ADAPTING TO A NEW NORMAL

June 2020 Volume 1, Issue 3

A message from Dr. Robin R. Means Coleman Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity I can't sleep (Breonna Taylor). I can't jog (Ahmaud Arbery). I can't breathe (George Floyd). I hate that I am writing yet again about racism - a pain and trauma that seems to be so unceasing in our country. Systemic racism continues to deprive us of our very lives. The current national unrest reveals that we are all so very tired of it. I hope that we can supplant sentiments of 'thoughts and prayers’ with tangible policy changes and action. My thoughts center on an increasingly diverse TAMU faculty, staff, and student body. My prayers are for a campus community that leads with respect and belonging. The change I would like to see is for us to be national leaders in inclusion, anti-racism, and belonging. I hope that we are ready to meet these challenges. 

PRODUCING OUTSTANDING SCHOLARSHIP Dr. Bryce Henson, ACES Fellow

Dr. Bryce Henson is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Communications at Texas A&M University and an   Accountability, Climate, Equity, and Scholarship (ACES) Fellow . We interviewed Dr. Henson about his research and current book, Diasporic Fugitives: Race, Gender, and Brazilian Hip-Hop Cultures. What is the inspiration for your research/book?   In general, my inspiration for my research is Black people’s creative and cultural genius around the globe, particularly outside the English-speaking world.   With regards to my current book I’m working on, I’m inspired by quilombos, which are communities of fugitive Black people who refused slavery as a system and a way of life. Black people ran away...  Continue reading

MOVING TO POLICY AND CHANGE The Office for Diversity is providing a collection of resources on our website to encourage and support people to practice self care and develop their capacity to be engaged and effective in their communities. The resource provides tips for avoiding burn-out, engaging in allyship, and advancing cultural literacy.

USE JUNETEENTH AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS RACIAL JUSTICE Juneteenth is the moment of time where Black people who were enslaved received the word of their freedom, which was met with great emotion. “Freedom Day” is no longer unique to Texas, but there are now celebrations all over the country. I believe that the 19th of June is a necessary moment of observation and should be celebrated by all people. Juneteenth is an opportunity not only to celebrate but to discuss racial justice and speak out. Speak out on how freedom and justice in the United States has always been delayed for Black people. Speak out against the killings of Black people by police. Speak out and support Black authors, businesses, and organizations. Speak out and use your voice in the community to fight racism. Speak out that Black Lives Matter. - Crystal Carter, Communications Specialist

CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH Use this time to learn the history and celebrate the culture. Join to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. Get the full list of LGBTQ+ Pride Center events for Pride Month.  Calendar

The Office for Diversity is collecting experiences and reflections from students, faculty, staff, and community members as we are learning to build community and connecting virtually.  Please share your experiences, insight, and advice regarding learning, teaching, working, and connecting online.

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IN THE NEWS

Task Force on Race Relations, Commission on Historic Representations announcement

Online searchable guide to disability-related resources, services, and information for those affected by COVID-19

Aggie sworn in as new American Medical Association president amid pandemic

Texas A&M University Office for Diversity Jack K. Williams Administration Building 1360 TAMU College Station, Texas 77843-1360 Phone: (979) 458-2905

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