Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Past Events

An Afrofuturistic Experience

February 28, 2022

The Afrofuturistic Experience was a performing art show curated by Jordan Taylor Hill & Friends. The show was full of traditional drumming and dance from the African Diaspora as well as spoken word and song.  Attendees were presented with a 90-minute show set to include a series of traditional drumming and dance from West Africa, spoken word, and storytelling. Audience members also learned about the origins of the music, concepts, and its relation to modern music and dance will be illustrated with original pieces. The show will conclude with an invitation for members of the audience to join on a stage and dance with the group.

World AIDS Day: Rock the Ribbon

November 30, 2021

Forty years since the beginning of this epidemic in the U.S., and almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, this World AIDS Day 2021 recognizes the challenges of both, intertwined in inequities in health and access to lifesaving health services. This year’s domestic and global themes focus on inclusion, equity, and better health for all people affected by HIV and AIDS. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) 

On November 30, 2021, Russell Sage College commemorated International World Aids Day (the designated day is December 1) as we Rocked the Ribbon.  Our event was dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease. Students and attendees learned about the history of World Aids Day, living with HIV/AIDS, and the importance of testing and PrEP from Albany Medical experts! Students were able to get resources, information, commemorative masks and red ribbon cookies.

Native American Heritage Month

November 2021

• Red Shawl Day
• The REDress Project
• Warrior’s Path: Protecting & Defending Our People
• Pop-up Exhibition

Immigration: The Journey to Justice

October 18, 2021

On October 18, 2021 we turned our attention to the immigration crisis at and within our borders. At our borders Politico reports “There’s the crisis of unaccompanied minors arriving in the U.S., of too few beds to house them and of family separations happening in Mexico. There’s the crisis of an asylum system that’s broken, and that has become, with most other legal routes into the country severely restricted, America’s de facto immigration system.”

Within our borders undocumented youth continue to face challenges regarding their future. The American Immigration Council reports that the lives of hundreds of thousands of people are affected by back-and-forth court decisions. Over 645,000 people were enrolled in DACA as of June 2020. Another 685,000 were eligible, including many who have aged into eligibility. Young undocumented immigrants are hindered in their ability to pursue higher education and/or other opportunities. This has resulted in serious social and economic disparities.

It is important to note that current DACA recipients come from around the world, but more than nine-in-ten were born in Latin America. Mexico is by far the top country of origin for active DACA recipients (548,000), followed by El Salvador (25,900), Guatemala (17,700) and Honduras (16,100). A significant number of DACA recipients also hail from Peru (7,420), South Korea (7,310), Brazil (5,780), Ecuador (5,460), Colombia (5,020) and Argentina (3,970). By region, almost all current DACA recipients were born in Mexico or Central or South America (648,430, or 94%). Another 18,940 (3%) were born in Asia, followed by the Caribbean (8,350), Europe (5,190) and Africa (4,240). Key facts about unauthorized immigrants enrolled in DACA reported by the Pew Research Center.

The panelists of leaders in the community will present varied perspectives on immigration policies and their impact on undocumented students and the larger society. This is a unique opportunity to gain knowledge of the personal and emotional challenges students face. It is also an opportunity to place the real stories and faces of undocumented immigrants within our borders.

Jose Antonio Vargas founder of Define America and author of the upcoming book White Is Not A Country eloquently states “All of us are trying to understand where we fit in this urgent, unprecedented time in American history,” …… “I think all Americans, documented or not, are struggling to figure out where we fit in conversations around race and identity. (Which plays into the discussion of immigration and immigration status) “My hope is that by writing this book, I will be having this conversation with the reader. What’s our role? Because everyone has a role. There’s no opting out.”

So as part of the Russell Sage College Community in Albany and Troy what is our role? Where do we fit in? How do we become informed agents of change?