Throughout summer 2020, The Race & Pedagogy Institute presented a series of online discussions for the Puget Sound community and our neighbors, allowing for courageous conversations about race, supported by the expertise and guidance of Race & Pedagogy Institute leaders.

Read a report on the Race Matters: Continuing the Conversation Summer Series, composed by the Research Methods in African American Studies fall 2020 course.

The Race Matters: Continuing the Conversation series grew out of the RPI-guided, and campus-collaborated, teach-in on June 3, 2020, "We Can't Breathe: 400 Years of Institutionalized Violence." More than 500 members of our community participated virtually in the teach-in, many of whom asked "What's next?"

This is what's next. The community joined us at 6pm on Wednesdays for one-hour sessions led by various faculty and staff members from across campus, supported by the RPI leadership, utilizing interdisciplinary approaches to discussing race. 

Race Matters: Continuing the Conversation

Recordings of sessions are available here.

June 10

Remembering to Breathe: Coping With Seeing Trauma on Film

In collaboration with the Department of Psychology, a conversation led by Melvin Rouse Jr., Ph.D.; Khalila Fordham, Psy.D.; and Carolyn Weisz, Ph.D.

June 17

Let's Talk: Black Space for Black Lives

In collaboration with the Black Student Union, a Black Affinity Space* hosted by Mimi Duncan ’22, Serena Sevasin ’22, and Jaylen Antoine ’22

*Racial affinity spaces allow people of color to center and prioritize their specific needs, voices, and experiences in a space without re-routing or re-centering the conversation to adjust to white education. 

June 24

Policing Citizenship

Presented by Professor Monica DeHart, sociology and anthropology; Professor Robin Jacobson, government and politics; and Associate Professor Andrew Gomez, history

July 1

#SayHerName: Black Feminism and Black Liberation

Presented by Assistant Professor Regina Duthely, English; Professor Grace Livingston, African American studies; and Associate Professor Renee Simms, African American studies

July 8

Politicizing the "Apolitical": Unsettling the Universal in the Performing Arts

Presented by Assistant Professor Ameera Nimjee, music; Assistant Professor Wind Woods, theatre arts; and Professor Grace Livingston, African American studies

July 15

Blackness in Latinx Communities

Hosted by Assistant Professor Jairo Hoyos Galvis, Hispanic studies; and Puget Sound alumni Amanda Diaz ’18, JC Esquinca ’18, Arcelia Salado Alvarado ’19, and Soli Loya-Lara ’20

PLEASE NOTE: This space is only for people who identify as Latinx, Chicana/o, or Hispanic. If you do not identify as a member of these communities, please attend one of our future events, which will be advertised on this page.

July 22

"Model Minorities" and Confronting Anti-Blackness: An Asian and APIDA Space

Hosted by Vivie Nguyen, director for intercultural engagement; Kariann Lee ’13, assistant director of academic advising; and Assistant Professor Ameera Nimjee, music

PLEASE NOTE: This space is only for people who identify as Asian and APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American). If you do not identify as a member of these communities, please attend one of our future events, which will be advertised on this page.

July 29

Overdue: Towards a Praxis of Anti-Racism and Liberation in Libraries

Hosted by Puget Sound Librarians Angela Weaver and Ben Tucker, and Tacoma Public Library Assistant Director Amita Lonial

This session explores how librarians are bringing anti-racist and social justice principles to their practice, using critical librarianship to liberate libraries—and their users—from structures and processes of oppression.

Aug. 5

Marginalized: Students of Color at UPS: Where Do We Belong?

Hosted by Puget Sound students of color and alumni: Jaylen Antoine ’22, Jade Herbert ’21, Helena Marlowe ’22, Maija Petterson ’22, Aldrin Villahermosa ’21, and Julia Lin ’18

Aug. 12

There's No White Flight in the Fight Against Racism: UPS Faculty and Staff Speak About Anti-Racist Work in Higher Ed

Presented by Professor Emeritus Geoff Proehl, theatre arts; Professor Mary Boer, education; and Lori Ricigliano, retired Puget Sound librarian; moderated by Professor Jonathan Stockdale, religious studies

Aug. 19

Culturally Responsive and Anti-Racist Teaching

Presented by Justina Johnson, AVID & Advanced Programs Equity, Tacoma Public Schools; Jess Stella ’08, M.A.T.'10, teacher, Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA); Audrey Wilson M.A.T.'13, teacher, Mason Middle School; and moderated by Dean and Distinguished Professor Amy Ryken, School of Education

Aug. 26

Race Quantified: The Paradox of Racialized Indigeneity

Presented by Danica Sterud Miller, Ph.D. (Puyallup Tribe of Indians), University of Washington Tacoma; Kim Richards, Ph.D. (Santa Ana Pueblo, Mescalero Apache), director of community and organizational development, Salish School of Spokane; with student introduction by Maija Petterson ’22