July 31, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
We know that racism affects the health and well-being of individuals and communities, and that working to end discrimination in all its forms can take a toll on our own mental health and well-being. As we continue the journey to creating a climate that prioritizes and fosters diversity, inclusion, belonging, and anti-racism, it is important to do so in a holistic manner. This is why, in an effort to strengthen our resolve and care for our community, we will be presenting the Summer Webinar Series on Racial Justice + Social Equity + Well-Being.
Join us on Tuesdays at noon throughout the month of August to connect, learn, heal, and take action towards managing your health and wellness. Event participants are subject to change due to scheduling conflicts that may arise.
Sponsored by University Human Resources and presented by the Center for Work and Family Life (CWFL) and Campus Wellbeing and Education (CWE), these sessions will include speakers, panel discussions, and Q&A, to discuss issues regarding systemic racism, privilege, and systemic oppression. For those interested in further dialogue, reflection, and activities, there will be breakout discussions immediately following the first two sessions.
Please see below for session descriptions. Event details and registration link can be found here.
August 4th – The Impacts of Racism, White Supremacy, and Microaggressions on your Well-being
The panel will discuss how racism, both in blatant, overt forms and in subtler forms such as microaggressions, can have a detrimental impact on the health and overall well-being of targeted individuals. There will be a facilitated discussion group following the session to share stories and process information.
- 12:00pm – 1:00pm – Panel & Q/A
- 1:00pm – 1:30pm – Discussion Groups: post session to share stories and process information
Panelists:
Jody Armour, JD, Roy P. Crocker Professor of Law, Gould School of Law
Dr. LaVonna Lewis, MPH, Teaching Professor of Public Policy and Associate Dean, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Price School of Public Policy
Dr. Brenda Ingram, LCSW, Director of Relationship and Violence Prevention and Services, Student Health, Clinical Faculty at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine
Moderator: Dr. Brandi Jones, Vice Dean for Diversity and Strategic Initiatives, Viterbi School of Engineering
August 11th – Resiliency & Racial Justice
The panel will engage in dialogue around cultivating resilience in the face of racial injustice and disparity. A breakout group following the webinar will engage participants to practice resilience building activities and action planning.
- 12:00pm – 1:00pm – Panel & Q/A
- 1:00pm – 1:30pm – Breakout Groups/Activity: practice resilience building activities and action planning.
Panelists:
Dr. Shaun Harper, Provost Professor of Management and Organization, Clifford and Betty Allen Chair in Urban Leadership, Founder and Executive Director, USC Race and Equity Center Executive Director
Dr. Sharoni Little, Vice Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Professor of Clinical Business Communication, Marshall School of Business
Dr. Kimberly Freeman, Associate Dean and Chief Diversity Officer, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Dr. Robert Hernandez, Senior Lecturer, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
Moderator: Janice Littlejohn, Associate Director, LA Institute for Humanities, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
August 18th – Post-Traumatic Growth
This webinar will focus on how the highly challenging events in our current environment and how living through a crisis can make you stronger. Experts will provide strategies to find a way to thrive and do better than expected, given these challenging times.
- 12:00pm – 12:45pm – Fireside Discussion & Q/A
Panelists:
Dr. Alan Green, Professor of Clinical Education, Rossier School of Education
Dr. Brenda Ingram, LCSW, Director of Relationship and Violence Prevention and Services, Student Health, Clinical Faculty of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Keck School of Medicine
Moderator: Dr. Ilene Rosenstein, Associate Vice Provost, Campus Wellbeing and Education
August 25th – How Identity Gives You Strength
The presenters of this webinar will discuss the aspects of race and cultural identity as sources of strength and support in overcoming discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
- 12:00pm – 12:45pm – Webinar
- 12:45pm – 1:00pm – Reflection Activities (self-moderated breakout groups)
Panelists:
Dr. Quade French, Senior Project Manager, Campus Wellbeing and Education
Dr. Varun Soni, Vice Provost for Campus Wellness and Crisis Intervention, Dean of Religious Life
We look forward to coming together to address the trauma of racism and injustice, and to continue healing as individuals and as a community.
Sincerely,
Felicia A. Washington
Senior Vice President of Human Resources