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Diversity and Inclusion

Category: Diversity and Inclusion

34th annual Fox Cities Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Monday, January 20 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Lawrence University is excited to host the 34th Fox Cities Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

Hear from:

  • Keynote Speaker Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly

With musical performances from:

  • NOIR | Lawrence University student group
  • Preston Parker ft. The Omoladé Academy
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir
    • Community members are invited to join this choir! The choir will meet through Zoom once in December and will begin in-person rehearsals in January.

Thank you to our sponsors!

  • People of Progression
  • Appleton Area School District
  • United Way Fox Cities
  • Boys & Girls Club of the Fox Valley
  • City of Appleton
  • The Boldt Company
  • ThedaCare

About Dr. Burden-Stelly

Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly is a Black studies scholar and author focused on political theory, political economy, intellectual history, and political and historical sociology. She has given multiple talks regarding the life and legacy of MLK, including at Penn State University, Georgetown, and Western Carolina University.

First-Gen Celebration Day

Thursday, Nov. 7 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Warch 325 – Pusey Room

Stop by and let us celebrate YOU and connect with other First-Gen students, faculty, and staff.

The event will feature:

  • A faculty & staff spotlight wall
  • Student spotlights
  • A gratitude station
  • A photo station

Learn more about our First-Gen Student Association and events planned for the Winter and Spring Terms!

Boba & Sizzle

Sunday, Nov. 10 | 12-7 p.m.
International House

Join the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) for “Boba & Sizzle,” a vibrant event featuring two of Vietnam’s beloved treats: brown sugar boba milk and sizzling Vietnamese stir-fried corn. Experience the flavors of Vietnamese street food while connecting with friends and learning more about Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re a fan of bubble tea or simply curious to try something new, this event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy great food and fun company.

Everyday Encounters Series

The President’s Committee on Diversity Affairs (PCDA) is excited to announce the launch of a new series, “Everyday Encounters,” aimed at fostering meaningful conversations within the Lawrence community. These gatherings will focus on bridging divides across religion, race, gender, ideologies, and class through critically engaged, respectful dialogue.

In addition, PCDA will share resources to guide these conversations, starting with articles from Stanford University and the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation. These readings offer practical insights for navigating difficult discussions.

We have three events scheduled:

  • Thursday, Oct. 24 | “How to Disagree Without Getting Cancelled”
  • Thursday, Nov. 7 | “The Election Happened. Now What?”
  • Wednesday, Jan. 15 | “Democracy and Disagreement”

Questions or suggestions? Contact IDEAS@lawrence.edu.

“The Election Happened. Now What?”

Thursday, Nov. 7 | 12-1 p.m.
Warch 226 – Mead Witter

Lunch will be provided! Please RSVP via the form.

“How to Disagree Without Getting Cancelled”

Thursday, Oct. 24 | 12-1 p.m.
Warch 325 – Pusey Room

Lunch will be provided! Please RSVP via the form.

Ho-Chunk Survivance: Our Forced Removals and the Boarding School Era

Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Main Hall 201

Most people have heard of the Trail of Tears that five Native Nations suffered during the 1800s, but very few know that similar events dramatically altered life for Native People here in Wisconsin. This presentation will discuss the numerous forced removals that the Ho-Chunk People endured from 1832 to 1865 and the Indian Boarding School period that followed. Dr. Lewis will share oral histories from Ho-Chunk Elders about the removals, the boarding schools, and the long-lasting effects they caused. Attendees are encouraged to practice self-care during the presentation as the topics and stories will be challenging.

Dr. Marcus Lewis (he/him/his) is a proud citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation and a Black cisgender male who has made significant strides as a higher education leader, educator, and advocate. With a deep commitment to promoting educational access and opportunities for underrepresented populations, Dr. Lewis has dedicated his career to fostering inclusive excellence.

As a sought-after keynote speaker and presenter, he shares his expertise with educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and the business sector. His unique blend of scholarly insight and practical experience allows him to tackle challenging topics with clarity and approachability, engaging audiences from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Lewis continues to inspire change and empower individuals through his passionate advocacy for equity in education for learners of all backgrounds and abilities.

This event is sponsored by the Ethnic Studies and History Departments and the Lawrence University Native Alliance (LUNA).

9th Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration 2024

Monday, October 14 | 5:30-7 p.m.
Buchanan Kiewit Wellness Center

Join LUNA and the Lawrence community for the 9th Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration. Our celebration is free and open for all ages to attend.

The program features:

  • An opening prayer from Myra Johnson, LUNA Chair
  • Speaker Benjamin Rieth, VP of Student Affairs, Enrollment, and Belonging at Bellin College
  • Performances from the Appleton Area School District
  • A Pow-Wow demonstration from members of the Oneida Nation

Doors open at 4 p.m. Food will be available for purchase from Taco Tones and other vendors.