, and brave space to voice all opinions. Our slogan is: "If you are bold enough to bring it up, then we are bold enough to talk about it." - BSA's Black Faculty and Staff Mixer10-04-2022 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Beaman A & B
Tuesday, October 4
- It Must Be Wednesday: Showcasing Diversity & Multicultural Organizations10-05-2022 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Freedom Plaza
- We will be highlighting diversity and multicultural orgs and offices at our weekly event featuring iced coffee from Frothy Monkey.
- Hosted by Office of Student Engagement
- Global Bruins: Shifting Perception10-05-2022 | 10:00 a.m. | Janet Ayers 1034
As we operate on a daily basis, it is easy to make snap judgements, especially when we are fluent and comfortable in our current cultural environment. Come out to this hands-on workshop to learn skills to operate more effectively in different cultural situations by building self awareness, objectivity, and avoiding misunderstandings.
- Chapel: “The Black Church” with Dr. John Faison10-05-2022 | 10:00 a.m. | Gabhart Chapel
John Faison, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Watson Grove Baptist Church in Nashville, which has grown from 300 to over 2,000 members. He has a B.A. in Political Science, an M.A. in Practical Theology and a D.Min. from Payne Theological Seminary. He is an HIV/AIDS National NAACP Ambassador, President of The Grove Community Development Corporation, and has served as a member of the Belmont Board of Trustees.
Co-sponsored by the College of Theology & Christian Ministry
- Lunch: How can Belmont reweave the social fabric?10-05-2022 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Janet Ayers C & D
Faculty and Staff Event Only.
Reweaving the social fabric begins with an ability to talk to people who think, believe and live differently than we do. Bridging the Gap is a program offered through Interfaith America that helps participants practice the skills of listening, feedback and storytelling. Last year, Belmont piloted an experience with students from Belmont, Fisk and Vanderbilt Universities and is exploring how to engage faculty, staff and students across campus in this bridge building work.
- Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace10-05-2022 | 4:00 p.m. | Massey Boardroom
- What does it mean to bring your whole self to work, feel valued and have a voice? Join us to learn from organizations like Cat Financial and Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN who have made a commitment to practicing equity and inclusion and how today’s students can identify companies and demonstrate the awareness and skills needed to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures.
- Sponsored by the Office of Career and Professional Development
Wednesday, October 5
- Diversity in Entertainment Symposium: Changing the Music from within - a Case Study of three Women in Bluegrass and Americana Music10-06-2022 | 9:00 a.m. | Johnson Center Large Theater (Room 115)
Presented by Thomm Jutz
This session focuses on the influence of three female songwriters from diverse backgrounds on Americana and Bluegrass Music. Thomm Jutz, Instructor of Songwriting, will explore the complex historical tapestry and connections between Black and White American Roots Music represented by these three artists.
WELL-Core Credit Available
- Diversity in Entertainment Symposium: From Slave Songs to Grammy's: The Story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers10-06-2022 | 10:00 a.m. | Johnson Center Large Theater (Room 115)
Presented by Dr. MarQo Patton
Dr. MarQo Patton will explore key moments shaping the rich legacy of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. This retrospective will include personal narratives from a Fisk Jubilee Singer, professional vocalist and assistant professor in the Curb College.
WELL-Core Credit Available
- Diversity in Entertainment Symposium: Answering Ava DuVernay’s Call to Action - Using Film and TV as Tools of Empathy, Empowerment and Community Engagement10-06-2022 | 11:00 a.m. | Johnson Center Large Theater (Room 115)
Presented by Dr. Amy Bertram
Dr. Amy Bertram will present a project that investigates Ava DuVernay's online tools for teaching about film and television as vehicles for education and tools to create empathy around social justice issues. This session begins with DuVernay's call to action in conjunction with considerations of her film and TV work, then focuses on how to apply her lessons locally, highlighting a collaboration between Curb College students and the Belcourt's Strong Leads program for high school students.
WELL-Core Credit Available
- Toward Inclusive Excellence: What does it mean and where are we headed?10-06-2022 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Janet Ayers C & D
Event for Faculty and Staff - RSVP Required
Join us for a lunch and conversation as we discuss how embracing inclusive excellence can lead to a reweaving of our social fabric, led by Dr. Susan West, Larkin Briley and Jenny Lokey.
