Breakthroughs in Conversations about Race Dr. Charla Long Ms. Beth Morrow Lipscomb University Reaching Out and Building Strength Within

Initial Discovery Dialogue To explain is to experience Groups of 5-7 individuals Answer the following questions: –Briefly introduce yourself –State why you choose this presentation –Identify the one thing that scares you most about discussing race issues

Beth Morrow Charla Long 1 Why Race Issues? Upbringing in Oklahoma Role of Family, Church, School & Employment in Racial Formation Personal struggles with racial equality Legal training and community engagement Upbringing in Tennessee Role of Family, Church, School & Employment in Racial Formation Personal struggles with racial equality Specialized training and community engagement

Group Surveys using Clickers 1.It is important for people to have a cross- cultural competency. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 2.It is important for faculty & staff at my University to have a cross-cultural competency. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 3.The faculty & staff at my University demonstrate cross-cultural competency in their work environments. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 4.The students at my University possess a greater cross-cultural competency than the faculty & staff. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 5.The faculty & staff at my University actively seek to increase their cross- cultural competency. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 6.I deliberately place myself in cross- cultural moments and/or interactions. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 7.I have at least one friend from each of the top five ethnic groups represented in my area. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 8.I enjoy cross-cultural activities with friends from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 9.I am comfortable talking about racial and ethnic issues with people from my own group. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 10.I am comfortable talking about racial and ethnic issues with people from another racial or ethnic group. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 11.My University has given me the skills needed to be cross-culturally literate. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 12.The church where I worship is racially and ethnically diverse. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 13.Worshiping with those from other cultures is challenging. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 14.I am proud of my University’s past stand on racial and ethnic issues. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 15.I am proud of my University’s current stand on racial and ethnic issues. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 16.The current makeup of the faculty & staff at my University reflects the cross- cultural environment in which we live. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 17.It is important for faculty & staff at my University to have a cross-cultural competency. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 18.I wish I had better cross-cultural training. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 19.My University creates a safe environment for students to talk about cross-cultural issues. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Group Surveys using Clickers 20.My University creates a safe environment for faculty & staff to talk about cross-cultural issues. A – Strongly agree B – Somewhat agree C – Somewhat disagree D – Strongly disagree

Lipscomb University Institute for Law, Justice & Society The Institute is designed to: –administer an undergraduate program, –engage the community, –assist with international issues, and –provide related K-12 programming. Neutral convener of “conversations of significance”

Learning the Racial Past LJS Brochure with MLK Jr. Quote –Reaction from Alumni Research the history of David Lipscomb College View 2:30 Video Clip on History

Discoveries Made… Choose to “skip” about 30 years of history Individuals on faculty then are still on faculty today Perceived disconnect between Scriptures commands and University action Public events hosted by LU do not reflect diversity of Nashville

The Davidson Group Exists to acknowledge and appreciate Nashville's racial and ethnic diversity by promoting dialogue and interaction between individuals of different backgrounds. Build cross-cultural friendships in Middle Tennessee - one pair at a time. Prominent Nashvillian and creator of program requests move to Lipscomb and the ILJS

The Face of The Davidson Group Opportunity to change participant demographics Expand concept to include new age groups and specialty areas View Davidson Group & Beth Morrow TV appearance

The Davidson Group Metro Nashville/Davidson County Human Relations Commission –Struggle with faith-based Institution –Struggle with past performance on race issues Officially moved to LU in August 2008 Opportunity to recast University as a racially inclusive community –But is it?

Perception is Reality Multicultural office went unstaffed and unfunded for period of time Faculty Senate attempts to launch living wage campaign View student video clip about race issues at LU View faculty video clip about race issues at LU

How Can University Change Perceptions? Does it take formal apology? –If so, how and when do you give it? Does it take individual meetings with key influencers? Does it take summit to bring those affected together?

Hispanic Civil Rights Movement View Nashville for All of Us video clip View Hispanic Forum video clip Hispanic Achievers program and awareness training for faculty Nashville for All of Us Campaign and Lipscomb’s Involvement Hispanic Forum Malagasy Students The Dream Act

Bringing the University Along President’s visionary leadership –Community engagement on controversial issues Opportunities for University community to voice support and concerns on issues with racial elements

Church engagement through initiatives such as reconciliation summit, facilitated dialogues and multicultural pairings Goal is to create a transformed and reconciled community where we can worship and serve together. Student engagement through initiatives such as facilitated dialogues, multicultural pairings, and community service. Community engagement on racial issues through initiatives such as Hispanic Forum, Nashville for All of Us, The Davidson Group Faculty/Staff engagement through initiatives such as guest speakers, sensitivity training, facilitated dialogues and multicultural pairings. Faculty/Staff Engagement Community Engagement Student Engagement Church Engagement Transformed Community Transformed and Reconciled

Initial Impact on Others View Community Leader video clip View Faculty video clip View Staff video clip View Administrator video clip

Mrs. Beth Morrow Dr. Charla Long 1 Reflections & Suggestions for Institutional Implementation

Questions?

Mrs. Beth Morrow Dr. Charla Long 1 Contact Information Lipscomb University Ezell Building Room 318 One University Park Drive Nashville, TN / u Lipscomb University Ezell Building Room 320 One University Park Drive Nashville, TN / u