University News

"How to Be an Antiracist" Discussion Series Begins Jan. 15 at WIU-Macomb, QC

January 14, 2020

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – The Western Illinois University's Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research (CITR) and the Expanding Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP) will hold a series of discussions, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 15, on the topic, "How to be an Antiracist," based on the book by Ibram X. Kendi.

The discussions, led by College Student Personnel Professor Tracy Davis, Retired Director of Equal Opportunity and Access Andrea Henderson, College Student Personnel Professor Laila Mccloud, Multicultural Center Director Rocio Ayard Ochoa and WIU English Professor Emeritus Janice Welsch, will be held from noon-12:50 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 15, 22 and 29 and Feb. 5 in the Capitol Room of the University Union on the Macomb campus and live streamed to QCC 1102 on the WIU-Quad Cities campus.

In "How to Be an Antiracist," Kendi explores his own history of racism and with the support of statistical data and analyses of key issues related to race in the United States, he chronicles his journey to antiracist perspectives. Kendi invites readers not only to explore their experiences and examine how cultures influence them, but also to challenge the racist ideas that contribute to social and economic inequality in this country.

According to Davis, the discussion should help participants move beyond a simple awareness of racism to active support of antiracist policies and actions.

Four copies of the book "How to Be an Antiracist" are on reserve at Malpass Library. To register, visit wiu.edu/CITR/workshops/

In addition to the discussion series, WIU faculty and staff are invited to take part in a discussion/skill development workshop focused on the student experience to ensure a more equitable and inclusive campus culture. The half-day "Moving Forward: Commitment to Equity & Inclusion" workshops will be held from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 for Quad Cities faculty and staff in the QC Complex 1102 on the Riverfront campus; from 9 a.m.-noon Friday, Jan. 10 for Macomb staff in the University Union Grand Ballroom on the Macomb campus; and from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Jan. 10 for Macomb faculty in the Ballroom. Read more at wiu.edu/news/newsrelease.php?release_id=16893.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing