WSU Hosts Town Hall Conversation About Race: One Year Later

OGDEN, Utah – One year after Weber State University began a series of conversations about issues of race in Northern Utah, community members are invited to a panel discussion and interactive dialog to evaluate the outcome and plan next steps, July 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms.

Panelists will include WSU President Charles A. Wight, Ogden Police Department Community Outreach Coordinator Diane Lopez, and community partner Karline Valentine.

“One year ago, we came together to begin a conversation about race, identity, understanding and community,” said WSU Chief Diversity Officer Adrienne Andrews who helped facilitate the series. “That conversation continues as we consider our past, present and future with more action on the horizon.”

In addition to the panel discussion and a chance for those in attendance to participate and share, Andrews said she will unveil a new initiative, the idea of which emerged from the series of conversations.

 “We have looked deeply at ourselves to figure out what part we play in the individual, institutional and structural systems of race,” Andrews said. “It is only when we begin to examine our own beliefs and how we act upon those beliefs that we can begin to see the larger systemic and institutionalized problems around race and identity. Please be part of learning with and from each other as we prepare to take the next step.”

All community members are welcome to attend the free event, which will be followed by a barbecue dinner to encourage informal discussion. Parking on campus is free after 4:30 p.m.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.          

Contact:

Adrienne Gillespie Andrews, Chief Diversity Officer
801-626-7243 • adrienneandrews@weber.edu

Author:

Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu