Unity Center Workshops

In a time where social media is everywhere, it’s easy to just repost a photo or hashtag and feel like we have made a change. While these actions are a great start to raising awareness and highlighting social issues, they often lack long-term impacts. This session will explore the concept of performative activism- what it is, how to spot it, and why it can do more harm than good. We will also discuss ways we can transform performative activism into genuine efforts. Join us to learn how to become a more mindful advocate for today’s social issues.

Explore the powerful intersection of athletics and advocacy in this dynamic SLI workshop. Rooted in the Leading in a Diverse World path, this session examines how athletes have used their platforms to promote social change, challenge injustice, and inspire collective action (whether it worked or not). Students will reflect on their own identities, discuss key moments in sports activism, and gain tools to lead with purpose both on and off the field

Being an international student in the United States is a transformative journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and personal growth. This SLI is designed to explore some of the unique experiences of international students—navigating a new academic culture, adapting to social norms, and building a sense of belonging far from home. Through open discussion, shared stories, and practical strategies, participants will learn how to thrive academically and socially, in a U.S. college environment. Whether you're new to the country or looking to deepen your cross-cultural understanding, this session offers tools and perspectives to help you succeed.

e use AI every day — whether we realize it or not. From Google searches and Instagram feeds to Siri and job applications, AI shapes a lot of what we see and experience. But here’s the thing: AI isn’t neutral. It learns from data, and that data often reflects real-world biases. Since most AI models, especially large language models (LLMs), are trained on huge chunks of internet data, they end up learning patterns that include racism, sexism, and other harmful stereotypes. That means the tools we think are "smart" can actually repeat or even amplify the same issues we already face in society. This especially impacts people of color. For example, facial recognition tech tends to misidentify Black and Brown faces more often than white ones. Hiring algorithms can filter out applicants with names that sound "ethnic." Even LLMs can reinforce harmful narratives when answering questions or generating text. But it’s not all bad news. The goal isn’t to get rid of AI — it’s to make it better. We can start by creating more diverse and representative training data, auditing AI systems regularly, and making sure people from different backgrounds are part of the development and decision-making process. It’s also important to push for transparency — knowing how and why an AI system makes certain choices helps us hold it accountable. At the end of the day, AI should help everyone, not just a few. That starts with calling out bias and working toward fairness in tech.

First-Generation students can learn more about the application process for graduate school and what their first-gen identity may mean for the graduate education.

Anti-Haitianism refers to the discrimination and prejudice faced by Haitian people, rooted in a complex history of colonialism, migration, and racial bias. This session will explore the historical origins of anti-Haitian sentiment and its contemporary impact on Haitian communities. Participants will gain insight into how these biases have shaped policies, attitudes, and relationships in the Caribbean and beyond. Join us in understanding the deep roots of anti-Haitianism and discussing ways to challenge this prejudice and support Haitian communities in pursuit of justice and equality.

Recent developments at the federal level have created concern and worry for many in our community regarding citizenship. In this SLI, we will go over all the rights you do and do not have as citizens and non-citizens in the context of interactions with law enforcement and border patrol. The SLI will share advice from the ACLU on what to do if immigration agents knock on your door, pull you over while in transit, and other scenarios. Additionally, we will go over ways you should stay prepared and minimize risk to yourself and others. This SLI will help prepare you for interactions with immigration enforcement and provide information on what you have the right to do, what you are required to do, and what agents are legally permitted to do in various situations.

The “school-to-prison pipeline” is the catch-all name for various policies, policing methods, and practices that push students into the prison system. Inequality within the public school system often results in schools that lack the resources that students need and incentivize policies that harm students. The combination of under-resourced schools and white supremacist structures has resulted in students of color being more likely to receive discipline or interact with law enforcement than white students. Come learn how this pipeline was created, how recent educational policies have affected students of color, and how a lack of resources in schools puts students at risk of being incarcerated rather than receiving resources.

