Adler University celebrates the achievements of Black people in the U.S. and Canada, recognizing their abilities to navigate structures that were not built for their success. We study Black history to fill gaps in our understanding of the history of our nations, which include the lives, contributions, and struggles of Black people.
We encourage you to join us to learn, participate, and celebrate Black History Month this February.
Friday, Feb. 3, 1 p.m. CST / 11 a.m. PST
Members of the Adler community are asked to gather virtually and create a healing circle. This will be an opportunity to hold communal space and share our stories of strength. You are a divine light, courageous in the fight for truth. You matter. Healing happens together. For additional information, contact Monica F. Boyd Layne, Black Caucus Chair; Mtisunge Kapalamula and Nataka Moore, Black Caucus Co-Chairs.
Tuesday, Feb. 7, noon CST OR noon PST
The Adler Community is invited to join us as we kick off Black History Month 2023. After an opening address from the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, individuals are welcome to enjoy lunch and casually engage with members of the Adler community. Informal conversations about University DEI efforts are welcome.
Tuesday, Feb. 14, noon CST / 10 a.m. PST
Sponsored by Disability Services and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.
In Fall 2022, 23% of Chicago students had accommodations, nearing national estimates that 25% of all American adults have some type of disability. While accommodations can help to level the playing field for students with disabilities, they serve as mitigation efforts rather than proactively and holistically considering one’s teaching approach. By incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles into teaching strategies, we remove unnecessary hurdles and develop a flexible learning environment that benefits all students, including those with accommodations and from other marginalized communities. Join us for our monthly sessions in which we’ll provide a brief overview of UDL and break down one aspect of UDL Learning Guidelines developed by CAST. Adler faculty members will share some of their approaches in an open dialogue. Come with your success stories or your questions.
Wednesday, Feb. 15, noon CST/10 a.m. PST
Presented by: Moe Ari Brown, LMFT
Leading mental health expert in the realm of Transgender Identity, Moe Ari has a keen understanding of the intersectionality of race, gender identity, and spirituality and their impact on the way individuals pursue belonging and authenticity in their lives. Please join us in conversation as we discuss the individual and collective healing that takes place when we can fully embody our most authentic selves.
Tuesday, Feb. 21, noon-1:30 p.m. CST/10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PST (Open to all Adler students, faculty, staff, and the public.)
The National Coalition Building Institute’s award-winning Welcoming Diversity Workshop is an experiential program that has been presented thousands of times at universities and colleges. The workshop consists of a series of incremental activities that helps participants:
For those interested in additional NCBI training, this semester, Adler University will commission a Campus Affiliate Team of the National Coalition Building Institute. Approximately 50 individuals are desired for participation in a train the trainer seminar on how to lead the NCBI Welcoming Diversity Workshop and NCBI Controversial Issues Process. The NCBI Controversial Issue Process helps move hotly contested issues forward by teaching individuals and groups how to listen to the heartfelt concerns of all sides and reframing the debate in a way that builds bridges.
Sign up to receive additional information about becoming an NCBI Workshop facilitator.
Wednesday, Feb. 22, noon CST/10 a.m. PST
Presented by: Dr. Jerome Anderson, DSW, LCSW, BCD, CCFC, CCHP, CMCC
Join Dr. Jerome Anderson for an unapologetic learning tour of techniques and skills for working with Black men. Dr. Anderson is an Advanced Practice Clinical Professor and Board Certified Clinical and Forensic Psychotherapist. All are welcome to attend. Register online.
Dr. Anderson will also join the brothers of Men of Color at Adler (MOCA) for an informal discussion on March 9, 2023 at 5 p.m. CST/3 p.m. PST. All are welcome to attend – men of color and male-identified individuals of color employed or enrolled at Adler University are encouraged to attend via Zoom.
Monday, Feb. 27, noon CST/10 a.m. PST
Ubuntu is a Zulu term embracing the social and spiritual (not religious) philosophy of humanness, inclusivity, and concern for one another. Join the team of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and other campus leaders for the first of our quarterly DEI Town Hall Meetings. Updates on campus Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts will be provided, including the status of various initiatives, such as the Antiracism and Inclusion Plan (ARI), Black Community Demands and Expectations (BCDEs), the Transforming the Curriculum Initiative (TCI), and other exciting campus DEI initiatives.
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m. CST/noon PST
Presented by: Richla Davis, LCPC and Sara Vivens, LCPs
Richla Davis, LCPC, and Sara Vivens, LCPC, of Ida Lillie Psychotherapy and Wellness will lead us in an interactive workshop that addresses the unique ways in which Black folks experience healing. We will debunk myths related to mental illness and explore options for providing appropriate care to Black populations. Participants will be encouraged to challenge the ways in which they have been taught to assess and treat Black suffering.