Messages
Most recent message sent to the Siena Community on 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.
Focus Areas for 2021-2022
After several listening sessions and town halls with students, faculty and staff, President Gibson identified several areas of focus for 2021-2022.
As these messages have been shared with the community, many of you have reached out to share your stories, perspective and ideas. In July 2020, 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. For additional resources, click here.
2022 events
Please email communications@siena.edu if you have an event you would like added to this list.
- Matt Grimes '12 facilitated a second ‘Staff Day of Practice’ – a continuation of January’s workshop ‘Reflecting on our Values and Identities to Lead Boldly for Racial Justice," on October 14, 2021. The Council of Administrators hosted this event.
- Damietta Cross Cultural Center:
- Cooking with Fr. Tito
- Día de la Raza Concert and Dialogue with Rick Reyes and The Pasofino Social Club to celebrate Latin and Hispanic culture on October 12
- Cafe Euphoria — October 21 event hosted by co-founders of a transgender owned and operated restaurant located in Troy, NY to speak on their experiences creating this new and inclusive business model.
- Fall Fusion
- Beyond the Binary with CJ Suitt (Black History Month keynote) — February 9, 2022
- Joy of Samba Workshop, Mardi Gras Carnaval — Mar 1, 2022
- Karim Nagi, Arab, Culture, Music and Dance Night — March 31, 2022
- Expoze: Multicultural Talent Show — April 9, 2022
- Robyn Ochs presentation: “All the Letters: Understanding LGBTQIA+ Identities & Experiences with the Sociology Department
- ALANA & Lavender Celebration of Achievement — May 1, 2022
- The Spirit of ’68 endowment committee is hosting the 10th Annual Capital District Feminist Studies Consortium Conference on Friday, February 25th. More information can be found here.
- The Spirit of ’68 endowment committee is hosting the 10th Annual Capital District Feminist Studies Consortium Conference. More information can be found here.
- The Mission Office in partnership with First-Year Seminar, and Athletics hosted Fr. Dan Horan, OFM, Ph.D., for his talk "A Siena Saints Guide to Racism and Privilege: Franciscan Values on Siena's Campus," on Wednesday, November 3 at 7 PM in the Maloney Great Room. This was followed by small group, student-led discussion, concluding with "Where Do We Go From Here?" Closing remarks from President Gibson on "Strengthening the Bonds of Racial Justice."
- Celebrating Black History Month
- Go Beyond the Binary — Black History Month Keynote featuring CJ Suitt. Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Read more.
- Quote from alum Firmin Alexander '17 — "Black History is treated as a small chapter in both U.S. History. Black History Month reminds us that Black History is within each page. Black History Month to me re-affirms that I, regardless of the color of my skin, am capable of inspiring others like myself regardless of the roadblocks being built along my path. We must honor the challenges so many African-American women and men have faced, educate our peers on what we still face, and continue to work diligently as a society to make the world a better place for EVERYONE."
- The College hosted a weekly feature celebrating Black History Month on the @SienaCollege Instagram account and in the Daily Digest.
- Philosophy and Race guest lecture on February 3, 2022. Featured keynote speaker was Dr. Olúfẹmi O. Táíwò. Read more.
- Martin Luther King III lecture "Strengthening the Bonds of Racial Justice" on May 3. Register today.
Do you have an event you would like to include in this initiative? Download the official Strengthening the Bonds of Racial Justice at Siena logo below and include on your promotional items.
