U of A's September Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Month Celebration Comes to a Close

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The U of A's Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in partnership with colleges and units across campus — including the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences — has been celebrating diversity, equity and inclusion all September long.

The tradition to celebrate DEI in September started at the U of A in 2020, and now in it its third year the celebration is going stronger than ever, with a slate of events and initiatives to help the U of A community incorporate more inclusive practices.

Throughout the month, Romona West, the Fulbright College's director of diversity, equity and inclusion, has also been featuring up-and-coming college trailblazers on the college's DEI Social Media channels.

"The work Tameka Bailey is doing to bring STEAM education to our campus and the Arkansas Delta and create more opportunities for underserved Arkansas students is just amazing," West said.

"And Dr. Valandra is doing vital research to collect, digitize, illustrate and disseminate histories of Black life and was also recently recognized for her steadfast commitment, scholarship, research and service to support survivors of sexual violence," she added.

"Additionally, Lawrence Panther is now offering Cherokee language classes here at the U of A for the first time ever — which is truly historic for our university and our Indigenous Studies Program," she said.

The DEI Month events kicked off Sept. 1 with the Hill-ish Cultural and Resource Fair. Hosted by the DEI division's Student Council, the fair provided opportunities for students from different backgrounds and experiences to join student-led organizations, receive valuable resources and connect with campus offices and departments to enhance individual chances for success on the U of A campus.

Another event highlight of the month was the Sept. 9 Portraits of Progress Silas Hunt Legacy Celebration. The evening featured powerful vignettes and stories told through the Portraits of Progress website, which includes a digital collection of photos, recordings, videos and stories.

Those stories were then brought to life at the event hosted as the Walton Arts Center, through music, dance, spoken word and art. This interactive and engaging event also showcased pivotal figures in the U of A's history and celebrated the university's sesquicentennial while inspiring attendees to envision the university's progress for the next 150 years.

"The university's sesquicentennial isn't just about the last 150 years," said Yvette Murphy-Erby, vice chancellor for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. "It's about the trailblazers, dreams achieved and progress that has been made in that time. As we recognize the U of A's sesquicentennial, we also celebrate the many figures in our history who moved the university forward to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive campus."

One of the university's best-known trailblazers is Silas Hunt, a native of Texarkana and veteran of World War II, for whom the event was also named.

He became the first African American student to attend a major public university in the South when he was admitted to the U of A School of Law on Feb. 2, 1948. To honor Hunt, the university created the Silas Hunt Legacy Awards Celebration, first awarded in 2006, to recognize individuals and organizations that have had a significant impact on the U of A and the state — just as Hunt did.

"The Portraits of Progress Silas Hunt Legacy Celebration was a beautiful way to celebrate how far the U of A has come, with an eye to the future and what more we need to accomplish," West said.

"One of the best parts of the night was also when we were able to honor Yvette Murphy-Erby and induct her as one of the stories in Portraits of Progress for her dedication and incredible contributions to DEI," she added. "She's been a passionate advocate, working diligently to create a sense of belonging on our campus for all who learn, work at and call the U of A home."

West said Murphy-Erby was a professor and leader in the School of Social Work and in Fulbright College before heading up the U of A's Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and that growing and supporting leaders like her is vital to the university's continued success.

Read more about Tameka Bailey's $1.25 million grant in the Fulbright REVIEW.

Read more about Valandra's work to collect histories of Black life and her Beacon of Hope Award in the Fulbright REVIEW.

Read more about Lawrence Panther and his Cherokee language classes in the Fulbright REVIEW.

Additionally, the college's DEI office sends out a weekly newsletter. Click here to subscribe online.

Parts of this story also appeared in the Fulbright REVIEW digital publication.