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In line with its mission to educate globally engaged citizens and contribute to peace and justice in the world, the Center for International Studies (CIS) announces its “Black Lives Matter and Global Racial Justice” initiative, an integrative and evolving commitment to addressing racism and its many manifestations in the U.S. and abroad.

To launch this initiative, CIS invites the campus community and general public to join a roundtable discussion with guest contributors and a Q&A with the audience on Monday, Nov. 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. via an online Microsoft Teams Meeting. .

Discussion will focus on the center’s  newly released and will address such topics as racism and anti-racism, Black Lives Matter and its domestic and global implications, and academic avenues for change. 

The position paper, “Black Lives Matter: Center for International Studies’ Position on Social Justice and Equity,” which inaugurates this initiative, is both a statement of principles and an action plan. It prompts us to consider and respond to fundamental structures, practices, and sensibilities that inform racism, racial discrimination, and other forms of racial inequity, which range from the subtle to the stark.

“The position paper outlines the center’s rationale and framework for positive action as we identify and address pressing issues that are local, national, and indeed global,” explained Dr. Patrick Barr-Melej, CIS interim executive director. “Our work in matters of race, racism, and racial justice will be sustained and will evolve as we work with allies at OHIO, in the community, and around the world.” 

The roundtable will feature Dr. Winsome Chunnu of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Director of the Multicultural Center; Dr. Akil Houston, associate professor of Cultural and Media Studies in the Department of African American Studies; Dr. Robin Muhammad, associate professor of African American Studies and chair of the Faculty Senate; and Dr. Ghirmai Negash, professor of English and Director of African Studies. 

For more information about the event:

For more information about the Center for International Studies, please visit the CIS website.