The University of Arizona’s Core Values include Integrity, Compassion, Exploration, Adaptation, Inclusion, and Determination. Aligning with these values, the Udall Center is committed to fostering an inclusive atmosphere where diversity is celebrated, promoted, and protected.
The Udall Center unequivocally rejects anti-Blackness and all other forms of racism and discrimination. Since June 2020, the Udall Center staff have committed to examining our own perpetuation of anti-Blackness and confronting our own racist biases—both hidden and overt. We commit to taking tangible steps to disrupt anti-Blackness in our communities and to change how we support Black peoples, communities, and initiatives. We have committed to educating ourselves on the racist treatment felt by Black lives and engage in a dialogue of change, as breaking down research silos by citing Black authors, incorporating Afro-Indigenous narratives, and developing research partnerships with Black scholars.
Spring 2021 Antiracism Speaker Series
Throughout the spring of 2021, we hosted an Antiracism Speaker Series featuring virtual talks to create a space for these conversations to take place, to create networks with and give a platform to Black scholars, and to actively educate ourselves and others on the Black lived experience.
Ashley La Russa
February 12, 2021 | 12:00-1:00 PM (MST)
Courageous Conversations about Race
Presented by Ashley La Russa, Owner and CEO of Roux Events, LLC
We learned about creating space for holding Courageous Conversations about Race, an award-winning protocol created by Glenn Singleton. Ashley La Russa, a specialist in helping organizations that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, discussed race, privilege, and how we as a research center can take steps to dismantle systemic inequalities.
Chenae Bullock
March 5, 2021 | 12:00-1:00 PM (MST)
Antiracism: An Afro-Indigenous Perspective
Presented by Chenae Bullock, Owner of Moskehtu Consulting
We learned about impediments to racial equity from an afro-Indigenous perspective. Chenae Bullock, an Indigenous perspective historian and cultural practitioner, provided context by sharing the history of her people, examining their forced cultural and societal assimilation, and discussed how the resilience of Indigenous communities has survived and how we can better support Black and Indigenous voices and communities.
Tori Thomas
April 23, 2021 | 12:00-1:00 PM (MST)
Combatting Systemic Racism with Educational Equity
Presented by Tori Thomas, Research Analyst, Houston Education Research Consortium, Rice University
We learned from research analyst, Tori Thomas, about impediments to accessing quality education and the lasting inequalities caused by racism embedded in our educational system. We discussed how there is a clear need for change at the systemic and institutional levels, but some changes can start a little closer to home, such as smaller departments like ours. We can begin by intentionally creating an inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed and celebrated.