Reimagine and Reinvent the Meaning of Justice this March

Spring is a time for new beginnings and a chance to reflect on how we can make a difference in our world. March is Social Work Month, National Criminal Justice Month, and National Athletic Training Month. These professions serve our community and advance Spalding’s mission of “meeting the needs of the time.” Throughout the month of March, Spalding is offering three opportunities for critical discourse regarding equity, race and repair.

The first opportunity is a Social Work Virtual Discussion led by Dr. Nikki Jones, Social Work professor, and hosted by the School of Social Work. The second opportunity is with Dr. Nikki Jones, Dr. Cicely Ruff, and Dr. Deonte Hollowell who will lead the President’s Colloquium. A third opportunity will be the Keenan Lecture hosted by the School of Liberal Arts. These events are free and open to students, faculty, staff, and the public.

SOCIAL WORK VIRTUAL DISCUSSION

Topic: “Righteous Self Determination: The Black Social Work Movement in America”-Book Discussion
Date: March 15, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: This is a virtual book discussion. Register for the event below.

In celebration of Social Work Month, The School of Social Work is hosting a social work virtual book discussion. Spalding DSW students will offer social work students and professionals an opportunity to explore African-centered approaches to social work practice. This virtual book discussion will gain insight on how the National Association of Black Social Workers has inspired shaping the social work profession from reading “Righteous Self-Determination: The Black Social Work Movement in America. This discussion will challenge attendees to think deeply about the social work profession and empower them to challenge the social justice system.

Contact Dr. Nikki Jones (vjones02@spalding.edu) for any questions.

RSVP HERE

SPALDING UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT TORI MURDEN MCCLURE COLLOQUIUM

Topic: “Repair: Redeeming the Promise of Justice” – An Interdisciplinary Presentation
Date: March 21, 2023
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Troutman Lectorium of the Egan Leadership Center (901 S. Fourth Street)

The President Tori Murden McClure Colloquium “Repair: Redeeming the Promise of Justice” will focus on repair and reparations for the ongoing systemic oppression of African Americans, the process of repair, and recommendations for current and future methods of repair across micro and macro levels. This event will be a panel discussion with Spalding professor of Social Work Dr. Nikki Jones, professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Cicely Ruff, and professor of African American Studies Dr. Deonte Hollowell.

Social Work Professor Dr. Nikki Jones writes:

“We will introduce and discuss repair, harms with particular focus on carcerality and the prison industrial complex, and university approaches to repair mechanisms that are relevant and appropriate for Spalding to undertake.” This discussion is a great opportunity to learn from our Spalding faculty and have an open dialogue about what we can do to better our society.”

Contact Damian Botner (abotner@spalding.edu) for any questions.

Visit the President’s Colloquium page to learn more.

37TH ANNUAL KEENAN LECTURE

Date: March 29, 2023
Topic: Community Discussion with Reverend Stachelle Bussey
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Troutman Lectorium of the Egan Leadership Center (901 S. Fourth Street)

Last but certainly not least is our third offering: The 37th Annual Keenan Lecture is presented by Spalding’s School of Liberal Arts. This year, Reverend Stachelle Bussey, Founder and Executive Director of The Hope Buss, will lead a discussion based on her knowledge of education, food insecurity, and community resources and what we can do to help those in need. The Keenan Lecture is an opportunity to discuss religious themes and to serve our community by “meeting the needs” of the time.

Contact Damian Botner (abotner@spalding.edu) for any questions.

LEARN MORE

These three offerings are just the start of working towards peace for our social justice system. Our work is never done, and this is an ongoing process! Keep the momentum going and think deeply about what we need to reimagine and rethink the meaning of justice. Ask for help and work with Spalding faculty and staff to further your research and studies.