March is filled with events and programs suited to a variety of interests. In addition to Women’s History Month events, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programming includes book discussions, LGBTQIA+ meetings, movie screenings, and an exhibit from the Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival in the Intercultural Diversity Center. Virtual keynote for the month will be Mike Hill, television personality, actor and talk show host. He will address the key themes surrounding “Building Your Brand: Black in America” on March 24. Also, Hands in Health will host a week of events for the Racial Injustice Initiative. Get the details below.
March 1-April 1
Intercultural Diversity Center, Ferguson 2100
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
Bessie Coleman was the first African American woman to receive her pilot’s license. Though her life was short-lived, Coleman has inspired generations of African American female pilots and astronauts. The goal of this exhibit is to highlight the contributions of Coleman and other female pilots.
Monday, March 1
(Educational Engagement)
The Women and Gender Resource Center is co-hosting a menstrual product drive with October 26, an organization dedicated to providing equitable access to menstrual products for people living in poverty. During the first week of March, leave your donation at one of the drop-off locations on campus. For more information and drop-off locations, please contact Lizzie Smith at easmith11@ua.edu.
Safe Zone Resource Center: Let’s Get Books Together Book ClubTuesday, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
2-3 p.m.
(Cultural Exploration/Social Enrichment)
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host its weekly book club meeting on Tuesdays to discuss, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáen. The purpose of the book club is to expose students to LGBTQIA+ literature, discuss related narratives, themes and ideas, provide education on materials featuring gender and sexuality topics and LGBTQIA+ history, and initiate dialogue related to students’ personal identity-based experiences. TFor more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@sa.ua.edu.
Safe Zone Resource Center: Rainbow ConnectionFriday, March 5, 12, 19, 26
2-3 p.m.
(Cultural Exploration/Social Enrichment)
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host each Friday Rainbow Connection, its weekly support and dialogue group for LGBTQIA+ identified students and their allies. This group provides an opportunity to form supportive friendships with other group members, learn resilience skills and strategies for self-care, and set personal goals. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@sa.ua.edu.
March 8-20
Intercultural Diversity Center, Ferguson 2100
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
The Capstone International Center will partner with the Intercultural Diversity Center to showcase the Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival featuring a display of books, traditional clothing and other items highlighting Japanese culture. The goal of this festival is to share Japanese culture, promote cross-cultural awareness and provide an inclusive space for all students, faculty and staff to learn. For more information, contact Capstone International Center, Mary Grace Holliday at mary.holliday@ua.edu.
Monday, March 8
Noon-2 p.m.
(Educational Engagement)
The Intercultural Diversity Center will provide a PowerPoint presentation about important facts of prominent women figures, historical events and general facts of Women’s History Month. This will be a presentation educating on cultural learning, sharing and teaching.
Monday, March 8
5-7 p.m.
The Women and Gender Resource Center and the Capstone International Center will present a virtual movie night in celebration of International Women’s Day. “Rafiki” (Swahili for friend) is a 2018 drama directed by Wanuri Kahiu. It is the story of romance that grows between two young women, Kena and Ziki, amidst family and political pressures around LGBT rights in Kenya. The screening will be followed by a discussion.
Register for the screening at tinyurl.com/rafiki2021. The movie and discussion links will be emailed 30 minutes prior to the start of the event to those registered.
Tuesday, March 9
6 p.m.
(Educational Engagement)
The Intercultural Diversity Center will kick off its March Social Justice Movie Series screening “From Selma to Stonewall: Are We There Yet?” This film features Rev. Gil Caldwell, a black, straight preacher, and Marilyn Bennett, a white, lesbian activist, who form an unusual bond as they seek to find the intersection between the Civil Rights and the LGBTQ+ Equality movements, centering on cast members who live at the intersection of identities. Registration required: www.tinyurl.com/deiidcevents.
Thursday, March 11
6 p.m. via Zoom
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law Professor Doris Wendy Greene. The daughter of American civil rights activists, Professor Doris “Wendy” Greene is a trailblazing U.S. anti-discrimination law scholar, teacher and advocate who has devoted her professional life’s work to advancing racial, color, and gender equity in workplaces and beyond. Professor Greene’s legal scholarship and public advocacy, which explores how constructions of identity inform and constrain anti-discrimination law, have generated civil rights protections for victims of discrimination throughout the United States. Professor Greene will address the CROWN Act, how race and identity constructions constrain anti-discrimination law, and helpful suggestions on how we can minimize misperception on grooming codes and discrimination in the workplace. Registration required: www.tinyurl.com/deiidcevents.
