by Bennie Williams | Sep 25, 2023 | Faculty

The ALANA Student Center and the Office of Diversity & Inclusion will be sponsoring a day of events recognizing National Truth & Reconciliation day also know as Orange Shirt Day on Monday, October 2 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the ALANA Student Center.
Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School (1891-1981) Commemoration Project and Reunion events that took place in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in May 2013.
Throughout the day, students, faculty, and staff will be able to receive information, watch educational documentaries, and receive a free orange t-shirt (while supplies last). Please be on the look out for the run down of events throughout the day. There will be many opportunities where you can answer trivia questions and win educational prizes.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email asc@canisius.edu.
Submitted by: Bennie D. Williams, Assistant Dean of Students, ALANA Student Center
by Bennie Williams | Sep 6, 2023 | Faculty

Come join the student organization UNITY and the ALANA Student Center as they collaborate to host our first Lavender Welcome on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in Old Main 223.
This is a great opportunity to learn about the resources and supports for those who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. Refreshments will be provided. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email asc@canisius.edu.
Submitted by: Bennie D. Williams, assistant dean of students, ALANA Student Center
by Bennie Williams | Jun 7, 2023 | Faculty

The college is invited to view the documentary “How the ULLC Created Community & Changed a College Campus” on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the North Park Theatre (1428 Hertel Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216).
This documentary was created as part of the honor’s thesis by Mylan Hawkins ’23. There will be a question and answer period and a small reception will be hosted back on campus after the viewing. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Bennie Williams at willi100@canisius.edu.
Submitted by: Bennie D. Williams, Assistant Dean of Students, ALANA Student Center
by Bennie Williams | Jun 7, 2023 | Faculty

The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities’ Conference on Diversity and Equity (CDE) will host its 2023 annual meeting virtually on Tuesday, June 20 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST. Canisius College will serve as the virtual host of this event. Registration is free and all members of the community are invited to attend. You can register here.
The annual meeting will feature a special memorial tribute to CDE founders and legends who have recently passed away, a discussion on issues related to supporting LGBTQIA+ communities on your Jesuit campuses, and the impact of anti-DEI legislation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Bennie Williams (willi100@canisius.edu) who serves as vice-chair of CDE.
Submitted by: Bennie D. Williams, Assistant Dean of Students, ALANA Student Center
by Bennie Williams | May 8, 2023 | Faculty

Mark Talley, founder of Agents for Advocacy, spoke to students, faculty and staff on Monday, May 1.
Talley discussed how the events at Tops on Jefferson Ave. on May 14, 2022 impacted him personally and professionally. Talley lost his mother that day and he channeled his anger and grief into creating opportunities for individuals to support their communities in hopes that something like this would never happen again. He was authentic and vulnerable during his conversation, and answered several questions from the audience following the discussion.
Talley posted about his time at Canisius on his social media platforms as seen here:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7059372169134292992/
This event was sponsored by the ALANA Student Center and SOC 341 taught by Dr. Secil Ertorer.
Submitted by: Bennie D. Williams, Assistant Dean of Students, ALANA Student Center