As part of the goal to foster meaningful dialogue on the topic of race relations on campus and in the community, University of Notre Dame students are hosting Race Relations Week 2016. Led by Notre Dame Student Government and supported by a number of campus organizations, the purpose of Race Relations Week is to offer a variety of opportunities to promote meaningful discourse on racial justice at Notre Dame and in South Bend from a wide range of perspectives.
Race Relations Week begins Oct. 24 (Monday) with a solo drama titled “The Cop,” written by Rev. Harry Cronin, C.S.C., about a police officer who explores his own racism and bias in his professional and personal lives when faced with the unexpected challenge of raising his bi-racial grandchild. The play will be performed by actor Brad Erickson of Theatre Bay Area from San Francisco, the largest regional theater service organization in North America. The play begins at 7 p.m. and will be performed at Legends. The event is co-sponsored by Campus Ministry and the Center for Social Concerns.
On Oct. 26 (Wednesday), a panel discussion will focus on areas of opportunity within the context of racial justice. Speakers will include David Robinson, former NBA star; David Krashna, Notre Dame’s first African-American student body president; Christina Brooks, City of South Bend diversity and inclusion officer; and Maria and Gabby Muñoz, twins who have experienced life as undocumented students at Notre Dame. The panel conversation will be held in Leighton Concert Hall of the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, beginning at 7 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the Office of the President. Tickets are free, but advanced registration is required.
“We want participants to think critically about the intersection of race, faith, community relations and education during these events,” said Corey Robinson, student body president. “We hope that these events will move the conversation forward with real solutions here on campus and in the broader South Bend community.”
Race Relations Week events are free and open to students, faculty, staff and community members. Additional sponsors of Race Relations Week include the Multicultural Student Programs and Services and the Diversity Council of Notre Dame.
Originally published by at news.nd.edu on October 19, 2016.