Event draws at least 600 Huskies for powerful conversations
Building upon the success of the inaugural Real Talk Conference: Bridging Race, Identity, and Community, NIU’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center continues to challenge Huskies to facilitate change.
The work of the center is a collaboration between the divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The inaugural Real Talk event on Oct. 27 featured dynamic keynote speakers and interactive sessions.
Those who attended made new connections while engaging in powerful conversations.
“The success of the inaugural The Real Talk Conference was truly remarkable, with 600 students, faculty and staff registering to be a part of this transformative event,” said Clint-Michael Reneau, Ph.D., vice president for Student Affairs. “It was a testament to the courage, boldness, and authenticity displayed throughout the conference. Through engaging in these courageous conversations, participants were able to participate in deep discussions concerning race, identity and community.
“It was truly inspiring to witness people leaning into the powerfully important work of turning toward these crucial discussions, rather than turning away. The Real Talk Conference was a powerful platform that empowered individuals to make a lasting impact on their own development, growth, learning and our NIU community in order to create a more inclusive and understanding environment.”
Evolving as a leader in the areas of racial and social justice, equity and inclusion, NIU drew nationally known speakers to the event. Among those featured were Tia Brown McNair, Ed.D., the vice president in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Student Success and executive director for TRHT at AAC&U in Washington, DC; and Ainka Jackson, founding executive director of the Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth and Reconciliation.
All involved deemed it a success.
“The Real Talk Conference was a momentous occasion for us to come together as a Huskie community through listening, empathy and affirmation of our collective human experience,” said Carol A. Sumner, Ed.D., vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and chief diversity officer.
“As we move NIU’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Center forward, this will be an annual event and one of many opportunities to connect and focus on topics that shape and impact us all. I look forward to continued engagement across our Huskie family and encourage students, faculty and staff to take part in the upcoming GIVE Circles.”
One of many TRHT initiatives, GIVE (Growing through Inclusive Vulnerability and Empathy) Circles are planned this semester for students, faculty and staff as more intimate spaces to both share and listen, said Ari Owens, director for Social Justice Education.
GIVE Circles are described as “spaces that encourage authentic sharing of, and deep listening to, personal narratives to strengthen relationships and understanding of unique perspectives and experiences.”
To get involved and to learn more about this semester’s GIVE Circles, Huskies are encouraged to sign up. More GIVE Circles are planned for spring semester.
“You’ll be encouraged to share about yourself and your experiences and to do some listening,” Owens said. “You’re going to get out of it the opportunity to learn about others and how you can foster growth and more inclusive practices in your everyday life that lead to transformative experiences, especially if you keep coming back.”
A partnership between the divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, NIU’s TRHT initiative began in 2021 when NIU was selected by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) to become part of the nationwide effort.
Established in partnership with the AAC&U and hosted by colleges and universities, TRHT Campus Centers pursue the shared goal of preparing the next generation of leaders and thinkers to break down racialized practices and to dismantle the belief in a “hierarchy of human value.” They’re described as self-sustaining, community-integrated campus centers advancing racial and social justice.
The planning for 2024 The Real Talk conference will start in January 2024. The current planning team is offering opportunity for campus to provide suggestions for topics and/or speakers to invite, offer support and indicate interest in joining the planning team.
