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FALL 2022 Programming

Watch for event updates in the coming weeks!

Friday, August 26 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, Mosaic House

Ubuntu Mentor Welcome Back start of the year celebration to include clubs represented on Diversity Board. Follow-up to NSO Ubuntu Mentor meet and greet. Cultural food, ice-breaker activities, generate first year student mentor interest and involvement. OSA Clubs and Organizations Fair immediately following.

Friday, August 26 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Brinser Field

OSA Clubs and Organizations Fair, Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging tabling with Making Her Story and NOIR to support Diversity Board efforts. Sticky note poster for students to state how they support women (in observance of Women’s Equality Day), and information on United States statistics, and Etown stats regarding women faculty provided.

Tuesday, September 6 at 5:00 pm, Hoover 110

Welcome 2022 Mosaic Scholars – Class of 2026 to discuss past, present, and future commitments to diversity, equity and belonging. An opportunity to reflect on personal strengths that exemplify Etown’s commitment to inclusive excellence. Scholars will learn about options to contribute to dialogue series and related events during their time on campus.

Thursday, September 8 at 6:00 pm, Tempest Theatre

Cry Like a Man will offer students the chance to listen to experiences of other men through a professional and student lens, comment on their experiences in their own lives, and find common ground in a therapeutic experience of talking about their feelings. By encouraging men to “Cry Like a Man” (hence the title) the aim to assist in building their confidence to embrace their feelings and raise their competence about mental health facts, suicide rates among men, and understand how those rates are disproportionate amongst other racial groups. And if possible, how a handle on our emotions can serve those whom we love and who love us. Panel discussion facilitated by Gene Thomas.

Friday, September 9 at 7:00 pm, Mosaic House

Intergeneration Month - as we get older, we become less mobile and thus more isolated. Evening event sponsored by the Diversity Board and Making Her Story at the Mosaic House. Create cards to be delivered to Masonic Village residents, to connect with elderly residents through volunteering or just offering friendship. Email makingherstory@etown.edu to register.

Thursday, September 15 at 5:00 pm – Hispanic Heritage Month

Kick off the month with an official Etown Presidential Declaration and Flag Raising in the BSC, by members of the Latinx / Hispanic Student Union.

Friday, September 16 at 10:00 pm, Mosaic House

Ubuntu Mentor Movie Night by Latinx / Hispanic Student Union - Takis, Mexican cucumber snack, mango with lime and tajin provided. Email latinxhispanicsu@etown.edu to register attendance.

Thursday, September 15 at 4:00 pm, Mosaic House

Essence of Wellness - a safe and empowering space for individuals that identify as women of color, facilitated by Jihan Owens-Tyler. Participants can feel free and encouraged to talk, listen, and fellowship with others that have shared experiences in relation to race, gender, relationships, and equity in the collegiate setting. A place for BIPOC women to feel validated, supported and encouraged. We hope to see you each Thursday during the Fall semester from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Mosaic House.

Monday, September 19 at 6:00 pm, Gibble Auditorium

Pushout is a feature-length documentary that explores the educational, judicial, and societal disparities facing Black girls. It is based on the groundbreaking book of the same name by renowned scholar, Monique W. Morris, Ed.D. The documentary confronts the ways in which the misunderstanding of black girlhood has led to excessive punitive discipline which in turn disrupts one of the most important factors in their lives, their education. The film screening will be followed by a panel discussion. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging works in conjunction with the Center for Global Understanding & Peacemaking.

Friday, September 23 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Mosaic House

Ubuntu Mentor Taco Night by Latinx / Hispanic Student Union, email latinxhispanicsu@etown.edu to register attendance.

