Inclusivity Speaker & Performance Series

Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz: Esteemed Educator, Author, and Activist

Date: 2/29/24
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Scibelli Hall (B2), Auditorium

In celebration of Black History Month, join us for an inspiring event featuring renowned speaker Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz. Dr. Shabazz, an esteemed educator, author, and activist, will share her profound insights and experiences rooted in the rich legacy of African American history and culture. 

Prepare to be enlightened and empowered as Dr. Shabazz illuminates the significance of Black history and its enduring impact on society. This event promises to be a compelling journey through the triumphs and challenges of the African American experience, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding and appreciation of our shared heritage.

Breaking Barriers: The Inspirational Journey of Olga E. Custodio in Aviation

Date: Wednesday, October 11
Time: 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Scibelli Hall (B2), Auditorium

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Olga Custodio, a trailblazing Latina who shattered gender stereotypes and achieved numerous milestones in the aviation industry, will give a presentation titled “Breaking Barriers: The Inspirational Journey of Olga E. Custodio in Aviation.” From becoming the first Latina to complete U.S. Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training to her distinguished career as a military pilot and commercial airline captain, Olga's story exemplifies the power of perseverance and determination. Through her pioneering efforts, she has not only realized her own dreams but also become a mentor and advocate, inspiring the next generation, especially women, to pursue their aspirations in aviation and beyond.

Vamos a Bailar: Roshay, Bachata Dance Instructor

Date: Friday, October 13, 2023
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Scibelli Hall (B2), 7^thFloor

Immerse yourself in the rhythmic work of bachata, whether you’re a beginner or seeking to polish your skills. Our instructor, Roshay, will expertly guide you through the steps. Bring your enthusiasm and prepare to elevate your dance moves!

Keith "Keef" Knight

Date: Thursday, September 29, 2022
Time: 11: 00 a.m.
Location: Scibelli Hall (B2), Theater

Cartoonist, Writer, Social Activist, Educator & inspiration for the Hulu streaming series "Woke"

Raul Fernandez Ed.D.

Date: Wednesday, October 5
Time: 11:15 a.m.
Location: Scibelli Hall (B2), 7th Floor

Former Vice Chair of the Brookline Select Board, a Senior Lecturer at BU's Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, and a candidate for State Representative

Lee Francis IV, Ph.D. (Pueblo of Laguna)

Date: Wednesday, November 9
Time: 11:15 a.m.
Location: Scibelli Hall (B2), 7th Floor

Indigenous pop culture scholar, entrepreneur, digital creative, and founder of the Indigenous Comic Con, Red Planet Books and Comics and Native Realities, and Indigenous imagination organization.

Nic Stone

Date: Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Time: 11:15 a.m.
Location: Zoom

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author of "Dear Martin" and "Dear Justyce"

Dr. Moogega Cooper

Award-winning engineer of the famed Mars Rover "Perseverance" Mission and real-life “Guardian of the Galaxy”
September 22, 2021

Denise Soler-Cox

Filmmaker, Podcaster, Speaker
October 12, 2021

Denise Soler-Cox: Queen of Belonging + Award-Winning Filmmaker, Top 100 Podcaster + Keynote Speaker Transforming how we think about culture, identity, and what it means to belong.

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill

Award-winning Journalist, TV Personality, Author, and Social Justice Activist and Organizer
October 20, 2021

Dr. John Little

(Standing Rock Dakota) Scholar, Historian, Filmmaker, and Mentor
November 4, 2021

John Little's, PhD, (Standing Rock Dakota) presentations and research focus on Native student retention and success in higher education, decolonizing work in the university, cultural appropriation, and Native American-themed mascots, Lakota and Dakota music, and Native American Vietnam veterans, looking at the fact that Native Americans serve in the military at a higher per-capita rate than any other ethnic group in the United States. He is co-director of the documentary “More Than A Word” an exploration of Native American-based mascots, especially the Washington R_dskins, and their impact on real-life attitudes, issues, and policies.