The fires in Los Angeles, CA have brought more attention to the plight of incarcerated prisoners who are crucial to California’s firefighting departments. While California is far from the only state to utilize prison slave labor, this SLI will utilize it as a case study for a nation-wide problem affecting people in the prison system. This SLI will also discuss California’s recent passing of Proposition 6, which maintains California’s ability to use slave labor in prisons, and what this means for the abolition movement.

Explore how this often-overlooked form of bias operates within organizations and communities, and how those in leadership roles can help disrupt it. Designed especially for student club leaders but open to all, this interactive session provides a thematic overview of colorism’s origins and ongoing impact. Drawing on the work of Frantz Fanon, who explored how colonialism shaped perceptions of race and skin tone, we’ll dive into how colorism manifests in everyday interactions and decision-making. Through powerful statistics and shared experiences, participants will see just how common and harmful this issue can be. This session will also examine which communities are most affected, why colorism persists, and how it intersects with other systems of oppression. Most importantly, we’ll explore practical ways to lead differently—strategies for creating inclusive, equity-minded organizations that reflect and uplift the full spectrum of identities within our communities. Presented in slideshow format, the workshop will include time for Q&A and group dialogue, encouraging participants to reflect on their own experiences and influence as leaders. Presented by Isa Hernandez, Peer Educator and MLK Scholar, BIPOC Unity Center

Colorism is a pervasive issue that often goes unspoken in conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Colorism 101 offers a foundational look at the history, impact, and lived experiences shaped by colorist attitudes around the world. Through an engaging slideshow presentation, this session explores the origins of colorism, including its roots in colonization and systemic racism, with key examples like apartheid in South Africa and its enduring effects today. Participants will hear personal stories that shed light on how colorism continues to shape individual lives, community dynamics, and career trajectories. The workshop will include a short video to deepen understanding, followed by a brief interactive activity designed to spark self-reflection and meaningful discussion. Whether you're leading a team, mentoring students, or simply seeking to expand your awareness, this session provides essential context for building inclusive spaces that go beyond surface-level diversity. Part of the Leading in a Diverse World series, Colorism 101 invites participants to think critically about how internalized and institutional colorism affects us all—and what we can do to disrupt it. 

Safety and policing are often conflated, although the connection is not as clear as one might think. Communities, particularly communities of color, have been the subject of aggressive, violent, and sometimes lethal policing tactics that are primarily used on people of color. This has left communities of color with a deep distrust of law enforcement. Out of this systemic issue came the idea of community policing. In this SLI, we will explore what community policing is, how it differs from traditional policing, and how effective it is at maintaining a safe community and ending the use of aggressive, racially motivated policing tactics.

What is fatphobia? How does it affect the way we see each other and ourselves, and how does it manifest in the world? In this SLI we will explore just that! Fatphobia is a pervasive bias that affects individuals across various aspects of life, from personal health to professional opportunities. This program aims to delve into the origins, types, and impacts of fatphobia. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how historical, cultural, and societal factors have shaped fatphobic attitudes and practices. Through interactive discussions and informative presentations, attendees will explore the stigmas and misperceptions surrounding fatness, challenging assumptions about health, productivity, and personal worth. Strategies for disrupting and dismantling fatphobia in the will be highlighted, emphasizing the importance of inclusive practices and advocacy. This program will address the intersectional nature of fatphobia, examining how it intersects with other forms of discrimination such as racism and ableism. Participants will learn practical approaches to creating supportive environments in the Child Welfare System that embrace body diversity and promote equity.

In this SLI, you will learn the basics of personal finance. You will learn about the five pillars of personal finance: budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, and planning. This SLI will help clarify the different types of cost variables you will need to consider in your life, as well as different advice for saving and investing. Finally, we will review SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.

