Invitation to Teach-In on Race: October 28-29

Dear members of the Emerson community,

I am writing to invite you to attend Emerson’s 5th Annual Teach-In on Race, a virtual two-day event on October 28 and 29, 2021. The theme of this year’s Teach-In on Race is “Creating Community.” It will feature a keynote address by Tak Toyoshima, creator of the comic strip Secret Asian Man, titled “Drawing Social Justice-How Your Art Can Help Change the World.” Discussion panels with students, faculty, and special guests will follow to encourage meaningful discourse around issues of race and racism on campus and beyond.

Panel Topics include:

•    Anti-Asian hate: It’s wrong and it’s racist. Why is that so hard to understand?

•    What exactly is Critical Race Theory? Why is it controversial? Is it really taught in schools?

•    How do artists address race and identity in their work? What are the advantages and/or disadvantages? What audiences do they hope to reach?

•    Does everyone deserve access to education? How might we reimagine justice?

Please note, the keynote will be open to the public but all other Zoom links and event details for panels are available to Emerson community members only. (Participants will be required to login (DUO) with their Emerson credentials to view.)

This wonderfully robust program has been developed to underscore Emerson’s steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion with support from Academic Affairs, the Social Justice Center, Elma Lewis Distinguished Fellow and Professor Jabari Asim, and a dedicated advisory group of students, faculty, and staff. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication to this event and for identifying the important topics we will explore.

We know that it is through a rich diversity of people and ideas that we can achieve the highest levels of success both individually and as a community. I hope you will make time to attend any or all of the sessions of the Teach-In on Race on October 28 and 29, 2021.

Sincerely,

William P. Gilligan, EdD
Interim President