Events

African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is a dialect of American English frequently used in the Black community. Because communications conveyed through AAVE are often dismissed or discounted as ill-informed, uneducated, unprofessional, and grammatically inferior to Standard English, many individuals consciously or subconsciously code-switch (i.e., alternate between dialects). But how does code-switching impact self-perception and identity? How do we affirm ourselves against external responses that seem to dismiss the validity of our comments based on the dialect in which they are communicated? What can we do to access our internal power to engage as our authentic selves while navigating spaces that are still developing a culture of inclusion and belonging? This interactive 45-minute workshop and discussion will explore these topics by creating space to question unchallenged assumptions, honor complexities of experience, and make choices that best fit participant needs.

Sponsored by Longwood University NAACP (student chapter)

November 2024

As entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders, there is no such thing as a shortage of responsibility or an abundance of time. This is especially true when each accomplishment comes with fresh ideas waiting to be enacted. With too much to do and too little time, rest seems impractical, irresponsible, and ill-advised. Therefore, this 60-minute program is designed to support entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders by discussing effective strategies to rest amid unrelenting pressures to produce.  Watch online here.

Sponsored by Enterprising Ventures of Color

October 2024

What do our achievements say about our resilience? How might our resilience translate into activism? This emotionally-evocative presentation blends storytelling, group discussion, personal narratives, anecdotal analysis, and comprehensive research to explore intersections between achievement, resilience, and activism to empower participants to actualize their inner power and create a “more perfect world.”

Sponsored by Saybrook University

August 2024

Being a “Strong Black Woman” has received growing attention over the last several years. Originally used to dehumanize Black women, women have reappropriated the phrase as a source of cultural pride, strength, independence, and resilience. However, internalizing the Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema can lead to adverse mental and physical outcomes, including depression, anxiety, stress, binge eating, and substance use. With mounting pressures to perform, produce, and compete, it is therefore becoming even more necessary for women of color to be intentional about their personal and professional roles and responsibilities.

The purpose of this day-long session is twofold. First, this session will conceptualize the Strong Black Woman schema, examining its paradoxical nature of having both positive and negative impacts. Concepts related to the Superwoman Ideal, a similar experience but inclusive of all racial categories, will also be explored. Second, the session will suggest potential strategies to aid in realigning the role of the Strong Black Woman schema in participants’ lives. The proposed strategies will be rooted in Black Feminist Thought, positive psychology, racial healing, and self-care and will promote community and empowerment. This session should benefit women of color who are passionate about prioritizing themselves over external demands and pressures.

Sponsored by the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE)

May 2024