The Margins to Center Speaker Series features local and national experts that provide unique perspectives related to multiple and intersecting social identities.
This series intentionally focuses on historically marginalized and silenced narratives. The Center for Diversity and Inclusion partners with various academic units to encourage interdisciplinary intellectual inquiry.
Grounded on the explorations of bell hooks, “Margins to Center” aims to create an educational space for students to discuss the intersections of any and all of their identities. This series strives to create a community that can discuss, bond and celebrate the unique complexities associated with intersections of all forms of identity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and ability.
Past Events
Spring 2019
Naomi Jackson Reads From Her Work
Thursday, April 18 at 8 p.m.
Hurst Lounge (Duncker Hall 201)
Speaker: Naomi Jackson
NAOMI JACKSON is the author of The Star Side of Bird Hill, a novel published by Penguin Press in June 2015. The Star Side of Bird Hill was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award and long-listed for the National Book Critics Circle’s John Leonard Prize, the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize, and the International Dublin Literary Award. Jackson has taught at the University of Iowa, University of Pennsylvania, City College of New York, and Oberlin College. She was born and raised in Brooklyn by West Indian parents.
Spring 2018
The Art of Metal Joining and How It’s Used
Friday, April 13 at 2 p.m.
Crow Hall 204
Speaker: Dr. Renee Horton
Unapologetically Being, Inc., Founder
National Society of Black Physicists, President
Dr. K. Renee Horton is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and lifelong lover of science and NASA. During her talk, the accomplished engineer will discuss several techniques of metal joining such as friction stir wielding. Such methods will give the nation a safe, affordable and sustainable means of reaching beyond our current limits and open new doors of discovery from the unique vantage point of space.
Fall 2016
Do Black Lives Matter in Science?
Thursday, October 6 at 4 p.m.
Whitaker 100
Speaker: Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Activist, Writer, Astro|Physicist
As a Research Associate in Physics at the University of Washington Dark Universe Science Center, Dr. Prescod-Weinstein researches early universe cosmology and dark matter candidates. At Do Black Lives Matter in Science?, she will share stories on her scientific work advocating for racial and gender inclusion in STEM fields.