Chloe O. Davis

Dancer, Actor, Creative, and Debut LGBTQ Author
November 9, 2021

"Beyond Myths, Memes, and Soundbites: An Examination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a Historical Agent for Social Change" with Dr. J. Anthony Guillory

Monday, February 14, 2022
12:15 p.m. via  Zoom
YouTube

The 博彩网站 Office of Multicultural Affairs commemorates the life and the rich legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We will be featuring keynote speaker Dr. J. Anthony Guillory, historian, scholar, lecturer, and History faculty at 博彩网站.

“Interrupting Oppression in Everyday Situations: An Interactive Workshop" (presented in partnership with AIA)

Thursday, February 17, 2022
3:00 p.m. via Zoom

Join the award winning University of Oregon graduate student theater troupe "Rehearsals for Life" for a lively and interactive session about how we can facilitate conversations that emerge everyday around issues of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality and disability. When we hear statements or witness situations that we don't know how to handle, we often walk away feeling bad that we didn't do better. Despite socially conscious aspirations, people often struggle in determining the best ways to confront difficult issues like oppression and privilege in the classroom or workplace. Through interactive scenarios we will explore what it means to live at a time when cross-cultural interactions are increasing and intervention expectations are changing. In this workshop participants will explore innovative and interactive ways to have difficult campus dialogues and practice interrupting oppression in their professional lives; gaining skills to construct welcoming spaces as course instructors and professionals in their fields. Together we will explore multiple ways to respond to difficult discussions, addressing the complex challenges that face faculty across disciplines.

Chloe Arnold's Syncopated Ladies

Thursday, February 17, 2022  
Hanover Theater, Worcester State University 
7:30 p.m. (In-person event, transportation will be provided from 博彩网站)

Free tickets are available through the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Tickets are limited. Syncopated Ladies is a Female Tap Dance Band widely known for their viral videos and founded by Emmy Nominated Choreographer, Chloé Arnold. Check out this video preview of the Syncopated Ladies. Learn more on Syncopated Ladies website!

"What is Sizeism? A Workshop with NCCJ"

Wednesday, February 23, 2022
12:00 p.m. via Zoom

What is sizeism and why is it one of the 9 identities that NCCJ focuses on? Size has a visual component that people can make an immediate judgment about and size remains one of the most targeted identities. Join us as we explore the many facets of this controversial topic and the stigmas that surround body image and size.

Baratunde Thurston

writer, activist, and comedian
Sept. 21, 2020

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the 博彩网站 fall Diversity Series kicked off Sept. 21 with a talk by writer, activist, and comedian Baratunde Thurston.

Jose Gonzalez & Banda Criolla

Latinx musical celebration
Sept. 24, 2020

Lawrence Ross

author, lecturer, writer
Oct. 5, 2:00 p.m.

Lawrence Ross is the author of “The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities,” a Los Angeles Times best seller, and “Blackballed: The Black and White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses.”

Denice Frohman

poet, educator, and performer
Oct. 16, 6:00 p.m.

Denice Frohman is a poet, educator, and performer from New York City. She is a CantoMundo Fellow, former Women of the World Poetry Slam Champion and National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures grant recipient.

Blair Imani

historian, advocate, and activist
Oct. 19, 2:00 p.m.

Blair Imani is a historian, advocate, and activist. She is the author of two historical books, “Modern HERstory: Stories of Women and Nonbinary People Rewriting History” and “Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration and The Black American Dream.”

Claudia Foxtree

Implicit Bias, Stereotypes, and Monuments
Nov. 23 3:15 p.m.
YouTube

Indigenous people have always lived on this land, but their history, culture, and contributions are not seen. Instead, stereotypes and implicit bias, imposed by the dominant culture, define their identity. The journey of developing a counter narrative to missing information and misinformation about the First Nations people of this land begins with un-erasing indigenous voices and learning truths we were not taught. It continues by having conversations with families, friends, and community members to confront “invisibility” and implicit bias. Join Claudia Fox Tree as she takes back the narrative and focuses on strategies to challenge bias and make contributions visible.

