Oklahoma City’s Young Women’s Christian Organization (YWCA) will host a discussion at OCU, as part of their Stand Against Racism campaign.
The event, “Strategies for Connected Change,” is a TED Talk-style discussion about diversity and social change. It will take place at 6 p.m. April 28 in Kerr McGee Auditorium in Meinders School of Business.
YWCA is a multicultural women’s organization that advocates for women’s rights and provides resources and safe places for women and girls. Their mission is to eliminate racism and empower women, and their facilities include job training, counseling, childcare, and health centers.
At the event, a panel of experts will discuss ways to promote various social movements and get organizations to collaborate to achieve goals of positive change.
“It’s not an official “TED Talks” program, although perhaps it should be considered one, due to the vital importance of our collective stand against racism,” said Russ Tallchief, director of student engagement, inclusion, and multicultural programs. “I believe that the program is important to OCU, as it contributes to our ongoing sensitivity education and training.”
The panel will be moderated by Chelsey Branham, YWCA director of social and economic justice. The six-person panel of speakers consists of four men and two women.
The speakers include:
- Sarah Adams-Cornell, Native American activist and former activist in residence at OU,
- Oklahoma Representative Jason Dunnington,
- Eran Harrill, president of OKC Black Chamber of Commerce,
- Judith Huerta, immigration advocate,
- Akash Patel, founder of World Experiences Foundation, and
- Adam Soltani, executive director of the Oklahoma Council on American-Islamic Relations.
“Our campus community can take a stand against racism by attending this and other events that empower each of us with the strength of awareness, understanding, and respect for people of all races and cultural identities,” Tallchief said. “The event makes a powerful statement in OCU’s diversity initiatives. OCU also stands against racism.”
One student thinks the event will cater to her needs.
“I love TED Talks because they actually keep my attention, so I think that’s a good format for this type of panel,” said Onnika Hanson, acting freshman. “Everyone, especially college students, should discuss diversity and change. We need to know what our rights are and how we deserve to be treated.”
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