Spotlight on Social Justice
21 Day Racial Equity Challenge
Inspired by the work of the YWCA and other organizations, SFC President Miguel Martinez-Saenz, Brother Gabriel O’Brien, OSF, Superior General of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn along with colleagues created the 21 Day Racial Equity Challenge to raise awareness about racism and injustice.
Beginning on June 19th—Juneteenth—members of the SFC community were invited to commit three weeks to deepening their understanding of racial inequity and listening to voices that are often unfamiliar.
President Martinez-Saenz and Brother Gabriel provided a list of recommended books, articles, films, podcasts, and other materials, and encouraged participants to spend time each day over three weeks with the materials, learning and reflecting on past and recent racial injustices, and enriching their knowledge about the significant sacrifices and contributions of African Americans.
The Challenge concluded on July 9th with a live online event featuring reflections inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story.”
The Challenge is one of the many actions St. Francis College is taking to enact a diverse learning environment that promotes dialogues about things that matter and that ensures that all members of the community feel like they belong even as the community grapples, together, with appreciating difference.
“St. Francis College is continuing to increase access and equity for historically underserved students, faculty and staff, to improve campus climate for all members of the campus community and to infuse inclusive excellence initiatives into the curriculum and co-curriculum. Students will be an important part of the process,” said President Martinez-Saenz.
Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., and Debby Irving created the original 21 Day Racial Equity Challenge.