Kevin Powell

Acclaimed Writer, Author, and Civil and Human Rights Activist
Jan. 26, 2:00 p.m.
YouTube

The 博彩网站 Office of Multicultural Affairs commemorates the life and the rich legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We feature Keynote Speaker Kevin Powell, acclaimed author, writer, and activist. This event is a part of a new series created by the Office of Multicultural Affairs to celebrate Dr. King's commitment to racial justice and the civil rights movement. Kevin Powell is one of the most celebrated political, cultural, literary, and hip-hop voices in America today. The Jersey City product of a single mother, absent father, horrific poverty, and violence, he was able to study at Rutgers University in his home state of New Jersey due to the Educational Opportunity Fund, a program created during the Civil Rights Movement to benefit poor youth. Says Kevin, “Just to be able to get to college, to be exposed to a new world, a new way, changed my life forever, and I am forever grateful for the chance.” Kevin has gone on to be a poet and journalist and the author of 14 books, including When We Free The World, his new short essay collection about freedom, justice, and equality in America; and his critically acclaimed autobiography, The Education of Kevin Powell: A Boy’s Journey into Manhood, which is being adapted for the screen.

Eddie Glaude Jr.

Professor, Columnist, Author, and Speaker
Feb. 17, 12:15 p.m.

Tiffany Jewell

Antiracist, Author, and Educator
March 10, 12:00 p.m.

Jasmine Cho

Artist, Author, and Cookie Activist
April 14, 12:15 p.m.

Jasmine M. Cho is a Pittsburgh-based artist, author, and cookie activist most known for using portrait cookies to elevate representation for Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders. She is also a Food Network Champion (Christmas Cookie Challenge Season 3, Episode 8) and the Founder of Yummyholic.

Frederick Joseph

Award-winning Author, Activist, Philanthropist, and Marketing Professional
April 29, 12:30 p.m.

Frederick Joseph is a New York Times bestselling author (“The Black Friend”), Forbes Under 30 list-maker for marketing and advertising, an activist, philanthropist, with over 10 years of marketing experience.

The Significance of Juneteenth in History and the Present: featuring J. Anthony Guillory, Ph.D.

博彩网站 professor of American History, African American History, and African American Literature
June 19, 2021
YouTube

Storrowton Village Museum collaborates with 博彩网站 to present a Juneteenth Lecture Series, featuring J. Anthony Guillory, Ph.D. professor of American History, African American History, and African American Literature.

Theo Croker

Star People Nation
September 16, 2019

Theo Croker is a multi-talented trumpeter that performed a free concert in the Scibelli Hall Theater. JazzTimes describes Croker as “musically adventurous, unafraid to test genre boundaries and always ultra-stylish.” His latest album is "Star People Nation."

Dr. David Pilgrim

Founder of Jim Crow Museum
September 23, 2019

The Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery hosted a meet and greet reception with Dr. David Pilgrim. Dr. Pilgrim is the founder and Director of the Jim Crow Museum, the nation’s largest, publicly accessible collection of racist objects, located at Ferris State University where he serves as Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Pilgrim is also the author of Understanding Jim Crow: Using Racist Memorabilia to Teach Tolerance and Promote Social Justice (PM Press, 2015). The book explains the museum’s vision and work, where the objects are used as tools to teach about race, race relations, and racism. His goal is to get people talking about race relations and inclusion in meaningful ways and then, to go and do something positive.

Hispanic Heritage & Latin Food Tasting feat. Jose Gonzalez & Banda Criolla

October 24, 2019

Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with music from Jose Gonzalez and Banda Criolla and a Latin Food Tasting. Free and open to all.

Movies that Matter: Harriett

February 10, 2020

Movies That Matter are socially conscious films shown during Black History Month at 博彩网站. The film "Harriett" was shown.

Movies That Matter: The Hate You Give

February 14, 2020

Movies That Matter are socially conscious films shown during Black History Month at 博彩网站. The film "The Hate You Give" was shown.

15^th Annual Soul Food & Jazz Luncheon feat. Rohn Lawrence & Friends

February 19, 2020

Open to the public, the Soul Food & Jazz Luncheon at 博彩网站 features delicious food and wonderful music to benefit the Myra D. Smith Scholarship Fund. $5 ($2 with 博彩网站 student ID)

Movies That Matter: I Am Not Your Negro

February 21, 2020

Movies That Matter are socially conscious films shown during Black History Month at 博彩网站. The film "I Am Not Your Negro" was shown.

