A message of solidarity
In light of the recent threats to the Black Cultural Center on the University of Utah campus, the Accelerate team affirms that we stand with and support the Black community, staff, faculty, and students. We stand against systemic racism and recommit ourselves to dismantling racial discrimination in our community.
We firmly believe that racism, hatred, inequality, and inequity have no place in our world—every person has the right to feel safe, seen, and heard.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: Only love can do that" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
artin Luther King Jr. spoke of the “beloved community” as a nonviolent, just society where love and trust triumph over fear and hatred. In a year that has been filled with division, the 2022 MLK Week planning committee chose “Becoming the Beloved Community” as this year’s theme so we may explore ways to bridge the divide and work together to become the beloved community.
MLK Week: Becoming the Beloved Community
MLK Day Rally & March
January 17 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm MST — East High School
With Dr. King’s footsteps forging the pathway towards equity, we march to commemorate his legacy and the work of many activists during the Civil Rights movement. Join us for a rally and march (from East High to Kingsbury Hall) celebrating the legacy of MLK!
Signs for the march and shuttle rides back to East High School will be provided. Learn more..
A Conversation about Alberta Henry and Black Life in Salt Lake City
January 18 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MST — Facebook Live | Event Website
For more than fifty years, a woman by the name of Alberta Henry—devoted civil rights activist, educator, and community leader in Salt Lake City—carried the torch for hope, compassion, and change. She embedded herself in the public school system, served as longtime President of the NAACP, and led the charge for equality through her religious community. Learn more...
MLK Evening with the Arts
January 18 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm MST — Marriott Center for Dance | Event Website
Celebrate local artists in an evening of art and joy at the Marriott Center for Dance. Featured artists include: Spirit Machines, Daney Lin, Wynter the Poet, Erica Houston, and Bashaun Williams. Learn more...
2045: Towards a More Diverse Future
January 19 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm MST — Hinckley Caucus Room (GC 2018) | Livestream
2045 is set to bring a huge demographic shift for the United States. By the time today’s teenagers hit their 30s, there will be more people of color than people who identify as White, more old people than children, and more people practicing Islam than Judaism. The effect of this demographic shift is already appearing now, but how are we as a country preparing for a more diverse future of America? In 2045, we are striving for a beloved community, a community that is not a lofty utopian goal but realistic, achievable, and mutual. What are we doing today to shape and make room for a more diverse and beloved community tomorrow? Learn more...
Book Discussion: "Nice Racism"
January 20 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am MST — Virtual Event | Event Website
Please join Dean Elizabeth Kronk Warner for her monthly dean’s book review and discussion with Dean Martell Teasley, College of Social Work. The book they will be reviewing is, Nice Racism: How progressive white people perpetuate racial harm for MLK, by Dr. Robin DiAngelo. This New York Times bestseller explores how a culture of niceness inadvertently promotes racism. Learn more..
MLK Week Keynote: Derreck Kayongo
January 21 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm MST — O.C. Tanner Ballroom (Alumni House) | Livestream
End MLK Week with a keynote address from Derreck Kayongo, an internationally recognized visionary and humanitarian. Gain inspiration and gather advice from an expert who exemplifies the beloved community. Learn more...
Suggested readings and resources
Anti-Racist Reading List from Ibram X. Kendi
NY Times | 16 suggestions
"This anti-racist syllabus is for people realizing they were never taught how to be anti-racist. How to treat all the racial groups as equals. How to look at the racial inequity all around and look for the racist policies producing it, and the racist ideas veiling it. This list is for people beginning their anti-racist journey .." Ibram X. Kendi (author of "How to Be an Antiracist")
'I Have A Dream' Speech, In Its Entirety
NPR | 17 minute listen
Revisit King's celebrated "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered on August 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Momentum for Anti-Racism Commission
Good Notes Blog | 2 minute read
In response to the 2020 petition from medical students, the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine organized an Anti-Racism Commission. José Rodríguez, MD, Associate Vice President for Health Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion shares the significant gains made over the past year.
Support for BIPOC UUH Employees
Resiliency Center | Pulse Page
UUH employees are striving through two pandemics: that of COVID-19 and that of widespread racism. The Resiliency Center recognizes that UUH employees who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) have been disproportionately impacted and often have less access to affirming supportive services. In order to increase access, we have started compiling resources that may be of benefit.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Accelerate Editorial Team
Well-being specialist Trinh Mai started BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of color) Check-in & Support via Zoom as a place to grieve and honor George Floyd and process ongoing racism. This is a space for employees at the U who self-identify as BIPOC to experience community, share struggles and solutions, and celebrate being who they are. Trinh and some members of the check in group share how the group started, how it has evolved and its lasting impacts.
Whether it was growing up in segregated Georgia, working with leaders across the country during the civil rights movement, leading a congregation at Calvary Baptist Church, or teaching an ethnic studies class at the U, Reverend France A. Davis has lived the theme of “Choosing Love Over Hate.” With the U of U Marriott Library, he shares his experiences and discusses “choosing love” in navigating today’s challenges.
Asian Americans face unique types of racism and discrimination that can make them feel invisible and out-of-place within our workspaces. By acknowledging this racism, we can take the first step to creating a more inclusive environment.
