2023 NGLA Lectorials on R.A.C.E.
Our Lectorials on R.A.C.E. program, hosted by The Parallel Agency and supported by the Order of Omega, is a series of lectorials focused on Racism, Anti-Blackness, Colorism, and Equity.
A lectorial is a large-scale educational program that:
- is underpinned by active student-centered learning,
- utilizes inquiry-based and adult learning as methodologies of teaching and learning, and
- involves collaborative and interactive activities in place of traditional didactic lectures and tutorials.
The program format is approximately 40 minutes of content, 40 minutes of facilitated breakouts, and 10 minutes for closing. The breakouts will include activities like reflection exercises and peer-to-peer interaction and will be facilitated by professionals.
The Lectorials on R.A.C.E. are on Friday, February 24 at 3:45pm ET.
Racism | More Than Black Boxes: Aligning good intentions with ACTION
presented by Qy'Darrius “Q” McEachern with ForCollegeForLife
Remember that day everyone’s Instagram feed turned black? June 2, 2020 was called #BlackOutTuesday and it has been described as one of the most-widespread demonstrations of protest in the history of social media.
It made a lot of people feel good and like they were engaging in true activism.
Qy’Darrius (Q) reflects on this day and subsequent examples of online activism in this signature program and asks, “What if it was more important for people of color to be liberated from racism than it is for you to be perceived as a good person?”
This question gets to the heart of a core issue of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; the appearance of allyship without true advocacy is hollow, dangerous, and creates toxic spaces for students of color.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore examples of performative activism & allyship
- Identify ways in which people of good intention can fall into the trap of slacktivism
- Consider the short- and long-term impacts of performance on students, faculty, and staff
- Develop strategies to move from performative actions to true activism for racial justice
Presenter Biography:
Qy'Darrius Z. McEachern is a Black, able-bodied, cisgender man from a low-income background who has committed himself to researching & educating people on the systemic oppressions impacting us every single day through an antiracist lens.
He earned his Bachelors’ degree in Psychology with minors in Social and Economic Justice and Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and attended Texas State University to earn his Master's degree in Higher Education. He is also a PROUD member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.
Qy’Darrius is a national speaker and consultant who strives to make his audiences feel positively uncomfortable during speaking engagements/consultations, as he believes that this is a learning feeling that drives growth and change. In addition, audiences will feel empowered and educated as a means of creating sustainable change within their organization, leading to higher retention and better organizational morale overall.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @qydarriusm
Instagram: @mceachernspeaks
LinkedIn: /Qy'DarriusMcEachern
Anti-Blackness | Why Be a Unicorn, Be a Legend: Unlocking the Anti-Blackness of Your Story and Worth in Society
presented by Patrick Sutton
Society wants you to be a Unicorn, when you are, in fact, a Legend. This session will unpack the realities of American culture that places “unicorn-like” status on marginalized people and communities. We’ll explore the constraints society places on individuals and the resistance it causes when working towards progression. To stand in your truth as an achiever and how you determine your legacy in your organization is up to you.
At its core, we will examine the concept of anti-blackness and discuss three ways we can turn our narratives from myths to legends. Our stories are real, and they are indeed proven to be true. It’s time to talk about it.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify how to apply actionable principles to new or complex environments as a marginalized person
- Understand how to leverage your personal narrative as a superpower
- Explore ethical and sustainable solutions to increase your visibility in an anti-blackness ecosystem
- Reflect on the importance of an inclusive environment so you can thrive
Presenter Biography:
Patrick is a people leader and performance management coach with over 15+ years experience in people operations, managing teams and leading transformative changes to support and increase employee growth and company priorities. Patrick is the perfect blend of all things creative and technical. His creative credits include appearing with Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey, and Samuel L. Jackson in the movie "A Time to Kill". He also serves as executive producer and show creator of the digital series, SCALES which has received over 100 film awards and selections.
