POTSDAM, NY (02/10/2012)(readMedia)-- The State University of New York at Potsdam is celebrating Black History Month with a series of concerts, lectures, discussions and events that honor the importance of diversity in America and in the North Country community.

But SUNY Potsdam also wants to go deeper, sparking a conversation about the challenges that people of color continue to face across the country and in our region, and what we all can do to combat racism and foster understanding.

The College's Center for Diversity and the SUNY Potsdam Diversity in Action Coalition are co-sponsoring an open diversity dialogue on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Barrington Student Union Fireside Lounge. Everyone is welcome to attend this informal discussion about racism and its impacts, both locally and nationally.

Dr. John D. Youngblood, an associate professor of English and communication, will serve as the facilitator for the discussion, and other faculty and staff members also plan to attend and join in the conversation.

"We decided that we should not limit conversations regarding diversity issues to only when racial and other incidents occur. Therefore, this is just the first in a series of dialogues," said Center for Diversity Director Sheila Marshall. "Because February is Black History Month, we felt it was fitting for the first talk to be dedicated to issues related to race and ethnicity."

In addition to the conversation, SUNY Potsdam's Office of Public Affairs will also unveil an eye-opening video series that it put together through interviews with students, faculty and staff. In the video, members of the campus community answer tough questions about ignorance, what it's like to be black in America and what racism feels like. They also talk frankly about prejudice and misunderstanding -- and about the need for open discussions in order for diversity to grow.

"It took a lot of courage for students to participate in this video project and speak from the heart about race and racism. This is not an easy conversation for anyone, but I am inspired by our students' ability to be open-minded, to be part of a community dialogue and to speak publicly about their community values at Potsdam," said Deborah Dudley, video producer and director of marketing at SUNY Potsdam.

SUNY Potsdam is more diverse than ever, with a growing African-American and Hispanic population, thriving international student community and one of the largest Native American student populations within SUNY. For the first time, in Fall 2011, more than 10 percent of the College's students self-identified as students of color.

To watch the first video, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mLldSYQ1UE&list=UUYFy48c_FBjhJd7DoiDoaJw&index=1&feature=plcp.

SUNY Potsdam's YouTube channel has many more videos about the College's student experience, at www.youtube.com/thesunypotsdam.

To learn more about diversity at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/about/diversity.

Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,350 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training and leadership in the performing and visual arts.

-www.potsdam.edu-

Posted Friday February 10, 2012 at 02:39 pm by SUNY Potsdam
Last Updated Friday March 15, 2013 at 12:17 pm