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Unity and Progress
Hartford Seminary is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
After the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others, President Joel N. Lohr encouraged the Seminary community in June 2020 to work with him and senior leaders to address how we as an organization—systemically—will deliver on our commitment to support racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement.
President Lohr tasked the Seminary’s Senior Leadership team with making recommendations to address systemic and historic racial inequities both internally and externally. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees adopted several of these recommendations, including:
- Hiring a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Lorraine Browne, who has worked at Hartford Seminary in various positions since 2007, was promoted to that position on July 30, 2020. - Establishing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council
The council had its first meeting on Sept. 17, 2020. Members include:
- Lorraine Browne, Chair – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
- Naseem Shaikh, Trustee
- Ann Crawford, Chief Operations Officer
- Jean Amos Lys, Trustee
- Lucinda Mosher, Faculty Associate in Interfaith Studies
In its first meeting on Sept. 17, 2020, the council established an annual meeting schedule and began a review of the recommendations put forward by the Seminary’s Senior Leadership Team. The council also agreed that the Seminary’s website should include a section on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to serve as a clearinghouse for internal initiatives, news, resources, and upcoming events. The council is beginning to examine opportunities for structured dialogue on race and social justice, implement a process to respond to racial incidents at the Seminary, as well as partner with and support other groups in Hartford working to further social justice. As the council begins to compile and analyze various data, diversity targets will be established and shared.
Hartford Seminary is committed to building and fostering an educational environment that promotes a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and equity. Our shared responsibility is to embrace, cultivate, and respect differences in all forms. We aim for inclusive excellence by creating effective systematic policies and practices that advocate and champion equality for everyone.
- Monthly Virtual Social Justice Discussion Group – October 26, November 30, December 14 (6:30 to 8:00 p.m.)
Hartford Seminary’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council has partnered with the Spiritual Life Center to host a monthly virtual social justice discussion group for the fall 2021 semester.
For more information and to register, please click here – Virtual Social Justice Discussion Group.pdf
The topic and related Ted Talk will be shared prior to each session.
The hope is that this discussion group provides an opportunity for fruitful engagement on racial and social justice topics that impact our community and the world at large.
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 11
A holiday that celebrates and honors the history and culture of Native Americans. For a list of events taking place, visit:
https://www.pem.org/events/indigenous-peoples-day
https://americanindian.si.edu/calendar
- International Equal Pay Day – September 18
Celebrated for the first time in September 2020, this day represents the longstanding efforts towards the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value. It further builds on the United Nations’ commitment to human rights and against all forms of discrimination, including discrimination against women and girls.
- Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 to October 15
National Hispanic American Heritage Month is an annual celebration that recognizes the culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. For a list of events taking place, visit:
https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/
https://www.history.com/topics/hispanic-history/hispanic-heritage-month
https://edsitement.neh.gov/teachers-guides/hispanic-heritage-and-history-united-states
https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/hispanic-heritage-month
https://www.pbs.org/specials/hispanic-heritage-month/
https://www.ctvisit.com/events/second-saturdays-families-latinx-heritage-day
- Women’s Equality Day – August 26
Women’s Equality Day commemorates the August 26, 1920, certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that gave women the right to vote. Congresswoman Bella Abzug first introduced a proclamation for Women’s Equality Day in 1971. Since that time, every president has published a proclamation recognizing August 26 as Women’s Equality Day.
- International Day of Friendship – July 30
International Day of Friendship, proclaimed in 2011 by the U.N. General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
- Disability Independence Day – July 26
Celebrating the anniversary of the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- International Non-Binary People’s Day – July 14
Aimed at raising awareness and organizing around the issues faced by non-binary people around the world while celebrating their contributions.
- Pride Month
Pride Month begins on June 1 and ends on June 30. This annual celebration recognizes the LGBTQ+ communities. For a list of events taking place, visit:
https://www.ctvisit.com/articles/pride-month-celebrations-2021
Resources
https://www.glaad.org/resourcelist
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/
- Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month begins on May 1 and ends on May 31. This annual celebration recognizes and honors the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans. For a list of events taking place, visit:
https://www.fapac.org/AAPI-Resources
https://asianpacificheritage.gov/
https://time.com/5592591/asian-pacific-heritage-month-history/
- Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day is Friday, April 2. This is an annual month-long effort to raise awareness and help spread kindness for autism during the month of April. For a list of events taking place, visit:
https://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/national-autism-awareness-month/
- Countering Hate Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
March 25, 2021 at 1:00pm: A panel of experts and advocates will lead a discussion on countering hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/countering-hate-against-asian-americans-and-pacific-islanders-tickets-146640761465?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch
- Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month begins on Monday, March 1 and ends on Wednesday, March 31. This annual celebration recognizes and honors the achievements of women. For a list of Women’s History Month events taking place, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/online/international-womens-day/
- Black History Month
Black History Month begins on Monday, February 1 and ends on Monday, March 1. This annual celebration recognizes and honors the achievements of African Americans. For a list of Black History Month events taking place, visit: Online Black History Month Events.
Celebrating Black History Month in Connecticut
Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Resources listed here are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Hartford Seminary.
As we work collectively to champion for change, we’d like to highlight various initiatives at Hartford Seminary that bridge the divide and unify efforts for racial and social justice.
Unity Through Racial Equality
Racism: Confession, Repentance and Renewal
I Have A Dream
Black Lives Matter and the Black Church
Strength Through The Times
No Weapon That is Formed Against Me, Shall Prosper
Untying the Noose: A Conversation on Race and Healing
a conversation with Beverly Daniel Tatum: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
A Discussion Around Chaplaincy, Racial Violence & Healing
Community Prayer: Justice and Equity
Community Prayer: Immigration, Community and Justice
Inclusive Voices: Welcoming People with Disabilities
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