Patrick is the Head of People at MainStreet, a financial technology company. In his role, he provides structure and administers human resource programs centered on compensation and benefits, lead, and disciplinary matters. He is also responsible for managing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, employee relations, and recruiting. In September 2022, Patrick was named a top 100 DEIB Leader by Untapped.io
When he is not working, Patrick might opt for travel out of the country, a lazy day on the beach, or a solo afternoon at a matinee. Patrick is happily married to his husband, Robert. You may have seen the duo on an episode of HGTV’s House Hunters.
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @iampatrickladonis
LinkedIn: /patrick-sutton
Colorism | Filter or No Filter?
presented by LaShatá Grayson with The Parallel Agency
Who are the people you are seeing on TikToks, Instagram, and/or as influencers? How are these dynamics subconsciously fueling the standards you have for your organization on- and offline? Whether it’s the picture we post or the videos we make, this standard was set without us being fully aware of the impact. This standard is rooted in a Eurocentric lens that roots back centuries. Are we being exclusive and anchoring in a specific look, image, or group? This session will empower and educate you to move past the filters you place on yourself and your organization so you can move forward with a new set of standards.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the difference between racism, colorism, and beauty bias
- Reflect on how colorism impacts societal and organizational advancement
- Identify the difference between colorism in different communities
- Name at least two best practices you can engage in as an individual to combat colorism within your organization
Presenter Biography:
Whether it's through physical fitness, educating, or curating a culture of belonging, LaShatá Marie Grayson thrives on helping people become the best versions of themselves. As a first-generation college student from Gary, Indiana, LaShatá is an active community leader who leads at the intersection of justice and culture. She holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis and a master’s degree from Southern Illinois Edwardsville. With over nine years of education experience, from primary to higher education, LaShatá reconnected with her love for social action work by becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
LaShatá has been committed to making systemic change occur inside and outside of the classroom. She has made equality, access, and social justice the foundation of her personal and professional life. She is the CEO and owner of Carrying The Weight, Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Indiana State University, Executive Director and Lead Educator of the Parallel Agency, and much more.
Her tireless advocacy for underrepresented students and challenging inequitable systems within education has earned her numerous awards and recognition including the Excellence in Advocacy Award, the Community Involvement Award from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and the Dawn M. Rhodes Community Engagement Award from Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @lashata.marie
Instagram: @lashata.marie and @be.parallel
LinkedIn: /lashatagrayson
Equity | Are you at the table or on the menu? Maximizing Intentionality to Foster Equity
presented by Lindsy Perry with The Parallel Agency
“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” As leaders in our organizations, we have a social responsibility to foster an equitable and intentional culture where everyone has a seat at the table. Embracing differences and creating a sense of belonging is just the beginning of your impact as a leader. As leaders, we are tasked with advocating for the betterment of our organizations and too often, we fill in the narrative for what we think we know about other people. We all have choices to make - and it’s important to center equity in the decision-making process.
This session will explore the impact of equity and organizational culture through thoughtful dialogue and discussing practical action steps. Recognizing what needs to be done and discussing how we can make that happen are essential steps we need to take in order to create an organization that values members for both their experiences and contributions. You have been tasked with a leadership role and it's up to YOU to leverage your skills to make change you want to see.
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding the meaning of equity
- Discuss the correlations and intersection of equity and power
- Identify practical strategies to foster equity in your organization
Presenter Biography:
Lindsy (she/her) is a Springfield, IL native with a niche for engaging and connecting people. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Illinois State University where she joined Delta Delta Delta, and she later received her master’s degree in higher education administration from Southern Illinois University. Lindsy has a strong commitment to creating systemic change that fosters a true sense of belonging.
Lindsy has worked for Tau Delta Phi Fraternity and within the Office for Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) at Southern Illinois University. Currently, she oversees fraternity and sorority affairs at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. She also serves as a Collegiate District Officer for Delta Delta Delta, an Advisor to the Tau Delta Phi Board of Directors, and an Educator with The Parallel Agency.
Her commitment to research and the advancement of practical research and application has landed her on a concept team with the Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform. Driven by her own life experiences and research on the experiences of multiracial members in historically white sororities, she remains committed to advocacy within fraternity and sorority life.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @lindsy.perry
Instagram: @lindsyperry and @be.parallel
LinkedIn: /lindsyperry
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