A message from the EdD in KIN faculty about our “shared fate” and how with your help, we can focus on antiracism and social justice

In these times of uncertainty and unrest, we have continued to operate under our “business as usual” mode…however, we realize that it is important to pause and take time to affirm that we will not tolerate racism in our country. We are eager to find ways to ensure that our students know that we care and are looking for ways to support the “shared fate” that our Chancellor, Frank Gilliam, has referred to each time he addresses the UNCG community. In his recent Message from the Chancellor shared May 31, 2020 in response to the death of George Floyd and others, he asked the question “Are we willing to buy into the notion that we have a ‘shared fate’ regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or party affiliation? Are people willing to change how institutions work in this country so that all people are treated fairly?” I hope that all of you (faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends) will join us in coming together, as stated by the Chancellor, with a “good heart and common sense to solve problems” and find ways to counter systemic racism, particularly anti-Black racism that has been clearly demonstrated in the past few weeks. Let us all join together to create change. The EdD in Kinesiology program strives to develop leaders who can make an impact not just in kinesiology, but in their communities. This is a perfect time for us to focus on how we can be agents of change and focus on antiracism and social justice – let’s be leaders and help find ways to create a society that is inclusive of all. We will be reaching out to all of you to join us in moving forward.

The EdD in Kinesiology Faculty – Dr. Pam K. Brown, Dr. Diane Gill, Dr. Erin Reifsteck, Dr. Michael Hemphill & Dr. Ben Dyson

Resources: The National Museum of African American History & Culture, Smithsonian offers an overview of anti-racism, including a video clip by Ibram X. Kendi, the author of “How to be an Antiracist.” – check out the site. The Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre also offers information about anti-racism, including what it means and how it is an active stance, along with information about their human rights programs and resources.