MLK Social Justice Week 2023

From Surviving to Thriving: Culturally Relevant Emotional Wellness

In partnership with the Division of Student Affairs, the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is proud to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Events


MLK Day of Service

Monday, Jan. 16, 2023
Various locations

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” An appropriate way to honor Dr. King is through service, volunteering, and advocating for change in our communities. This year's commemoration of the MLK Day of Service is an opportunity consider how much work remains to fulfill Dr. King’s dream.

Register for the MLK Day of Service

Screening: “King in the Wilderness”

Monday, Jan. 16, 2023
Time/Location TBA
Bradford Campus


A Night with Nikki Giovanni

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023
7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
Connelly Ballroom
Alumni Hall

Nikki Giovanni is one of this country’s most widely read poets and one of America’s most renowned poets world-wide. Her discussion will be entitled “From Surviving to Thriving: Culturally Relevant Emotional Wellness.” Clyde Wilson Pickett, Pitt’s vice chancellor for equity, diversity, & inclusion and chief diversity officer, will serve as moderator.

This event is sponsored by Pitt’s Office for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion; the Division of Student Affairs; and Year of Emotional Well-Being.

Reserve your free ticket for a Night with Nikki Giovanni


Annual Social Justice Symposium: “From Surviving to Thriving: Culturally Relevant Emotional Wellness”

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023
Hybrid Event

This year’s Social Justice Symposium will focus on themes of inequity, resilience, and healing from an intersectional diversity lens.  As events across the country and across college campuses continue to highlight social injustice, Pitt staff are tasked with continuing to support the well-being our students and colleagues, particularly those with marginalized identities.  Please join us in conversations around topics surrounding systems of oppression, trauma, and isolation, but also around recovery, community connection, and mutual aid that can help sustain our own emotional wellness as well as those we work to support on a daily basis.

Register for the Symposium

Day of Racial Healing Panel Discussion: Service and Solidarity

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023
6 to 8 p.m.
Black Box Theater, Bromeley Theater and Zoom
Bradford Campus


The Creating a Just Community Award and UPSIDE Award Luncheon

Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Assembly Room
William Pitt Union

The Creating a Just Community Award debuted in 2014. It recognizes Pitt faculty and staff members who have made outstanding efforts to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive University community.

Since 2016, the UPSIDE Award—the University Prize for Strategic, Inclusive, and Diverse Excellence—has been presented each year to a University of Pittsburgh school, division, initiative, or program area that has made an outstanding effort toward increasing diversity and inclusion.

Register for the Award Luncheon

Screening: “On These Grounds”

Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023
4:30 p.m., reception
5 p.m., screening and discussion
Auditorium, Seventh Floor
Alumni Hall

The School of Social Work and the Black Girl Equity Alliance, with support from the OEDI Seed Grant, will screen the film “On These Grounds.” A discussion will follow including Vivian Anderson (an activist featured in the film); Niya Kenny (a teen activist in the film); Ghadah Makoshi, community advocate with ACLU of Pittsburgh; and Kathi Elliott, CEO of Gwen’s Girls and the convener of the Black Girl Equity Alliance. The discussion will focus on police in schools, anti-Black Violence, misogynoir, and equity in education.

More information

Social Justice Week Open Mic Event

Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023
7 to 9 p.m.
Lobby, Blaisdell Hall
Bradford Campus


Seneca Iroquois National Museum Student Trip

Friday, Jan. 20, 2023
1 to 3 p.m.
Bradford Campus

Transportation and cost of admission for students will be provided

Registration: Angie Wolfe

“How Does It Feel To Be a Problem?” screening and community dialogue

Friday, Jan. 20, 2023
Frick Fine Arts Auditorium
Reception, 5 p.m.
Film screening, 5:30 p.m.
Community dialogue, 7 p.m.

The Center on Race and Social Problems invites you to join us for a film screening and community dialogue on January 20, 2023 as part of MLK Social Justice Week. The film “How Does It Feel To Be a Problem?” is an award-winning documentary that traces the phenomenon of othering in America and situates the Black Lives Matter movement in historical, philosophical and political context. The title of the documentary is based on W.E.B. DuBois' famous question that he raised in his seminal book, "The Souls of Black Folk." The film's writer, J.W. Wiley, and director, Thomas Keith, will be present to engage the audience in a post-screening dialogue regarding the creation process, content, and impact of the documentary. 

Register for “How Does it Feel to be a Problem”