Kiayani Douglas

Artist in Residence
February 2020

Fallacies: Black Identity Extremist = Black Identity Enthusiast. Kiayani Douglas has spent the last three years developing an interdisciplinary body of work called Black Identity Enthusiast. B.I.E. is a body of work geared towards curating conversations rooted in race history and privilege. She creates workshops where students of all disciplines can learn about American Black History, while making connections to Math, Science, History, and literature. A series of student workshops and art faculty will be held throughout the month.

Movies That Matter: Tell Them We Are Rising

February 24, 2020

Movies That Matter are socially conscious films shown during Black History Month at 博彩网站. The film "The Hate You Give" was shown.

Movies That Matter: Just Mercy

February 28, 2020

Movies That Matter are socially conscious films shown during Black History Month at 博彩网站. The film "Just Mercy" was shown.

Naima Penniman

April 1, 2020

• Kaila Mullady-September 19, 2018
• Jose Antonio Vargas- October 3, 2018
• 博彩网站 Comic Fest-October 10-13, 2018
• Gabby Rivera-October 10, 2018
• Ruth Carter-October 11, 2018
• Hispanic Heritage & Latin Food Tasting feat. Jose Gonzalez & Banda Criolla-October 18, 2018
• Travis Mills-October 25, 2018
• Larry “Spotted Crow” Mann-November 5, 2018
• Khalid El Hakim-Black History 101 Mobile Museum-November 28, 2018
• Brian Gaither-Artist in Residence-February 2019
• Soul Food & Jazz Luncheon feat. Rohn Lawrence & Friends-February 21, 2019
• Zeke Thomas- April 11, 2019

• Ray Grand-September 19, 2017
• Hugo Balta-September 20, 2017
• Shane Bitney Crone-October 4, 2017
• Hispanic Heritage & Latin Food Tasting feat. Jose Gonzalez & Banda Criolla-October 12, 2017
• Coming Out Night-October 10, 2017
• Kevin Powell-October 25, 2017
• Prentice Powell & Chief The Poet-October 27, 2017
• Dr. Adrienne Keene-November 1, 2017
• Dindga McCannon-Artist in Residence-February 2018
• Soul Food & Jazz Luncheon feat. Jimmy Greene Quartet-February 22, 2018
• Zak Ebrahim-March 27, 2018
• Jo Sallins-April-5, 2018

• Junot Diaz-September. 13, 2016
• Marilyn Alverio-October. 5, 2016
• Hispanic Heritage & Latin Food Tasting feat. Jose Gonzalez & Banda Criolla – October 17, 2016
• Dr. John Herrington-November. 1, 2016
• Marlon Seymour-Artist in Residence-February 2017
• Brandee Younger-February. 2, 2017
• Soul Food & Jazz Luncheon feat. Rohn Lawrence & Friends -February 23, 2017
• Prentice Powell & Chief The Poet-Feb. 24, 2017
• Marcus Johnson-April 6, 2017
• Willie Hill & Friends-April 13, 2017
• Dr. Kevin Nadal –April 25, 2017

• Wes Moore - September 30, 2015
• Steve Pemberton- October 2, 2015
• Dr. Sampson Davis- February 3, 2016
• Dr. Imo Imeh-Artist in Residence-February 2016
• Soul Food & Jazz Luncheon feat.Rohn Lawrence/Hot & Heavy -February 25, 2016
• Maria Hinojosa - March 4, 2016
• Women's High Tea - March , 2016
• Four80East - April 7, 2016
• Heart of A Man - April , 2016
• Jackiem Joyner w/special guest Selina Albright-April 8, 2016

