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Hosting events on campus that center DEI
Hosting events on campus that center DEI as a way to connect with peers and learn is part of the experiential learning process RSC students receive. Through the celebration of heritage months, Sage demonstrates its commitment to learning about and honoring the diverse cultural backgrounds and identities of each other. Heritage months are dedicated to recognizing the contributions and achievements of various ethnic, racial, and cultural groups.
The Pride Center of the Capital Region provided an interactive workshop for student leaders on allyship.
We believe that student leaders have the power to make positive change by creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and respected.
States, like Florida, Texas, Ohio, etc., have been introducing legislation, like “Don’t Say Gay’’ bills, that target the LGBTQIA+ community as a scapegoat to avoid the real problems facing real people. The Ernest O. Reaugh Advised Fund for LGBTQIA+ Advocacy, managed by the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, provides funding for projects and programs that advocate for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. As a recipient of this award, RSC’s student group, The Queer Collective, participated in a series of educational activities, facilitated by the Pride Center of the Capital Region, that helped students discover, focus, and use their advocacy to make change.
About Queer Collective
The Queer Collective (QC) is a student-run organization that creates a safe space for individuals who identify or are allied with the LGBTQIA+ community. Safe spaces are necessary for marginalized communities, especially for those who are fighting oppression on multiple fronts.
An aspect of the QC is that it makes time for members to get together and talk about their experiences, ask for guidance, and/or process current world problems then mobilize to address the many issues plaguing our community.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
(SEPTEMBER 15–OCTOBER 15)
Young LatinX Leaders in Politics A new wave of young Hispanics who are eager to represent their communities in the political arena is emerging and that is why we invited Albany Common Council person Gabriella A. Romero to come speak about working as an elected official and share her current work fueled by her motivations to serve the public.
What does LatinX Mean?
Many have wondered and even debated the terminology used both for the name of Hispanic Heritage Month and of the over 62 million people in the United States that racially and/or ethnically identify as a member of the community. Schenectady Community Ministry Executive Director Amaury Tañón-Santos, D-Min, joined RSC201 Exploring Intercultural Perspectives for a conversation that challenges the question “What box should I put you in?”
“I loved the way that Gabriella was very open about her job and what she does for a living. This allowed all of us to get an insight on what she does and how successful she has become. I also really liked that she opened the floor to students with any questions that they may have concerns about certain topics and gave them information and ways go about voicing their opinion to the community.“
Student reflection
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES HERITAGE
MONTH (NOVEMBER)
Introduction to the Iroquois Iroquois educator Brenda LaForme introduced students to her culture, history and tradition, including exploration of the Clan system and the formation of the Iroquois Confederacy—the oldest operating democracy in human history.
Decolonizing Museums and Historical Societies
Samantha Hall-Saladino ’09, Executive Director at the Fulton County Historical Society in Gloversville was back on campus and talked to students about the need for museums and historical societies to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion exists in their exhibits, programming, published materials, and policies
Traditional Native Meal Preparation Demonstration
Assistant Director of Residence Life in Troy and Nutrition Graduate Student Morgan Milhollen-Dukes led a cooking demonstration of Indigenous cuisine. As one of the oldest cuisines, one both rich in flavor and diverse in origin, the Native Americans developed these meals long before contact with any Europeans.
“The presentation was very interesting to me. I did not know that the Iroquois prefer to go by a different name. One question I had was what are today’s standards of removing Native American names from schools and teams in New York different from how the British were erasing Native American history. If we remove all of their culture from our society, are we fixing a problem or are we making an even worse one by white washing our lives and the world our children are growing up in. Without acknowledging the history and the atrocities committed against the Native people of our country, how will we know how to better ourselves in the future?”
Student reflection
BLACK HERITAGE MONTH (FEBRUARY)
Intro to Chicago Style Steppin’ Co-sponsored with Thrive@Sage and led by Mind Body Soul Studio dance instructors Brian “Albany’s Step-Daddy” Bolton and Yvonne Bolton, this event introduced Chicago Steppin’ as an improvisational form of partner dancing with its roots in such dance styles as the
Chicago Bop, the Lindy Hop and Western Swing. This smooth and sophisticated art form is supported by soul, jazz, and r&b music.
Black Resistance
Activist, author, and advocate Dr. Alice P. Green shared her life’s work leading the Center for Law and Justice and its impact on criminal justice and political reform. Building on the Black History Month 2023 theme, “Black Resistance,” Dr. Green discussed how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, including racial terrorism, systemic discrimination, and police violence against people of color.
The Power of the Black Dollar
CEO of the Black Chamber of Commerce, Deshanna Wiggins, and CEO of Business for Good Foundation and Founder and Chief Development Officer of 4th Family, Jahkeen Hoke, joined students and the RSC community to discuss how we all can circulate our dollars to help to narrow the racial wealth gap.
“I was very shocked to learn that black workers earn 30% less than white workers on average. I think everything that was said was important. I learned a lot of new terms that I have never heard before. I am glad I went to the presentation.”
Student reflection
An Afrofuturistic Experience
Jordan Taylor Hill & Friends returned to present An Afrofuturistic Experience. Students experienced a series of traditional drumming and dance from West Africa, spoken word, and storytelling. The show concluded with dancing in Bush Memorial!
MIDDLE EASTERN AND NORTH AFRICAN
(MENA) HERITAGE MONTH (APRIL)
Our Future is in the Hands of the Youth Filmmaker Elahe Gol Pari is no stranger to revolution. Growing up in Tehran, she was just 10 years old when the Islamic Revolution took place. Decades later, while visiting her hometown, she witnessed what she hopes is the start of a different kind of sea change led by young people. She shared the stories of young people in Tehran with people at Sage.
Iftar Party
Sage held its first Iftar Party in the Spirituality Center where folks enjoyed a variety of cuisines, learned more about the Muslim faith, and participated in activities that included henna art, traditional Arab music, and dancing.
“I learned what Iran really looks like. Along with that kids are dying for protesting their rights and speaking up is just sickening. But I really enjoyed this and felt like I learned so much.”
Student reflection
Critical Conversation Survey Results
Following each program, students are asked to complete a survey that will assess the quality of its offerings. Of the nearly 130 responses received by participants, all question areas achieved a “good” or higher rating 80% or more each time.
2022– 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan
Progress Report Year 1 of 3
For details on goals, strategies, and results on priority 2 data, click the button below to view the final report.
