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An analysis of diversity in the curriculum, studies of best practices, research on attitudes and beliefs about diversity among students, and a diversity speaker series are all part of a new Diversity Education Project at MSUCOM. The project, developed by Sandy Kilbourn, executive director of external programs, and Pat Grauer, director of public relations, is funded by a $17,000 grant from the Office of the Provost.

The speaker series was developed through feedback from students, faculty, and staff. Certain themes – poverty, justice, sexuality, Islam, and Hispanic and African-American cultures – were identified as being of the highest interest, and experts were asked to come and share their knowledge.

The series began in January with a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Reverend Russell McReynolds, D.Min., senior pastor of Central United Methodist Church in Lansing, spoke about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to peace and justice.

Since then, speakers from various backgrounds have come to speak about diversity. Kathy Kleinert, D.O., Class of 1992, shared her story about opening a health clinic for the poor in inner city Detroit. Amina Khalil discussed Islam and issues that arise when working with Muslim patients, and El Paso educator Rosa Guerrero gave a presentation on Latino culture and health issues that included dance, music and poetry. Additional programs are being planned on the topics of gender and sexuality.

VISITING MINORITY FACULTY LECTURE SERIES

The Visiting Minority Faculty Lecture Series has entered its third year at MSUCOM and the program has already become a smashing success. The series titled, “From Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey,” brings distinguished speakers to the Michigan State campus, to deliver lectures about African-American history and the Civil Rights Movement. The series has developed a loyal following and hundreds of people came out to listen and learn from this year’s presenters.

Coinciding with Black History Month, each Thursday in February provided a unique opportunity for the community to learn about the struggle for civil rights from the people who lived it. This year’s guests included:

• Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon: A scholar, singer, composer, producer and the founder of the world-renowned a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey In The Rock, Dr. Reagon shared her vast knowledge of the roots of African-American music, sang songs of protest from the civil rights era, and challenged the audience to take the risks necessary for justice
• The Reverend Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson: The senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, NY, with a congregation of over 4,000 members, Rev. Richardson spoke about the struggle for educational and economic opportunities for black people in America and the goal of ending the inequality in our country
• Dr. William Anderson: A clinical professor of osteopathic surgical specialties at MSUCOM, Dr. Anderson demonstrated the importance of Black History Month and the need for people of all races to understand and appreciate the contributions that African-Americans have made to society
• Mr. Tom Hayden: A Freedom Rider during the 1960s, Tom Hayden served 18 years in the California Legislature, representing the city of Los Angeles. Mr. Hayden discussed the history of his Irish ancestors and the struggles of underrepresented minorities throughout our country’s history.