• Shannon Lanier & Jane Feldman Authors of Jefferson's Children, The Story of One American Family - September 25, 2014 (250 in attendance)
• James McBride - October 1, 2014 (300 in attendance)
• Bonnie St. John - February 4, 2015 (300 in attendance)
• Art & Soul - Artist Exhibition - February 12, 2015
• Condemning the Race, Historical and Sociological Considerations of African Americans & the Criminal Justice System
• Soul Food & Jazz Luncheon feat. Rohn Lawrence/Hot and Heavy -February 26, 2015
• M.I.L.E. Summit - Young Men's Retreat- Quentin Williams, ESQ.
• Women's High Tea - March 3, 2015
• MAYSA, Nick Collionne, Brian Simpson- April 9, 2015
• Urban Jazz Coalition - April 10, 2015
• Heart of A Man - April 28, 2015

• Isabell Wilkerson - October 22, 2013
• James McBride - February 6, 2014 (canceled due to weather; re-scheduled Oct. 1, 2014
• Dr. Steve Robbins - March 20, 2014
• Soulfood Jazz Luncheon - February 27, 2014 (featuring Rohn Lawrence)
• Women's High Tea - March 25, 2014
• Bob Baldwin - April 4, 2014
• Jeff Lorber Fusion featuring Everette Harp - April 11, 2014
• Heart of a Man - April 22, 2014

• Nicholas Kristof - October 23, 2012
• Susan L. Taylor - February 5, 2013
• Soul Food Luncheon - February 28, 2013
• Women's Tea - March 28, 2013
• Steve Pemberton - April 11, 2013 _ Young Men's Retreat
• Pieces of a Dream - April 25, 2013
• Heart of a Man - April 30, 2013

• New Student Orientation - August 12 & 13, 2011 ( 800 + in attendance)
• Diversity Welcome Reception for New Hires - August 31, 2011 (23 new hires in attendance)
• Introduction of Diversity Council New Colleague Mentor Program-August 31, 2011
• Initiation of Diversity Think Tank series:
• September 14, 2011 - Brooks Fitch .E. B. DuBois Center
• October 20, 2011 - Dr. Marcia Cantarella -Educator/Author
• January 26, 2012 - Chancellor Keith Motley-UMass Boston
• February 16, 2012 - Dr. Maria Torres - Mauricio Gaston Institute
• March 29, 2012 - James Morton -Hartford YMCA
• Initiation of BALSA & Alpha Partnership - September 14, 2011
• Kyle Hausmann-Stokes - October 19, 2011
• John Quinones- November 9, 2011
• Chief Justice Roderick Ireland - February 17, 2012
• America Ferrera - March 7, 2012
• The Sax Pac - March 22, 2012
• Sponsor Next Level Conference - October 2, 2011 (prof. dev. Staff)
• Hispanic Heritage Gala - Sponsor October 6, 2011
• Entrepreneurship Event - Diversity table October 6, 2011
• Martin Luther King Celebration - January 14, 2012 (6 participants)
• Urban League Dinner (March 6, 2012 -10 participants)

• New Student Orientation -August 14, 2010 (800 + in attendance)
• Diversity Welcome Reception for Employees - August 25, 2010, for new hires (40 in attendance)
• Michael Patrick MacDonald - October 1, 2010 ( 500 + and 70 evening in attendance)
• Sponsor Reception Next Level Conference October 1, 2010 (40 in attendance)
• "Bilal's Stand" - October 14, 2010 (150 morning & 75 evening in attendance)
• "Soulfege" - November 5, 2010 (200 morning & 40  evening in attendance)
• Michael Eric Dyson - February 10, 2011 (1000 morning event in attendance)
• Naturally 7 - March 23, 2011
• Development of Cultural Competency Course- Baystate & 博彩网站
• American Heart Association Women's Conference -February 15, 2011
• Urban League Annual Dinner (3 - in attendance February 16, 2011)
• Westfield State College-"Nuttin but Strings"-(8 in attendance) (March 5, 2011)
• Women's Fund Conference ( 6- in attendance March 8, 2011)

