Save the Date: Diversity Forum 2020 Will Be July 28-30

Learn how we can make Pittsburgh a more inclusive region at the Diversity Forum 2020, to be held July 28-30.

Advancing Social Justice: A Call to Action is a first-of-its kind virtual event at Pitt that’s free and open to the public. The goal? Equip participants with the tools to advance social justice within the University, the city of Pittsburgh and the region.

“I am delighted to kick off the Year of Engagement with the Diversity Forum 2020,” said Kathy Humphrey, senior vice chancellor for engagement and secretary of Pitt’s Board of Trustees. “This forum will give us the opportunity to examine the tools that we can use to create a more diverse, inclusive and equitable community.”

Members of the Pitt community and beyond are invited to submit their proposals for workshops or panels by June 26.

For those who turn to art as a form of self-expression, an “Art of Diversity Showcase and Competition” will take place during the forum. All are invited to submit creative works of any kind relevant to their cultural identity, sociocultural topics or social justice issues by July 6. During the multi-day forum, workshops will spark conversations about the broad array of social justice issues affecting Pitt and Western Pennsylvania, such as barriers faced by communities impacted by COVID-19 and the ongoing crisis of police brutality. The full program and schedule will be available to registrants in the coming weeks, but here’s a preview of events planned so far:

• Additionally, guests will hear from speakers like Ibram X. Kendi (pictured), historian, New York Times best-selling author and founding director of American University’s Antiracist Research and Policy Center. His book, “How to Be an Antiracist,” will be a focal point of conversations throughout the events.
• Ahead of the retreat, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) will be hosting a series of town hall discussions that focus on the diverse aspects of our lives and communities impacted by COVID-19.

Secure your spot for the multi-day event by visiting the forum’s web page. Registration is free and open to the public.