Diversity Programming & Resources

At Governors State University there’s a good chance you’ll meet classmates who look a lot like you – or completely different. The diversity of our learning community is one of the things that makes us stand out – everybody fits in here. Our diversity is just one of the reasons GSU changes lives. We have programs that honor our diversity – and they’re just waiting for you to get involved in - special events, workshops, meetings and organizations. No matter which you choose, each recognizes the ethnic and cultural diversity of the campus as a community strength.

Celebrating Diversity & Social Justice

Let's celebrate diversity with our observance of history and heritage months. Throughout each designated month, Governors State University features a variety of programs and events highlighting the culture, traditions and contributions to society which these groups have made. During these months we host a variety of special events - you are bound to find one (or more) that you won't want to miss.

 

  • 2021 Women's History Month

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          WOMENS HISTORY MONTH 2021


     
    MARCH 1ST - MARCH 31ST
    For updates and details, visit https://www.govst.edu/Diversity/ or email diversity@govst.edu.
     VIRTUAL TOURS OF HISTORIC FEMALE INSTITUTIONS AND EXHIBITS

    WEEKLY
    (DATES AND TIMES WILL VARY)
     

    Opportunities for the campus community to visit exhibits virtually each week.

     Details will be sent weekly.
     
     What's That Sound?
    Tuesdays and Thursdays
    12pm
    Attendees will have the opportunity to guess the song selection of a popular/ influential female music artist. The song will be played backwards for 10 seconds. Once the song is done playing, participants will guess what song was played. Winners will receive a prize.


     
     
     "KNOCK DOWN THE HOUSE" 
    VIRTUAL MOVIE SCREENING
     
    Wednesday, March 3, 2021
    7pm
    Learn about four working class women run for Congress, overcoming adversity to battle powerful political machines in very different American landscapes.

     
     She Ready: The Value of Mentoring
    Wednesday, March 10, 2021


    April Odom of the Professional Women's Network (PWN) will present a workshop on the value of mentoring.  PWN is an organization with the mission to help women develop their careers, enhance their businesses and mentor the next generation of women business leaders through educational programs, resource sharing and networking opportunities. 

     
     Women in Leadership
    Friday, March 12, 2021
    2pm
    Student Senate will focus this Talking Circle on the importance of women in leadership and the obstacles they have overcome to serve I that capacity.
     

     

     Conversations with SHEROs:
    Celebrating Women in our Community
    Monday, March 22, 2021
    12 noon and 6pm

    We will highlight influential women who have made a difference in the local community. We will celebrate GSU grads and other women who have made a significant impact in the surrounding areas and deserve recognition.

     Keynote Speaker
    Yai Vargas
    Thursday, March 25, 2021
    7pm

    Guest speaker will discuss current topics and trends that impact women.  For more information visit http://www.yaivargas.com/ 

     


  • 2021 Black History Month

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                           FEBRUARY 1ST - FEBRUARY 28TH

    For updates and details, visit https://www.govst.edu/Diversity/ or email diversity@govst.edu.
     "13TH" VIRTUAL MOVIE SCREENING
    Wednesday, February 3, 2021
    7pm – 9pm

     "Combining archival footage with testimony from activists and scholars, director Ava DuVernay's examination of the U.S. prison system looks at how the country's history of racial inequality drives the high rate of incarceration in America."

     RSVP on Jaguar Connection:

     
     
     Virtual Black History Trivia
    Thursday, February 11, 2021
    7pm

    How well do you know black history?  Join us for an online game-show style trivia competition.  

    To sign up as a participant, email diversity@govst.edu.

     

     
     Step Afrika
    Friday, February 19, 2021
    7pm
    Virtual performance celebrating the arts through creative performance.

     
     
      RSVP on Jaguar Connection:
     
      
     
     African American Read In
    Monday, February 22, 2021
    6pm

    Annual event to promote literacy and African American authors/poets.
     
     
    RSVP on Jaguar Connection:


     Spanish and Global Studies Speaker Series Presents

    Dr. Matthew Pettway
     

     

     Wednesday, February 24, 2021 

     6pm 

      

    Dr. Pettway will present an interactive talk on his book Cuban Literature in the Age of Black Insurrection: Manzano, Plácido, and Afro-Latino Religion.  

     
     


     
     Black Greek 101 
    Friday, February 26, 2021 
    1pm   
     

    Presentation on the history and influence of historically Black fraternities and sororities.

