UNMC launches diversity lecture/culture series

Charles Ahovissi of Benin, West Africa and the African Cultural Connection will headline the first Employee Diversity Network Cultural event on Friday, Aug. 15 at noon in the Durham Research Center Auditorium. Free lunch will be provided for the first 40 employees.

It is part education, part celebration. That’s the idea behind UNMC’s new diversity lecture/culture series. The year-long program features 10 events alternating between six lectures and four cultural events.

In July, the series launched with an educational event featuring Catrice Jackson of Catriceology Enterprises. She talked to a group of nearly 50 UNMC employees about being conscious of the “micro-aggressions” some make toward people of different backgrounds, faiths, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc.

“Micro-aggressions are unintentional offenses and behaviors that can easily become commonplace,” Jackson said. “People must become aware of how micro-aggressions can offend and harm others.”

Jackson challenged the group to evaluate how it makes assumptions about others based upon outward appearances. Instead of making quick judgments, she encouraged employees to step out of their comfort zones and engage with people who have different backgrounds.

The conversation is just the start of what organizers hope will bring meaningful dialogue to departments across UNMC’s campus.

“We hope people will gain more insight into different cultures,” said John Russell, assistant vice chancellor of human resources. “The series is designed to stimulate conversation between co-workers and foster a greater appreciation for the experiences and lives of others.”

“The series is designed to stimulate conversation between co-workers and foster a greater appreciation for the experiences and lives of others.” John Russell

“What’s different about this series than what we’ve done in the past is the strong educational component,” said Linda Cunningham, human resources staff diversity specialist. “Each lecture is designed to take a new approach to discussing diversity issues.”

Even the cultural presentations will be educational.

Professional African dance artist, Charles Ahovissi of Benin, West Africa will headline the first cultural event. If his name sounds familiar it is because Ahovissi won rave reviews for his performance at UNMC about five years ago.

This year, Ahovissi along with the African Cultural Connection, will perform “Hwendo,” which means “our origin and culture will not disappear.” It is a type of traditional African dance, song and drumming.

According to Ahovissi, by sharing this culture with others, it keeps it alive.

“This isn’t just a performance, Ahovissi will discuss the significance of the dances, costumes and culture,” Cunningham said.

Ahovissi will perform in the Durham Research Center’s auditorium on Friday, Aug. 15 at noon. Free lunch will be provided for the first 40 employees who attend.

The diversity lecture/cultural series are co-sponsored by human resources department and the Employee Diversity Network (EDN). EDN was recently re-launched as an opportunity for UNMC faculty and staff to network and form a core group of people who are committed to promoting diversity within their campus departments.

If you are interested in being involved in EDN or helping to plan future lecture/cultural events, please contact EDN president Linda Cunningham at 559-7394 or lcunning@unmc.edu or EDN vice president Athena Ramos at 559-2095 or aramos@unmc.edu.