Saturday, September 24 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, PA College of Health Sciences

The Patients R Waiting 2022 Diversity in Medicine Conference is September 23-25 at the PA College of Health Sciences and virtually, the main conference day is Saturday, Sept 24. The event includes a public health panel, medial student panel, pre-med advice sessions, diversity equity and inclusion training for educators, and more. https://www.patientsrwaiting.com/ Etown covers registration for a limited number of interested students, any student with an interest in learning more about diversity in medicine is welcome to attend. Do not register on the website, contact Jenn Frey at freyjennifer@etown.edu.

Sunday, September 25 at 2:00 pm, Fulton Theatre

Ubuntu Mentor Matinee, For Colored Boyz on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown when Freedom Ain’t Enuff – Freedom vs Truly Being Free. The long and continuous journey of being a black man in America; a choreopoem. Winner of the Fulton’s inaugural Stories of Diversity Play Festival. “FOR COLORED BOYZ…” tells the stories of 5 men who have suffered oppression in a racist society. The show is inspired by the award-winning choreopoem “for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf” written by Ntozake Shange. This choreopoem centers around 5 men of color navigating through the past, present, and what seems to be the future in a world where disenfranchisement, racism, hyper-masculinity, and stereotypes are prevalent.

Wednesday, September 28 at 7:00 pm, Ujima Dialogue Series, High Library

Mosaic Scholars facilitate the Ujima Dialogue Series, a bi-weekly, informal conversation about current diversity, equity, accessibility, and justice topics. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend as Ujima is a principle of Kwanzaa that means "collective work and responsibility." The theme of discussion for September will center on Hispanic Heritage Month.

Friday, September 30 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm, Bowers Center

Paso por Paso / Step by Step – Dancing and Diner, bachata lessons by Kayshen Morel and dinner by La Placita de Lebanon after, prepared in demo kitchen. Register with Whitney Crull at crullw@etown.edu.

Monday, October 3 at 7:00 pm, Gibble Auditorium

The Living Ghosts of Anti-Blackness - Drawing from historical and social science research, Dr. Christena Cleveland will briefly present the surprising origins of modern-day anti-Blackness, discussing how the origins shed light on the ways that white supremacy continues to shape the thoughts, emotions and behaviors of all people today. Dr. Cleveland will illuminate how understanding the roots of anti-Blackness can help people of all races to identify their unique pathways to liberation. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging / Ubuntu Mentor engagement with CGUP programming.

Thursday, October 6 – Saturday October 8, Lancaster

Fall Break: Join the Diversity Board and the Center for Community & Civic Engagement staff for a city experience in Lancaster. We will be partnering with Brightside Opportunity Center and Milagro House to provide services to youth in the community. Email CCCE, communityengagement@etown.edu or Javita Thompson at thompsonjavita@etown.edu for more details.

Monday, October 10 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Mosaic House

Join the Ubuntu Mentors for dinner and BIPOC student group discussion, Mental Health in the disciplines with Jihan Owens-Tyler, email millsd@etown.edu to register attendance (World Health Day and Indigenous Peoples Day).

Wednesday, October 12 & 26 at 7:00 pm, Ujima Dialogue Series, High Library

Saturday, October 15 from 3:00 – 4:30 pm, Mosaic House – Open House

The Mosaic House is a safe space for identity-based clubs and organizations, a multi-purpose location for activities that promote belonging on Campus. Since October of 2016, the Mosaic House has provided educational programming and social events focusing on diversity and inclusion. Student organizations may reserve spaces and hold programs in the Mosaic House. The house is a space dedicated to clubs, organizations, and students who self-identify as Black Indigenous People of Color or as other historically marginalized identities.

Saturday, October 15 at 7:00 pm, the Writers House, Mosaic House

Join us at the Bowers Writers House for an evening with Jason Mott, author of the National Book Award-winning novel, "Hell of A Book”. Mott is a bestselling author with countless awards in fiction and poetry. "The Returned", Jason’s debut novel, was adapted by Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B, in association with Brillstein Entertainment and ABC, and aired under the title “Resurrection.” Before the event, the 2^nd Annual Ubuntu Homecoming Gathering will take place at 6:00 pm.

