On Thursday, September 10, 2020, Steven Thurston Oliver ’90 will reflect on the challenges and opportunities of the present moment during The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society’s (CMind) panel, “Strengthening Community: Four Black Men in Conversation During the Dual Pandemics of Structural Racism and COVID-19”.
“The heightened societal awareness of the global pandemic of structural racism has generated a lot of discussion about Black men and our relationship to policing; especially now that it is situated within the other global pandemic of COVID-19. Despite data showing our higher susceptibility to both COVID-19 and police-related violence, there has been less focus on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of Black men. As we consider what we need to effectively continue our work and be the sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers our families communities and the world need us to be, it is important for us to consider what self-preservation and wholeness look like for Black men. Join us for a rich dialogue between four Black men who are Contemplative Scholar practitioners as we reflect on the challenges and opportunities for the present moment.”
Steven Thurston Oliver ’90 is a sociologist of education, and an associate professor of secondary and higher education at Salem State University, whose research focuses on the ways in which contemplative pedagogy can be used as a catalyst in K-12 teacher preparation and higher education programs for cultivating greater capacity among educators to engage across human differences. He also currently serves on the Antioch College Alumni Association Board of Directors.
“Strengthening Community: Four Black Men in Conversation During the Dual Pandemics of Structural Racism and COVID-19” with Marlon Blake, Bradford C. Grant, Ledwood Hayman, and Steven Thurston Oliver will broadcast live from 2 PM ET until 3:30 PM ET on Thursday, September 10, 2020. Register here.