Join us for a thought-provoking presentation as we unravel the principles of anti-racism from the National Book Award-Winning How to Be an Anti-Racist. Gain valuable insights and actionable strategies that challenge conventional beliefs and inspire positive change. This presentation is an opportunity to engage with the profound teachings of the book, fostering a commitment to dismantle racism at its roots and empower individuals to actively combat racism. Raffles of the book will also occur at this session.

This SLI will explore the core aspects of diversity and what it looks like in practice and as a mindset. You will learn how we can respectfully navigate an increasingly diverse world and recognize everybody’s unique, individual experiences. Additionally, you will learn skills to help you protect and defend diversity, recognize various forms of exclusion and bigotry, all while actively working to make all spaces as inclusive as possible. You will be able to distinguish between systemic and individual racism, as well as the differences between equity and equality.

Diversity and inclusion are key to fostering healthy, vibrant communities, but the terminology can sometimes be confusing. In this session, we will break down foundational definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Participants will gain clarity on commonly used terms and concepts, setting the groundwork for meaningful conversations around identity, justice, and multicultural competence. Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to refresh your knowledge, this session will help ensure everyone is speaking the same language when it comes to diversity.

Join us for a thought-provoking presentation as we unravel the principles of anti-racism from the National Book Award-Winning How to Be an Antiracist. Gain valuable insights and actionable leadership strategies that challenge conventional beliefs and inspire positive change and role modeling. This presentation is an opportunity to engage with the profound teachings of the book, fostering a commitment to dismantle racism at its roots, and empower individuals to actively combat racism. Raffles of the book will also occur at this session.

First Generation students can learn more about the study abroad process, while debunk myths regarding the experience. This is co-sponsored by The Study Abroad Office

Waa Gwaan Wid Jamaica dives into the vibrant story of Jamaica, where it all began and where it is now! Once under the rule of different empires, Jamaica made history as one of the first Caribbean nations to gain independence from Great Britain. Today, it is a global cultural powerhouse, known for its infectious music, mouthwatering food, world-class athletes, and so much more. In this presentation, we’ll explore all the exciting details that make Jamaica truly one-of-a-kind and how its history and culture help to highlight the importance of intersectionality and understanding its past and present.

Explores the history of the game UNO, the cultural impact of house rules, and the significance of gameplay in shaping group dynamics and identity. Rooted in the Leading in a Diverse World, the session invites students to reflect on their own identities, examine common misconceptions about the game's rules, and engage in dialogue about how informal traditions reflect community values. Through discussion and interactive play using either house or official rules, students will develop insights into inclusive leadership, cultural expression, and the role of shared norms in diverse environments.

Discover the power of authentic leadership and learn how to navigate challenges unique to women of color. This session will explore strategies for embracing your identity, using your voice effectively, and building resilience in leadership roles. We will provide practical insights and foster a supportive space for sharing experiences, empowering you to lead with confidence and integrity in your professional and personal life. Join us in celebrating the strengths and stories of women of color as we pave the way for more inclusive and impactful leadership. *In this SLI, we will look at the statistics of women and women of color in the workplace. Leadership requires tough decision making and confidence, and misogyny and racism create barriers that add to the workload of women of color in leadership roles. This SLI will also cover how to maintain your leadership values in a patriarchal, white-supremacist society.

Dialogue is a vital part of a healthy society, especially in increasingly polarized times. Have you ever held back from giving an opinion for fear of causing offense? Were you ever offended or confused at a comment in a class discussion? These are not uncommon experiences, and you are not alone in your confusion as to what should be done! In this SLI, we will have our own dialogue about how we can ensure we are inclusive through our language and avoid stigmatizing labels and phrases. You will also learn skills to keep discussions respectful and centered on learning, as well as how to constructively communicate the effects of certain comments or language.

BIPOC Unity Center will be leading a conversation around the roots and definition of the term “intersectionality,” originally coined by black feminist scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989. Students will be able to learn the appropriate use of intersectional frameworks when evaluating systems of oppression, and how it differs from the ways we find the word used today. 

