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Strengthening the Bonds of Racial Justice

Strengthening the Bonds of Racial Justice

Siena strives to embody the vision and values of St. Francis of Assisi, including his commitment to building a world that is more just, peaceable, and humane. We must recommit to strengthening the bonds of racial justice to fulfill that mission and ensure people of color in our community feel safe, accepted, appreciated and affirmed. This effort starts with education and conversation. It requires action. 

As these messages have been shared with the community, many of you have reached out to share your stories, perspective and ideas. In July, President Gibson said that pursuing justice will be a priority for his administration. Your input is valuable and important to informing the initiatives to come. Click here to view his Fall 2020 semester summary update. 

On August 20, 2020, The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference announced the commencement of its MAAC United for Justice Campaign. In the 2020-21 season, the MAAC will work both internally at the conference office and with all 11 member institutions to advance and execute strategies to combat racial injustices within our society. The MAAC and its member institutions will work to address the long-standing history of systemic racism and inequality that minorities in this country have and still currently face, with a goal to educate those around us and to create substantial change in our communities. Read more details here. 

Events

Spring planning themes include programming and celebrations honoring Black History Month, Human Rights and Social Change, Arab Culture, and Pride Week. 

The Spirit of ’68 Committee adopted Strengthening the Bonds of Racial Justice at Siena College as the theme for this year’s programming, which included a well-attended October panel discussion on race and social justice featuring Capital Region community activists.

Latinx Heritage Month Keynote Event 
October 14-15
View Flyer

Nyle Fort Facilities a conversation with George Floyd's Uncle, Selwyn Jones: Mourning, Faith, and the Movement for Black Lives"
Wednesday, September 9 at 7 PM, Zoom

'Calling on Co-Conspirators' with Award-Winning Author, and the Athletic Association Endowed professor at the University of Georgia, Dr. Bettina Love
Thursday, September 3 at 7 PM, Zoom

Town Halls with Dr. Gibson 
Current Saints: Wednesday, July 15
Faculty and Staff: Thursday, July 16

Juneteenth
Friday, June 19
This annual holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and a celebration of independence, freedom, human rights and civil rights. Siena marked Juneteenth 2020 by sharing educational resources on social media and calling for a day of reflection.

Through Trauma Towards Trust
Tuesday, June 16
A Zoom group for students of color. 
View Flyer

Bells of Remembrance Prayer Service
Monday, June 15
Our community came together for a prayer service to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God as we work to strengthen the bonds of racial justice on our campus and beyond. 
View the service

Voter Registration Challenge
100% of the Siena Women's Basketball Team is registered to vote and they challenge all Saints to join them. 
Watch the team video

RESOURCES


Below are some resources that will help us all to listen and learn. This list is certainly not exhaustive, but is representative of ideas put forth by so many of you who have reached out. 

Read

Articles
The 1619 Project, The New York Times Magazine
“The assumptions of white privilege and what we can do about it,” Brian Masingle, National Catholic Reporter
“Who Gets to Be Afraid in America?,”  Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, The Atlantic (May 12, 2020)

Books