June 1, 2020
Both our University and our Dean have said some poignant, insightful things regarding the Nation's Recent Events. Unfortunately, nothing that we say can help during this time of sorrow. We, as a Department, would like to echo their sentiments and confirm our commitment to all of you. Racism prevents us from fulfilling our commitment to the advancement and pursuit of knowledge and represents the opposite of what CDIB stands for. We are proud to be a part of a University that continually works towards trying to “eliminate the disparities that exist – be they racial, socioeconomic, or other,” and we will join together with both the School of Medicine and the University in the fight against inequality.
Dr. Vickers has provided some excellent programs and organizations in the local area who are fighting this fight. Please take the time to read about each organization’s mission and consider supporting them monetarily or by volunteering your time.
Additionally, we have started to comprise resources for further education below. If you have suggestions of items to add to this list, please let us know.
As a reminder to the attached statements, please remember to take care of yourself. For employees in need of mental and emotional support during this time, we urge you to connect with the Employee Assistance & Counseling Center (EACC). Students, you have a similar resource through Student Counseling Services. Also, don’t forget about the Well-Being Index, a tool that is offered to all employees and is a simple way to check in on your wellness.
Sincerely,
UAB CDIB Department Leadership
DIVERSITY EDUCATION: UAB ODEI Course offerings.
Part 1: Awareness @ UAB
Part 2: Cultural Awareness Building Blocks
Part 3: Safe Zone Training
Part 3: Safe Zone Training
Part 4: Unconscious Bias
Part 5: Bystander Intervention
UAB Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resources
Books for Futher Reading
- "How To Be An Antiracist" by Ibram Kendi
- "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," by Rebecca Skloot
- "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption," by Bryan Stevenson
- "Medical Apartheid: The Dark History Of Medical Experimentation On Black Americans From Colonial Times To The Present," by Harriet A. Washington
- "White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism," Robin DiAngelo
- "So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo
- "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander
- "Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? And other conversations about race" by Beverly Tatum
Movies
- 13th
- When They See Us
- Just Mercy
- Crash
- The Hate You Give
The difference between being "not racist" and antiracist
21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge
For 21 days, do one action to further your understanding of power, privilege, supremacy, oppression, and equity
Plan includes suggestions for readings, podcasts, videos, observations, and ways to form and deepen community connections.
Too many senior white academics still resist recognizing racism
Power to Heal
Fair Play Simulation
WHAT IS FAIR PLAY?
Fair Play provides players with the opportunity to take the perspective of Jamal Davis, a Black graduate student on his way to becoming a renowned professor. In this game, players experience racial bias during interactions with other characters, as well as in the virtual environment. As Jamal, the road to success involves navigating the academic world; as a Black student, bias can steer you off of a successful path. Winning in Fair Play involves learning when and how to name biases. While many will succeed in Fair Play, the true winners are those that learn the reality of bias.