by Fatima Rodriguez Johnson | Oct 8, 2024 | Staff
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, in collaboration with on- and off-campus partners, will host a series of workshops throughout the academic year. These workshops are designed to enhance our understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and provide practical tools for implementation in our daily interactions.
We encourage those new to these concepts and those with more experience to participate. By increasing our awareness, knowledge, and skills, we can work together to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone on campus.
For more information and to register, please sign in to the Wiki.
Submitted by: Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, Academic Affairs
by Fatima Rodriguez Johnson | Oct 1, 2024 | Staff
In an effort to continue to support our students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds, we would like to share with you that we are approaching two high Holy Days of the Jewish tradition: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Wednesday, October 2, and concludes in the evening on Friday, October 4. This holy day commemorates God’s creation of the world and offers time for reflection. As the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah provides an opportunity to center one’s actions for the upcoming year.
Yom Kippur is a time for atonement and repentance, where members of the Jewish community fast and pray. This year, the holy day will begin at sunset on Friday, October 11, and conclude on the evening of Saturday, October 12. Yom Kippur is considered to be the holiest day in Judaism.
There may be members of our campus community observing Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Please be mindful of these observances as individuals may be absent and/or require flexibility. In addition, please be considerate of how fasting may impact daily interactions both physically and mentally.
Our Jesuit mission calls for us to be people for and with others. Your willingness to support members of our community who identify as Jewish continues to put our mission into action. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to rodrig23@canisius.edu.
Resources:
Submitted by: Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion, Academic Affairs
by Fatima Rodriguez Johnson | May 20, 2024 | Staff
The 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Canisius University will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024. All faculty, staff, and students are invited to share in a day of solidarity in honor of our African American community. This year’s event begins at 9:00 a.m. in the Science Hall Commons with a welcome by President Stoute and concludes with lunch. All are welcome and encouraged to participate, and we ask that you RSVP by Friday, June 7th.
In collaboration with Juneteenth Inc. of Buffalo, Canisius will host a Sankofa Day for the city-wide recognition. Sankofa means to “go back and get,” it recognizes the past while focusing on the future. The celebration includes workshops and service projects.
Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of the date when news of emancipation finally reached most enslaved African Americans in Texas, and Canisius is proud to honor this day. It was on June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger along with more than 1,800 federal troops, arrived in Galveston, TX, to take control of the state from the Confederate rebellion, nearly two months after the war’s last major battle. Gen. Granger issued an order confirming the freedom promised in President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and denied them by the Confederate government.
Canisius’ Juneteenth celebration hopes to inspire conversation, action, and hope in our ongoing work toward anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion.
Members of the university are also invited to attend activities held throughout the month. For more details on events and opportunities to volunteer for the city of Buffalo Juneteenth Celebration, please visit Juneteenth Buffalo.
Educational Resources are available below:
Juneteenth with Annette Gordon-Reed
The National Museum of African American History & Culture
Juneteenth Reading List
Submitted by: Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion, Academic Affairs
by Fatima Rodriguez Johnson | May 13, 2024 | Staff
Dear Campus Community,
On May 14, 2022, a tragic mass shooting occurred in Buffalo, NY, specifically targeting African Americans. This act of hate claimed the lives of 10 individuals and physically injured 3 others. This year, instead of organizing a prayer service of remembrance, we would like to share opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to participate in programs and services being offered in the community:
- Memorial Tree Planting & Clean Up, Tuesday, May 14, 4:15 p.m., Agape AME Church, 224 Northland Avenue
- A Time to Reflect and (w)Rite, Tuesday, May 14, 12:00 p.m., Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue
- Mental Health Advocates of WNY, Tuesday, May 14, 12:00 p.m., Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue
- BestSelf Recovery Community & Outreach Center, Tuesday, May 14, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue
- Community Rock Garden Painting: Words of Hope, Healing, and Love, Tuesday, May 14, 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue
- 5/14 In Our Own Words, Tuesday, May 14, 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Avenue
Considering the numerous tragic events impacting communities both locally and nationally, we hope these experiences will offer hope and healing.
Submitted by: Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion, Academic Affairs
by Fatima Rodriguez Johnson | Feb 23, 2024 | Staff
Canisius University is excited to continue its 55-year history of serving New York State residents through the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program.
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) will provide $1,000,358 annually to support 95 students each year, totaling $5,001,794 for the 2024‐2029 cycle.
Canisius was one of the first private institutions to receive funding from the New York State Education Department to create the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), which supports individuals who face academic and financial challenges. Like HEOP, Canisius believes in the potential for all students to be successful. The NYS HEOP program has become a national model for access; significantly increasing the number of Black and Latinx students attending higher education. There are over 40,000 graduates of HEOP across the country.
Special thank you to Academic Affairs, Canisius Opportunity Programs for Education, Enrollment Management and the Office of Sponsored Programs for assistance during the submission process.
Submitted by: Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