The 13th Amendment of the constitution states that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” While this amendment is often remembered for abolishing slavery, it is less known that it guaranteed its constitutional legality as a form of punishment for people incarcerated in the US prison system. In this SLI, you will learn more about prison slave labor in the United States, including how major companies profit from exploiting prison slave labor, and how states structure certain policies to create a heavy reliance on prison slave labor.

Being an antiracist student leader means actively working to dismantle racism and promote equity in all areas of life. This session will explore what it means to lead with an antiracist mindset, offering practical strategies for recognizing and challenging systemic racism within your student organization and other leadership roles. Participants will learn how to use their leadership positions to advocate for marginalized communities, foster inclusivity, and create lasting positive change. Join us to develop the skills and confidence needed to lead courageously and cultivate a culture of belonging.

Navigating personal finance can be challenging, especially for first-generation students. Join us for an interactive session where we'll break down the basics of budgeting, saving, and managing debt. We’ll also discuss practical tips for building credit, planning for long-term financial goals, and finding resources designed to support your financial journey. Whether you're just starting or looking to sharpen your financial skills, this session is designed to help you take control of your money and set yourself up for success.

This SLI will explore ethical strategies for traveling around the world. You will learn methods to keep your costs low while exposing yourself to different cultures, histories, languages, and peoples. As a traveler, you are a guest of another country; this SLI will provide strategies and information to ensure we are always respectful guests that honor the traditions and experiences of our hosts. Safety is also vital to traveling, and you will learn tips to stay safe and enjoy your experience! You will come away with tips on securing travel arrangements, lodgings, navigating a foreign country, and how to organize a holiday/family vacation! Finally, we will discuss the benefits of “hidden gems” that are seldom platformed in the travel industry.

As students who haven’t had many professional experiences yet, it is important to have proper guidance on how to navigate the professional world and communicate with people properly. This SLI is a guide on how professionals compose and structure documents, emails, and other forms of written correspondence to effectively convey information, maintain professionalism, and foster positive relationships with people.

BIPOC Unity Center will be introducing and defining what a “micro aggression” is, and what it can look like, examples of bias to introduce students to the content. Students should expect to learn about different types of micro-aggressions, and spend time working through scenarios covering how micro-aggressions impact our campus community.

*Racism is too often presented as obvious, extreme acts. This understanding lacks nuance and fails to capture the full scope of racism, from systemic oppression to the microscopic level of personal interactions. This SLI will focus on the latter and discuss microaggressions. What are microaggressions? How do I determine if I experienced or committed a microaggression, and how do I respond? This SLI provides answers to all these questions by utilizing discussions, providing definitions, and giving situational examples to brainstorm ways to avoid or respond to microaggressions.

Racial microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, expressions of bias that can impact individuals on a deep level. This session will explore the nature of racial microaggressions, their effects on marginalized communities, and how they contribute to a larger system of inequality. The BIPOC Unity Center will be introducing and defining what a “microaggression” is, and what it can look like as well as examples of bias to introduce students to the content. Participants will learn to recognize microaggressions in their own behaviors and in others, while gaining tools for addressing these harmful interactions in constructive ways. Join us to foster greater awareness, empathy, and inclusivity in our everyday interactions.

Are you passionate about social justice? Current events? In this SLI, we will provide the BIPOC Unity Center’s best advice and tips for building your own SLIs! Honest discussions about issues facing our community or our society are a fundamental aspect of higher learning and are a fantastic way for you to get involved with the community. Learn how to strategically select topics, conduct research, and synthesize your findings into a coherent presentation! You will also learn tips beyond just informational research and will also learn about maintaining audience engagement and pacing your presentation well. If you think our community can benefit from a discussion, be the change! Make this SLI your first step in being a community advocate and leader!