• Implementation of the Diversity and Inclusion brochure into the College community Fall 2009:
• -brochures given to Trustees, sponsors and community agencies
• -distribution of brochures to students at the New Student Orientation August 15, 2009
• -distribution of brochure to faculty at the Opening Faculty meeting on
• Distribution of the booklets and pens with logo of Diversity and Respect Matter (management team-August 17, 2009)
• Distribution of pens and conversation with faculty about the Respect project.
• Implementation of the Cultural Competency Course-taught by Elms College
• Diversity Speakers Series event- The Minority Reporter October 8, 2009 (
•  8:30 High School Students (200 in attendance)
• 11:00  College Community (125 in attendance)
• 6:00 p.m.   Community (80 in attendance)
• Angela Burt Murray _"Essence" magazine -Women of Color Reception (50 in attendance) October 9, 2009 (75 in attendance)
• Rosa Parks Day, December 1, 2009
• Traces of the Trade:  Story from the Deep North November 19, 2009, Windsor, Ct.-NCCJ Partnership program (Faculty)
• Chloe Arnold (Tap Dancer) February 11, 2010 (400 in attendance) day & evening
• RFK_Journey to Justice - UMASS Fine Arts Concert Hall (staff, Fac. & students)
• NuDirexion-Soul Food Jazz luncheon February 25, 2010 (300 in attendance)
• Dr. John Francis (Planetwalker) March 11, 2010 (125 in attendance)
• Ashong - Five Year Anniversary Celebration - April 8, 2010 (300 in attendance)
• NATARAJ- Indian Performing Arts Dancers - April 15, 2010 (75 in attendance)
• Dr. Abbie Goldberg - April 27, 2010-Changing Face of American Families & Creating more sensitive/appropriate service for LGBTA persons (160 in attendance)
• Women's Tea-March 30, 2010: speaker Dr. Carol Leary Baypath College & Yvonne Williams (Author & Cancer Survivor)
• Traces of the Trade film showing/Partnership CCGS &NCCJ-March 31, 2010
• Heart of A Man -April 30, 2010

• JoSallins -January 23, 2009, The Legacy Continues- Jo Sallins, Magdalena Gomez, Tony Vacca, (1000 in attendance)
• Pink: The Chronicles of BC Jenny, sponsored by School of Arts and Social Sciences, Diversity Council and Student Activities September 26, 2008 (100 in attendance)
• Nikki Giovanni - October 31^st, 2008 Keynote Speaker& book signing (1500 in attendance, 26 schools) (1500 in attendance)
• 4^th Annual Rosa Parks Day event -December 5, 2008 (150 in attendance)
• Juan Williams - February 12, 2009 - Keynote Speaker& book signing (1000 in attendance)
• Ken Ford (Electric Violinist) Concert & Soul Food Jazz Luncheon -February 27, 2009 - (500 in attendance)
• Mass Women's Day, White Ribbon Campaign Feb.12^th w/ Commonwealth of Mass.
• National Acrobats of China, sponsored Diversity Council Members & students March 9, 2009 (15 in attendance)
• Think Respect project, co-sponsor with Student Support Services, March 27, 2009
• 2^nd Annual Women's High Tea, March 31, 2009
• Black Nurses Association of Western Mass.  March 28, 2009, co- sponsor event, purchased seats to support the event Anne-Mistivar Payen
• Morris Dees - April 16^th 2009 - Keynote & book Signing
• Heart of A Man - Men's Celebration- sponsored by Diversity Council and American Heart Association
• Spanish American Union 40^th Annual Gala - September 25, 2008 Sponsored table
• No Child - October 1, 2008-(sponsored table for Diversity Council Members w/NCCJ)
• Resurrection - October 19, 2008-NCCJ (博彩网站 students taken to play)
• Resurrection-November 12, 2008 (served as moderator with President Rubenzahl for Youth Night at Hartford Stage (NCCJ Board participation)
• Sweet Honey & the Rock - November 1, 2008 (Diversity Council members)
• 10^th Annual Spirit of Women Conference - Dr. Mimi Guarneri - "The Heart Speaks Are you Listening"- Mass. Mutual Center
• Alvin Ailey event with UMass, sponsored Diversity Council Member & students (32 in attendance)
• NCCJ - Jonathan Kozol presentation October 6, 2008
• Titicut Follies-April 3, 2009 (Arts, Hum.Soc.Sci)
• NCCJ- Racial Disparities in Children's Health April 7, 2009 WNEC -Partners for a Healthier Community-(Nursing Dept. Dean)
• Pride March-May 2, 2009
• Hoop City Jazz Festival - Jul 4, 5^th & 6^th 2009

