Archive Posts
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Juneteenth and a Moment of Reckoning
Racial Justice InitiativeAs the U.S. prepares to commemorate the federal holiday Juneteenth, which marks the date (June 19, 1865) when enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, the nation is at a moment of reckoning and we must make everyday commitments to justice, says Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St.…
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Reflections from St. Thomas Community Two Years After George Floyd's Death
Diversity, Equity and InclusionMay 25 marks two years since George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police. It’s the nine minutes and 29 seconds that sparked an international movement for racial justice. Political leaders vowed change, businesses across the globe committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and many others, including some at the University of St. Thomas, began having… -
Dr. Artika Tyner Named 2022 Bush Fellow; Publishes New Book
Professional NotesDr. Artika Tyner, the director of the Center on Race, Leadership and Social Justice and a clinical professor at the School of Law, was recently selected as a 2022 Bush Fellow. In addition, her book Reimagining Police: The History and Future of Law Enforcement will be published by Lerner Publishing Group and Thomson Reuters. Out… -
Making 'Good Trouble': Nkechukw Akpati Awarded New Racial Justice Scholarship
Diversity, Equity and InclusionNkechukw Akpati dreams of making a career out of using his own voice. Drawn to the idea of hosting his own talk show, Akpati loves to entertain. But before getting his name on a marquee, he’s working hard to lift up the voices of others. “When you come from a school where you’re in the… -
Tommie Experts: Associate Chaplain Dr. Sadaf Shier Discusses Ramadan
Faith and MissionDuring the month of Ramadan, which begins this year on the evening of April 2, Muslims begin 30 days of fasting from sunrise to sundown. However, fasting during Ramadan is much more than just not eating and not drinking for 14 to 15 hours each day, said University of St. Thomas Associate Chaplain Sadaf Shier,… -
Yohuru Williams Honored in History Makers at Home Program
Anti-racism EffortsDr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative (RJI) at the University of St. Thomas, recently was honored by the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights. Williams was one of 12 individual community leaders honored as part of the History Makers at Home program. The Minnesota Black Basketball Coaches Association also was recognized. Through… -
St. Thomas Launches Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center
Anti-racism EffortsThe University of St. Thomas launched the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center on Feb. 2, 2022. The TRHT campus center became effective after the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU) approved the university’s designation as one of many host campuses across the U.S. Kha Yang, associate vice president for inclusive excellence, said… -
Professors Raise Awareness of Bias Against Asian Americans
Five ObservationsThe year 2021 marked extraordinary milestones for Asians and Asian Americans. There is Vice President Kamala Harris, the first South Asian, first Black person and first woman to ever hold this position. Chloe Zhao, a Chinese national, became the first woman of color to win the Academy Award for best director. Suni Lee, a St.… -
Black History Month Centers Activism Through Art
Anti-racism EffortsIn February, the University of St. Thomas will host poets, comedians, actors and writers exploring Black history through a monthlong series of events that’s as much about the performance as it is about the audience. Student Diversity and Inclusion Services Assistant Director Nayely Becerra Castillo said artists uniquely engage audiences in activism, so this programming… -
Outside Consultant: What Should Business Leaders Consider in Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.?
Diversity, Equity and InclusionThis "Outside Consultant" column by Dr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative, ran in the Star Tribune on Jan. 17, 2022. As we mark the federal holiday commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, many are wondering how best to honor the memory and legacy of this civil rights leader. His family has called for no celebration…