Darden Diversity Digest

Dear Darden Community,

Happy December, and Happy Universal Rights Month. Although December is more commonly known for holidays such as Kwanzaa, Hanukkah (which ends this evening), and Christmas, it is also a month for the celebration of Universal Human Rights, with the United Nations Universal Human Rights Day taking place on December 10^th. In 1948 the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an historic document that codified the fundamental conditions for human thriving and dignity. This year’s theme focuses on equality and advocacy for the world’s most vulnerable groups.

Lastly, we wanted to highlight the DSA and Darden Stories Celebrations event taking place this Thursday December 9^th at 6:30 pm in the South Lounge. It’s a fantastic way to connect with members of the community to explore traditions and stories beyond your own. Please reach out to Aru Bhat or Cecilia Rios Murrieta if you have any questions.

Happy December, continue to be curious, continue to be kind.

-The Darden Diversity Team

Resources of Interest This Month

UN Exhibits on Human Rights

UN Resources on Fighting Racism

Racism and the Economy- Minneapolis Federal Reserve

Additional Events of Interest

Deep Dive Discussions Series

Tuesday, 12.7, 11:45am -1:10pm

Open to all First Year Residential Students, join your sections for an open candid conversation with corporate partners, your classmates and Second years to learn how to become a better LGBTQIA+ Ally. This is the first in an ongoing series led by the First Year Diversity Liaisons and section leaders.

Women’s Center Holiday Market

Wednesday , 12.8, 1:00pm -4:00pm

Take a break, get some coffee, support local women-owned businesses, and complete your holiday shopping. Please join us at 1400 University Avenue to support small local, minority and/or woman-owned businesses. There will be free Starbucks coffee and hot chocolate, and those who attend will be placed into a raffle! There will be parking in the 14th Street garage. We hope to see you there!

If you have any questions, please contact: eas9xs@virginia.edu or call (434)982-2361

I Felt That: Microaggression and Its Impact

Wednesday, 12.15, 12:30 -1:30pm

This presentation is open to faculty, staff, students and community members. Pre-Registration is required as seats are limited.

The session will provide an overview and definition of the concept of microaggressions. Additionally, this presentation will provide examples of three distinct types of microaggression and the impact it has on individuals. This workshop will also provide participants with an approach on how to defend themselves from microaggressions using the R.A.V.E.N. method. This method is useful in confronting microaggressions in different scenarios and situations. If you have any questions, please contact Sly Mata at gdh2ny@virginia.edu

Shelf Life-Music, Grace& Grit: Black Voices in Verse

Thursday, 12.16, 12:00pm

Poets Ashley M. Jones (Reparations Now!), Khalisa Rae (Ghost in a Black Girl’s Throat), and Crystal Wilkinson (Perfect Black) confront their complex Southern inheritance, mourning the horrors of racism while celebrating the sweetness of Black love and language. Join us as they read from and discuss their latest collections with moderator Valencia Robin.

Belonging Book Club Series: Nickel Boys

Wednesday 1.19, 4:00 -5:30pm

Centering largely on the personal and social horror of a reform school in Florida, this book raises important, urgent questions about the weight of history, the nature of social change, individual agency in the face of systemic injustice and much more. Every time I read this novel, I discover something new, an excavation that tracks with one of the broader themes of the book.

A note for our community members: This books includes episodes of physical and sexual abuse. The discussion will be led by Brett Twitty, Managing Director, Admissions & Strategic Initiatives Professional Degree Programs