Archive Posts
-
St. Thomas to Provide Intercultural and Bias Training to Police in Daunte Wright Settlement
University NewsThe University of St. Thomas today outlined additional details of its inclusion in the settlement reached June 21 between the city of Brooklyn Center and the family of Daunte Wright, who was fatally shot during an April 2021 traffic stop in the Twin Cities. The settlement includes a unique collaboration between the city and St.…
-
History of Juneteenth and Moving Forward
Racial Justice InitiativeTo understand the history and significance of Juneteenth and what it will take to move beyond symbolism, Dr. Yohuru Williams, distinguished university chair and professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas spoke with YES! Racial Justice Editor Sonali Kolhatkar. Quotes from Dr. Williams in the… -
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.… -
Pride Month Meditations: St. Thomas LGBTQIA+ Community and Allies Reflect
Humans of St. ThomasAs June marks the beginning of many summer celebrations, it is also a month that honors the visibility, dignity and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community. In honor of Pride Month, staff photographer Liam James Doyle has curated a special edition of “Humans of St. Thomas.” His photo series highlights the experiences of eight valued campus… -
Spreading Change: Rama Kaye Hart Building a More Inclusive World
Humans of St. ThomasIn 1969, six Indian families lived in Mississippi. Rama Kaye Hart’s family, who immigrated to the U.S. when Hart was 2, was one of them. Facing discrimination against her race and culture, Hart grew up silent about her opinions or feelings of injustice. Now an advocate for equity and inclusion at the University of St.… -
Community Visibility Inspires AAPI Tommies
Diversity, Equity and InclusionAs we wrap up the month of May, we also wrap up Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. It’s a time to reflect on the contributions and achievements of a group of people – our neighbors, friends, coworkers, family – who Kha Yang, Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence in the Office… -
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. Sherry Jordon Announced as Recipient of Faculty Service Award
Diversity, Equity and InclusionDr. Sherry Jordon of the Theology Department has been announced as the recipient of the 2022 Award for Outstanding Faculty Service. The award, which was inaugurated last year, recognizes outstanding service contributions to the University of St. Thomas that help the university advance its mission. Dr. Jordon is recognized by her colleagues as a feminist… -
Creating Spaces of Affirmation for LGBTQIA+ Youth
Arts & HumanitiesSt. Thomas sociology professor Dr. Patricia Maddox had what sounds like a conventional childhood. She was in the Girl Scouts, played saxophone in the marching band and spent time with her high school boyfriend. But under the surface, she was searching for more. “I was also harboring a bit of a secret,” Maddox said. “I… -
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…