Friday, March 12
7 p.m.
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
The Intercultural Diversity Center will continue its Spring 2021 Social Justice Movie Series screening of “RBG” to commemorate Women’s History Month. At the age of 85, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had developed a lengthy legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. Explore her unique and unknown personal journey during her rise to the nation’s highest court. Registration required: www.tinyurl.com/deiidcevents.
Monday, March 15
4:30 p.m.
This is a conversational series on the world of the performing arts, covering works by underrepresented artists. This event discusses “Developing an Original Musical: Mattie Mae’s Jook Joint.”
The series is sponsored by the UA Department of Theatre and Dance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and is held every other week. For more information and to get the Zoom link, contact Misha Hadar at mhadar@ua.edu.
March 16-19
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
The Hands in Health will host a week of events for Racial Injustice Initiative. This initiative provides an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to learn about racial injustice and its effect on society in terms of health, socioeconomic status, education and inclusion. This program will offer events from movie screenings to a pledge day. The goal is to establish a safe and inclusive environment for discussions and education to be shared on racial injustice. For more information, contact Hands in Health President Claire Weiss at ceweiss@crimson.ua.edu.
Thursday, March 18
5 p.m.
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Alice Walker is an internationally celebrated writer, poet and activist whose books include many collections of short stories, children’s books, and volumes of essays and poetry. Walker made history as the first African American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for Literature as well as the National Book Award in 1983 for her novel “The Color Purple.” The award-winning novel served as the inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film and was adapted into a New York City Broadway Theatre stage play in 2005.
The event is free and open to the public.
In addition to the UA Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, co-sponsors include the University of Alabama at Birmingham Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, UAB Student Multicultural and Diversity Programs, UAB Institute for Human Rights, UAB Commission on the Status of Women, UAB African American Studies Program, UAB Graduate School, University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and Samford University’s Office of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives.
Thursday, March 18
6 p.m.
The Intercultural Diversity Center will partner with Comcast and National Geographic on a special virtual pre-screening of their new season of “Genius,” which is focuses on the life of Aretha
Franklin. “Genius” is an Emmy-nominated series with Academy Award Nominee Cynthia Erivo starring as Aretha Franklin. This special virtual premiere will be shown only at a few select Xfinity on Campus universities. Registration required: tinyurl.com/deiidcevents.
Thursday, March 18
6-8 p.m. in the Intercultural Diversity Center (Ferguson 2100)
(Social Enrichment)
The Women and Gender Resource Center will partner with the Intercultural Diversity Center to host an in-person Women’s History Month themed trivia night. Test your knowledge and learn new information about women’s contributions to science, politics, art, literature and pop culture. Register your team and join in for fun, pizza and prizes. Registration required. For more information, contact Lizzie Smith at easmith11@ua.edu.
Friday, March 19
1-2 p.m. via Zoom
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be an international student at UA? Have you thought about studying abroad yourself, and wondered how international students may be handling life in Alabama? Then join International Student and Scholar Services for this event where you can ask international students your questions. This panel is made up of a variety of graduate students and undergraduate students. Come to this panel and ask your questions, and learn their stories. Submit your questions when you register for this event at: https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4ZyDrAyP4u7UHc2.
For more information contact Bethany Li at bpli@ua.edu or 205-348-5728
Our Bama ProgramSaturday, March 20
8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host its annual Our Bama recruitment program Saturday, March 20, from 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. in the Bryant Conference Center. Our Bama is a multicultural yield event for diverse students admitted to The University of Alabama. This program is intentionally designed for admitted diverse students and their families and will provide an opportunity for them to ask culturally specific questions while experiencing the campus through the lens of students, alumni, faculty and staff who may have similar cultural experiences. This event will include UA administrators, alumni and students, breakout sessions, lunch and campus tours.
Tuesday, March 23
6:30 p.m. via Zoom
To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Scottsboro Boys’ arrests, the Black Law Students Association, Jewish Law Students Association, and the Student Bar Association are organizing a virtual panel discussion on the Scottsboro Trials and — more specifically — the ways in which both anti-Black racism and anti-Semitism shaped the legal proceedings. The panel takes place at law.ua.edu/zoomsba. Ten attendees will be shipped babka or challah of their choice from Chicago’s Masa Madre bakery. Register to enter the raffle.
Tuesday, March 23
4-6 p.m.