• Diversity Council - Chairs (Arlene Rodriguez & Bob Dickerman 2008)
• Creation of Diversity through the Arts Program - Alvin Ailey II October 25^th & 26th
• (November 2007-City Stage) 2-day event-Nat. Kick-off of their world-wide tour. (940 in attendance)
  
• 3rd Annual Rosa Parks Day Event -November 20, 2007-Rodnell Collins & Peter Bailey (nephew of Malcolm X) February 2008 (collaboration with Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences) portrait unveiling of Malcolm X by guest artist-T.Charron (100 in attendance)
  
• Diversity Speaker series
• Funded Artist reception for Larry Slezak February 2008
• WTCC/Bob Marley Speaker Series in collaboration with WTCC radio station
• (funded reception for Dr. Julius Garvey, Dr. Toussaint King Hill & Roger Steffens) -February 23, 2008 (300 in attendance)
• Gail Marquis-Women's Basketball Olympian-February 28, 2008 collaboration with the Business Dept. (75 in attendance)
  
• Funded Soul Food Luncheon-February 29, 2008
• Ragan Whiteside-Artist Series & reception - February 29, 2008
• Langston Hughes Event --Artist Series-Ron McCurdy- March 6, 2008, collaboration English department. (100 in attendance)
• Red Velvet Signature Reception - March 7, 2008 (collaboration Unity First & Amer. Heart Assoc.)
• 1^st Annual Women's High Tea-March 25, 2008, Celebration of Women's History Month
• The Respect Project - UMass collaboration with George Faison & Maryann Lombardi (May 2008) (500 in attendance)
• Men's Basketball Reception 2008
• Development of Sankofa award (Maggie Richardson, Larry Slezak, & Joan Thomas) -February 28, 2008
• Marketing strategies for recruitment/enrollment-Director of Marketing
• New Public Relation Strategies-Director of Public Relations
• Diversity hiring in key departments
• Advertising in diverse publications (Unity First, La Prensa, Point of View)
• Distribution of diverse publications around campus
• Collaborations with area schools (elem., middle and high) for participation in events
• Collaborations with area businesses and agencies for sponsors and participation in various events.
• Purchase Diversity Teaching materials
• Purchase and donate Diversity books to Library and Springfield Schools

• Cornbread & Platanos -September 27, 2006, sponsored by Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences & Ovations, reception by Diversity Council - (100 in attendance)
• Diversity Council - Chair-Myra D. Smith
• 2^nd Annual Rosa Parks Day December 1, 2006 (Mrs. Diane Patrick & Rhea McCauley), Diversity Council and School of Arts Humanities & Social Sciences (200 in attendance)
•  Dance Theatre of Harlem -February 1, 2007 - (300 in attendance)
• Four Ladies of Springfield Reception -February 7, 2007
• Soul Food Jazz Luncheon-Joe Sallins Guest Artist- February 26, 2007
• Community Partners Program - March 22, 2007
• Open Pantry-Jazz Celebration March 24, 2007
• September 28, 2007 -The Ibraham Gonzalez Trio in Portal, A Journey in Poetry with Music- Sandra Maria Estevez and Ibrahim Gonzalez sponsored by: School of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences & Ovations, reception by Diversity Council -(100 in attendance)
  
• Diversity Website - launch 2006

• Yo Soy Latina, Sponsored by AHSS, reception by Student Activities and Diversity Council -(100 in attendance)
• Development of Diversity Council -Chair Myra D. Smith & Louisa Davis Freeman
• Development & Implementation of President's Charge
• Development of Diversity Mission Statement
• Diversity Meet & Greet -December 2005
• Dick Gregory February 1, 2005 - (500 in attendance)
• Rosa Parks Day-December 1, 2005-Sponsored by School of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
• Tony Brown - February 2, 2006 - (500 in attendance)
  
• Soul Food Luncheon -February 21, 2006,  Talented Teens Catholic Stepping Group
• Frederick Douglass IV, May 1, 2006