- Diversity in Entertainment Symposium: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Creative Organizations10-06-2022 | 1:00 p.m. | Johnson Center Large Theater (Room 115)
Presented by Dr. David Schreiber and Dr. Nadine Waran-Perrero
Dr. David Schreiber and Dr. Nadine Waran-Perrero explore diversity, equity and inclusion practices that lead to increased employee engagement, innovation and organizational profitability. The presentation will focus on sound business strategies that address the retention of diverse employees and ongoing support after the hiring process. Cases and illustrative examples within the creative economy are presented.
WELL-Core Credit Available
- Real Talk for ALL10-06-2022 | 4:00 p.m. | Janet Ayers C & D
Real Talk: An open, frank, and honest dialogue focusing on, but not limited to diversity, equity, and inclusion here at Belmont University as well as nationally and globally. A confidential, safe, and brave space to voice all opinions. Our slogan is: "If you are bold enough to bring it up, then we are bold enough to talk about it." - Diversity in Entertainment Symposium: This is What it Sounds Like—A Music Showcase10-06-2022 | 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Johnson Center Large Theater (Room 115)
How does inclusion sound? Enjoy a live concert performance from a diverse group of Belmont student writers and artists. Featuring Amanda Aponte, Avery Ellis, Eleni Iglesias, Grace Wiles, Lydia Von Hof, Miles Squires and Trey Strange. Hosted by Jodi Marr, Instructor of Songwriting.
WELL-Core Credit Available
Thursday, October 6
- Diversity in Entertainment Symposium: Diversity in Country Music10-07-2022 | 9:00 a.m. | The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, South Ballroom
Presented by Dr. Don Cusic.
Country music has seen an exponential growth in its diversity, including significant participation in the genre by African Americans. Dr. Don Cusic will explore these trends and their impact on the country music industry.
WELL-Core Credit Available
- Chapel: Celebrating Diversity with BSA Choir10-07-2022 | 10:00 a.m. | Gabhart Chapel
Join members of the Black Student Association Choir and Orthodox Christian Campus Ministries as they lead us in worship. - Diversity in Entertainment Symposium Keynote Event: A Call to Action in Entertainment & Sports - From Dialogue to Impact10-07-2022 | 10:00 a.m. | The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, South Ballroom
Presented by Prof. Cheryl Carr & Erik Moses, Nashville Superspeedway
It’s a compelling story. On August 21, 2020, Dover Motorsports, Inc. named Erik A. Moses President & General Manager of Nashville Superspeedway, becoming the first Black person to hold that title at any NASCAR track in the sport’s history. Mr. Moses is leading the efforts to revitalize and reposition the Nashville Superspeedway into a premier motorsports and live event venue. His story unfolds during a Fireside Chat with him and interviewer, Prof. Cheryl Carr, Associate Dean & Professor, Curb College. This keynote event offers insights for the entertainment, live event, sports, and tourism/hospitality industries.
WELL-Core Credit Available
- Food Truck Friday10-07-2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Circle Drive
- Block Party Celebration10-07-2022 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Circle Drive
- Come celebrate Diversity Week at Belmont's first Diversity Week Block Party, in conjunction with Food Truck Fridays! The event will be a time to engage, learn and celebrate the varies forms of diversity within our campus community!
- Sponsored by: USAC, Office of Student Engagement & WHDC
Friday, October 7
- "The Good Times are Killing Me" and Post Play Talk Back10-08-2022 | 2:00 p.m. | The Fisher Center for Performing Arts
This autobiographical comic drama by noted cartoonist, Lynda Barry, about growing up in an interracial neighborhood in the 1960s enjoyed a long Off-Broadway run. Two 12-year old best friends, one black and one white, stand by each other through upheaval and tragedy, in spite of each family's disapproval. However, racial peer pressure eventually drives a wedge between the girls.
A chat with the cast and producer will follow the performance.
Saturday, October 8
- Dedication Ceremony, Indigenous Garden10-10-2022 | 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Behind the Foutch Alumni House
The Faculty Memorial Committee invites the Belmont community to attend the Dedication Ceremony of the new Indigenous Garden on campus. This 30-minute event will occur on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 10, in honor of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Shawnee and Yuchi people and their first history on the land on which Belmont University now stands. There will be several speakers, both from the committee and from the Native American community of Middle Tennessee. A reception will follow at the Bell Tower Plaza or, in the case of inclement weather, in Beaman A & B.
*This event does not offer WELL-Core credit.