In this workshop we will understand racism through a dialectical lens to analyze and confront how it effects the system we live in. Students will learn about colonilization, neoliberalism and media propaganda as tools to reinforce sorting, othering and siloing that reinforce the stereotypes and oppressions communities experience today. They will be able apply these to a variety of topics by the end of the presentation. The workshop will be guided by one example to show how these concepts can be applied but students will also be encouraged to demonstrate their knowledge by mentioning their own examples at the end. Oppression and race play big factors in our current societal system but usually the root causes of these go unnoticed. With this workshop, participants will gain skills that help them navigate a polarized and propagandize society with more critical understanding.

This presentation explores the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC), a key moment in India’s journey toward independence. Founded on December 28, 1885, in Bombay (now Mumbai), the INC was established by a group of leaders including Allan Octavian Hume, Womesh Chunder Banerjee, Dadabhai Naoroji, and others, who came together to create a platform for political dialogue among educated Indians. We will examine the reasons behind the Congress’s creation, the early goals of advocating for Indian rights under British rule, and the efforts to unite people across different regions, languages, and religions. The presentation will also highlight the INC’s evolution over time—from a peaceful body seeking reforms to a powerful national movement demanding complete independence. Special focus will be given to how the INC helped shape Indian nationalism, inspired mass participation, and fostered a collective identity among Indians. In addition, we will discuss how the Congress’s leadership paved the way for significant movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement, ultimately leading to India’s independence in 1947. Through this discussion, we aim to build a deeper understanding of the INC’s lasting impact on India’s political landscape and its crucial role in the broader global history of anti-colonial movements. By examining this journey, we hope to appreciate the power of organized political action and the importance of unity in the face of oppression.

This presentation explores African American Vernacular English (AAVE), a rich and dynamic dialect with deep roots in the African American community. We will examine its linguistic features, cultural significance, and historical development, highlighting its role in shaping African American identity. The presentation also addresses common misconceptions and the importance of respecting AAVE as a legitimate language variety. Through this discussion, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of AAVE's contribution to American culture and language.

Unconscious bias impacts our everyday decisions, often without us even realizing it. This session aims to uncover the hidden biases that influence our interactions, choices, and judgments. Through interactive discussions and practical examples, participants will learn how to identify their own biases and develop strategies to minimize their impact. Join us in creating more inclusive spaces by understanding how unconscious bias shapes our world and learning ways to overcome it for greater equity and understanding. BIPOC Unity Center Staff will be leading the workshop, students should expect to learn what is "implicit bias", also called "unconscious bias", how it impacts us all, and ways in which we can work to challenge the biases that we carry on a daily basis while also connecting how it directly presents itself to race, all while provided space for open dialogue and opportunity for questions.

Leadership often feels rewarding, but for students from underrepresented communities, it can also feel isolating and exhausting. This workshop explores the realities of navigating leadership spaces where you might be "the only one" representing your identity. Through honest conversation, and relatable scenarios, students will gain tools to bring their full selves into their leadership roles, build support networks, and tackle common challenges with confidence and care.

Women of color specifically in media, are often given inaccurate or stereotypical portrayals that tend to follow the individuals throughout their careers. This workshop is meant to provide students with knowledge and awareness on how to value women of color beyond the stereotypical, archetypical, and tropes in media. Attendees will be provided resources on how to advocate and be leaders in developing more positive platforms for women of color.

TOPIC: The Slave Castles of Ghana; from Sites of Suffering to Symbols of Remembrance and Tourism

Did you know that Ghana has over 40 slave castles and forts along its coast? It was formerly known as the “Gold Coast”, because of the abundance of minerals like gold along the coast. That was the main attraction for the explorers and colonists. These landmarks were once used during the transatlantic slave trade, and today they stand as important reminders of history. In this session, I’ll share the story behind these castles, specifically the Cape Coast Castle and the Elmina Castle. I’ll expand on how they were used, where they’re located, and how they’ve become places people visit to learn, reflect, and honor the past. Come learn more about this piece of Ghana’s history and how it continues to shape the present. Presented by Babylyn Nartey