Monday, October 17 at 7:00 pm, High Library

Mosaic Scholars facilitate Mosaic Unbound - the High Library and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging host once-a-month, informal conversations about a piece of literature, art, or music to further explore topics related to diversity, equity, accessibility, and justice.

Wednesday, October 19 at 7:00 pm, High Library

Out on Campus - In connection with the LGBTQ History Month exhibit in the library, Dr. Dawnielle Simmons will present on the topic of the history of LGBTQ+ movements in the U.S., specifically through a critical race lens, examining erased narratives in that history.

Thursday, October 20 at 12:00 pm, Mosaic House

Unity Day - Ubuntu Mentor Lunch and Learn: Kindness, Acceptance, Inclusion (with activities).

Thursday, October 20 at 6:00 pm, Hoover 110

Policing and the Black Experience in America - This panel, sponsored by Bowers Writers House, will feature National Book Award-winning author Jason Mott and discuss the themes in his book, One Hell of a Book. Jason Mott and other professionals will delve into issues around policing, racism, and reform. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging / Ubuntu Mentor engagement opportunity.

Tuesday, October 25 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Bowers Center

Diversity Board / Ubuntu Mentor engagement with Career Development event - connect with employers to learn more about job, internship, and graduate school opportunities.

Thursday, October 27 from 4:00 – 9:00 pm, Susquehanna Room

RaceTalk is designed to educate and prepare all students for cross-racial interactions that lead to inclusive interpersonal connections. A unique opportunity to examine racial identity and privilege through foundational content and presentation of narratives from a panel. The panel, facilitated by Dr. Dawnielle Simmons, initiates dialogue regarding race, racism, white supremacy, racial identity development, racial socialization, campus climate, and many other issues while addressing the unique needs of students and faculty of color at predominantly white institutions. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging works in conjunction with the Center for Global Understanding & Peacemaking.

Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 12:30 pm, McCormick Classroom, High Library

Lunch and Learn Book Club - Indigenous People Heritage (by Emily Guevara and Gene Thomas).

Wednesday, November 2 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, Leffler Chapel

Anthony Ray Hinton, Best-Selling Author and Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform, Lecture: The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life, Freedom, and Justice - In 1985, Anthony Ray Hinton was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder in Alabama. Stunned, confused, and only 29 years old, Mr. Hinton knew that it was a case of mistaken identity and believed that the truth would prove his innocence and ultimately set him free. But with no money and a different system of justice for a poor Black man in the South, Mr. Hinton was sentenced to death by electrocution. He spent his first three years on Death Row at Holman State Prison in agonizing silence ― full of despair and anger toward all those who had sent an innocent man to his death. But as Mr. Hinton realized and accepted his fate, he resolved not only to survive, but find a way to live on Death Row. For the next 27 years he was a beacon ― transforming not only his own spirit, but those of his fellow inmates, 54 of whom were executed mere feet from his cell. With the help of civil rights attorney and bestselling author of Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson, Mr. Hinton won his release in 2015.

Wednesday, November 9, 16 & 30 at 7:00 pm, Ujima Dialogue Series, High Library

Monday, November 14 at 7:00 pm, High Library

Tuesday, November 22 at 5:00 pm, Ubuntu Family Dinner, Mosaic House

Mentees and mentors gather for dinner and to reflect on moments of gratitude before the holiday break.

Wednesday, November 30 at 7:00 pm, High Library

Visiting indigenous speaker to close out Indigenous People Heritage Month with lecture (TBD).

Thursday, December 1 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Bowers Center

Tabling to bring attention to Human Rights Month issues – Instagram Train, Diversity Board posts an issue from respective pages to spotlight different issues and state call to action (IG posts made week after finals).

Thursday, December 1 at 7:00 pm, KAV

Queen Sheeba, Grammy nominated spoken word / hip-hop artist (World AIDS Day).