Wayne State’s Office of Multicultural Student Engagement (OMSE) has announced its "What's Going On?" summer series. The series, named in a nod to Marvin Gaye’s Motown classic, is designed to continue the conversation after WSU’s June 3 dialogue focusing on the violent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, and the protests that have followed at home and around the world. The June 3 dialogue was attended virtually by almost 300 participants.

The series is intended to provide safe spaces for the Warrior community to discuss, learn and listen to issues related to racism, equity, social justice and inclusion. Sessions feature people from across campus talking about issues that are important to them and/or the work they do on campus.

A full schedule is available online. Sessions include:

• Exploring, Expanding, and Challenging Traditional Definitions of Social Justice
  • Tuesday, June 16, from 2 to 3 p.m.
  • A discussion on the definition of social justice, focusing on the nexus between social justice and advocacy, led by Shantalea Johns and Takisha V. LaShore, School of Social Work

• Magnifying Microagressions
  • Wednesday, June 17, from 2 to 3 p.m.
  • An interactive discussion on defining, identifying and responding to microagressions, led by Stephanie Hawkes, OMSE

• Advancing Our Actions as White Supporters of Racial Justice
  • Wednesday, June 24, from noon to 1 p.m.
  • An informative group learning experience designed to provide resources for those wondering how to advance, or even begin, their role in the racial justice movement as a non-POC, led by Angela Zanardelli-Sickler, Academic Success Center

• Intersectionality of Diversity in the Workplace
  • Thursday, June 25, from 3 to 4 p.m.
  • A discussion about what intersectionality is, how diversity plays a role in the workplace and how employees experience it, led by Shawn Pewitt, Career Services

• Holding Space for Weary Warriors
  • Tuesday, June 30, from noon to 1 p.m.
  • A space to speak, listen, and just be. Express what is on your heart and mind without judgment or advice, led by Stephanie Hawkes, OMSE

For more information, if you would like to lead a session or to  suggest a topic, please email OMSE at omse@wayne.edu.