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
The Women and Gender Resource Center will be facilitating the AAUW Start Smart workshop. AAUW Start Smart workshops are specifically designed for college students about to enter the job market. These workshops are centered around combatting the gender wage gap, and are therefore typically geared towards women—however, people from all gender identities are welcome to attend. Workshops typically last about two hours. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Lester at elester1@ua.edu.
Crafting Feminist FuturesWednesday, March 24
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
Join the Women and Gender Resource Center virtually to learn about the impact of women’s crafts throughout history and into the present. Choose and sign-up for the topics and tutorials that interest you as we try our hand at projects ranging from knitting to podcasting! Registered participants will receive all necessary supplies for their sessions. For more information, please contact Lizzie Smith at easmith11@ua.edu.
Wednesday, March 24
6:30 p.m. via Zoom
(Educational Engagement)
The Black Student Union will partner with the Student Government Association and Intercultural Diversity Center to host a virtual keynote featuring Mike Hill, television personality, actor and talk show host. Hill will address the key themes surrounding Building Your Brand: Black in America. Registration required: tinyurl.com/deiidcevents.
Thursday, March 25
Noon via Zoom
Curtis Flowers and his attorney, Rob McDuff, will participate in a conversation about racial prosecutions and the future of criminal justice reform. First arrested in January 1997, Flowers endured nearly 23 years behind bars, an unprecedented six trials, four death sentences, and months of house arrest for murders he always maintained that he did not commit. The case was tried many times, in large part, because the prosecutor repeatedly removed black prospective jurors from serving on the jury. Three years ago, Flowers’ case became the focus of national attention after an investigation by the American Public Media Reports’ podcast “In the Dark” found that his conviction was based on unreliable evidence. On June 21, 2019, the United States Supreme Court overturned his murder conviction in Flowers v. Mississippi. Last year, Flowers’ two-decade saga finally came to an end when the Mississippi Attorney General dropped all charges against him.
This conversation, sponsored by the Black Law Students Association, in partnership with the Law School’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, will be in a moderated question-and-answer format and attendees are invited to submit questions to both Flowers and McDuff when registering for the event here. Questions must be submitted via the registration form by noon Friday, March 19. If your question is selected for the event, please note that you will need to be prepared to ask your question.
The event will be streamed on Zoom, but there will also be a screening of the conversation at the Law School’s Bedsole Moot Court Room for those who want to attend in person. Lunch will be served immediately following the event.
Thursday, March 25
Noon-2 p.m.
Intercultural Diversity Center (Ferguson 2100)
(Educational Engagement)
The Intercultural Diversity Center will show a PowerPoint presentation on Dr. Mary A. Walker, the only female recipient of the Medal of Honor in observance of National Medal of Honor Day. Dr. Walker helped change the face of medicine during the Civil War. This presentation will feature cultural sharing, teaching and learning.
Every Woman Book Club: ‘The Vanishing Half’ by Brit BennettThursday, March 25
Noon-1 p.m. via Zoom
(Educational Engagement)
The Women and Gender Resource Center will host another installment of the Every Woman Book Club featuring “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett.
Friday, March 26
7 p.m.
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
The Intercultural Diversity Center will continue its Spring 2021 Social Justice Movie Series with a screening of “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise” to commemorate Women’s History Month. Distinctly referred to as “a redwood tree, with deep roots in American culture,” Dr. Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928-May 28, 2014) led a prolific life. As a singer, dancer, activist, poet and writer, she inspired generations with lyrical modern African American thought that pushed boundaries. Dr. Angelou’s incredible journey, shedding light on the untold aspects of her life through never-before-seen footage, rare archival photographs and videos, and her own words. Registration required: www.tinyurl.com/deiidcevents.
Tuesday, March 30
6 p.m.
(Cultural Exploration/Social Enrichment)
To end Women’s History Month, the Intercultural Diversity Center will host a cooking demonstration featuring Birmingham chef Kelly Viall. Chef Kelly will prepare Jambalaya and discuss the importance of female chefs’ roles in the industry and the history of the Jambalaya dish. This event will address the importance of cultural sharing, teaching and learning. Registration required: www.tinyurl.com/deiidcevents. View the recipe.
Wednesday, March 31
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
LUNAFEST is a traveling film festival consisting of stories made for, by and about women. The Women and Gender Resource Center hosts this event annually to raise funds for programming and counseling/advocacy services, which are free and confidential to UA students, staff and faculty, as well as support Chicken and Egg Pictures, an organization who provides resources and funding to women who create the films for this festival. If you are interested in viewing this year’s lineup of films, please contact Jessica Kimbrough at jlkimbrough2@ua.edu or 205-348-5040.