    RSVP on Jaguar Connection:


  • Male Success Initiative

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    Male Success Initiative

     

    YOU ARE INVITED to become a part of the Male Success Initiative (MSI).   The Male Success Initiative is an intergenerational enrichment program designed to increase the retention, engagement and graduation rates of male students of color at Governors State University.  The Male Success Initiative will focus on the following four tenets to enhance the educational experiences of program participants.

     

    Civic Engagement

    Participants will engage in efforts that will enable them to serve others and gain experiences on how to be better leaders. 

    Cultural Exploration

    Participants will engage in a wide range of opportunities to explore their creative, social and intellectual ambitions through immersion in cultural activities.   

    Curricular Enhancement

    Participants will engage in seminars focused on study habits, time management and learning styles tutoring through peer to peer tutoring and study groups that will encourage scholastic achievement.

    Character Enrichment

    Participants will engage in activities that will increase their consciousness about their own identity through social justice education to enhance personal and professional development

     

     

  • 2020 Latinx Heritage Month

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    2020 LATINX HERITAGE MONTH CALENDAR

     

    EXHIBITS & DISPLAYS

     

    SEPTEMBER 15 – OCTOBER 15

    LATINX HISTORY LITERARY WORKS & RESOURCES

    GSU Library

    GSU Library has a collection of books, DVDs, and eBooks dedicated to Latinx Heritage. Visit www.govst.edu/library or contact us at library@govst.edu for more information.

     

    PROGRAMS & EVENTS

    Wednesday, September 23, 2020 

    7-9pm

    Bailar! Virtual Dance Party with DJ Mo Mami

    Learn more about the history and different styles of Latin music.  This event will be streamed on the CSEIP pages on Facebook and Instagram.

     

    Tuesday, September 29, 2020

    1-2pm

    Keynote Speaker, Berto Aguayo

    Berto Aguayo is a proud Back of the Yards native, where he was raised by a single mother who emigrated from Mexico. Berto’s struggles and experiences as a former gang member led him on a passionate journey toward social justice. He holds two bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Economics. He is also a community organizer and civic engagement strategist.

    Come hear more of Mr. Aguayo's story and learn about the importance of civic engagement and voter participation.  Please RSVP by emailing diversity@govst.edu.  A link will be sent to those who RSVP.

     

    Thursday, October 8, 2020

    7pm

    Virtual Movie Screening

    Cesar Chavez

    Watch the biopic that tells the story of the great labor leader, Cesar Chavez.  Chavez worked tirelessly to ensure that Mexican agricultural workers were granted better working conditions and founded the United Farm Workers Union.  His efforts were not without resistance, but he was persistent in pushing the movement forward.  Please RSVP by emailing diversity@govst.edu.  A link to watch the movie will be sent to those who RSVP.

  • 2020 LGBTQ History Month

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    Virtual Exhibit

    LGBTQ Pioneers and Notable Figures

    Friday, October 16, 2020

    Exhibit displaying notable figures and their contributions to the cause and societal advancement of the LGBTQ community.

    Email diversity@govst.edu to receive a link to the exhibit.

     


    Keynote Speaker - Jared Sampson

    Tuesday, October 20, 2020

    1pm

     Jared has risen above so much and is a voice of hope and inspiration.  He shares his knowledge and passion with all who want to understand the issues and desire solutions.  As a past recipient of the Human Rights Campaign “Equality Award” in New Orleans. Jared uses his story and his voice to bring about change.  Jared‘s voice was heard the loudest when he realized he had an opportunity and responsibility to bring the meaningful and impactful conversation to the cast of Southern Charm New Orleans.  Jared utilized that platform to publicly and emotionally let the world in as he opened up about his sexual orientation, challenges with masculinity, and his feelings as a gay Black man. He realized the importance of authenticity and since that moment he has unapologetically shared his Black and gay experiences to further that conversation as well as put actions behind his words.  

     

    Email diversity@govst.edu to RSVP and receive a Zoom link to this presentation.

     
     

    Remote Volunteer Opportunities

    Human Rights Campaign

    Ongoing

    Would you like to make a difference for an important cause?  There are several ways to get involved virtually!

     Visit https://www.hrc.org/get-involved/volunteer to explore remote volunteer opportunities.

      "The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law. The HRC empowers their 3 million members and supporters to mobilize against attacks on the most marginalized people in the community.