The Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) is pleased to reintroduce #TalkMatters, an initiative to bring the UAB community together to address issues of inclusion, diversity, equality, and awareness through an education lens. #TalkMatters aims to facilitate open, and honest discussion about diversity and inclusion and introduce knowledge and skills that strengthen the capacity of our campus community to drive structural inclusion for all groups.
Each month, ODEI will facilitate discussions around diversity and inclusion. Our hope is that participants gain a deeper understanding of differences and a greater respect for diversity as a strength and value added as we strive to build a more inclusive and welcoming community.
The new #TalkMatters series will kick off with background reading from Heather McGhee’s The Sum of Us. McGhee's book is available in ODEI's library for participants to check out. Please contact Dr. Chris Jones, regarding the book checkout process, at
#TalkMatters is free and open to the public; however, registration is required.
To request accessibility accommodations for the event please contact
- Fall 2023 Book Review
- Participant Requirements
- Wednesday #TalkMatters Discussion
- Thursday #TalkMatters Discussion
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The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee
"The Sum of US takes readers on an intimate odyssey across our country’s racial divide to explore why some believe that progress for some comes at the expense of others. Along the way, McGhee speaks with white people who confide in her about losing jobs, homes, and hope, and considers white supremacy’s collateral victims. Ultimately, McGhee – a Black woman viewing multiracial America with startling empathy – finds proof of what she terms the Solidarity Dividend: the momentous benefits that derive when people come together across race. A powerful, singular, and prescriptive blend of the macro and the intimate." —O: The Oprah Magazine
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Each participant will be expected to:
- Attend scheduled monthly discussions
- Be an active participant during discussions
- Be willing to participate in an open and honest dialogue
- Recognize and develop a respect for diverse histories
- Develop an action plan to share what you learned in your work setting and community
- Consider new ways of thinking about your beliefs about others and your vision of diversity
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The Wednesday Talk Matters Discussions will be held on the following dates from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.
- September 13, 2023
- October 18, 2023
- November 8, 2023
#TalkMatters is free and open to faculty and staff, however, registration is required.
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The Thursday Talk Matters Discussions will be held on the following dates from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.
- September 14, 2023
- October 19, 2023
- November 9, 2023
#TalkMatters is free and open to faculty and staff, however, registration is required.