Institutions may show you and tell you that you do not belong when you actually do, a former Highline professor said here this week.
Dr. Derek Greenfield presented his keynote, “Better Together: Affirming Our Authentic Identities as a Vehicle for Inclusion and Equity,” on the first day of the 25th Annual Unity through Diversity Week on Monday. Unity Week is Highline’s annual exploration of issues surrounding diversity in all its forms.
Dr. Greenfield’s keynote addressed problems within the country that may make you feel as though you do not belong. But finding and building an inclusive community may be a step toward becoming your most authentic self, he said.
Derek Greenfield
“We’ve got work to do,” said Dr. Greenfield.
“We need to move with intentionality,” he said.
To move forward we must address the problems and trauma within our country, he said.
Issues with anti-Asian and anti-LGBTQ movements, teachers being restricted on what they may teach in class, or bills being passed favoring one group of people over others, all are problems we face today, said Dr. Greenfield.
Today we see more of, “[that] anti-spirit in this country,” said Dr. Greenfield.
“Hate crimes continue to soar,” he said.
Dr. Greenfield told the audience to use “the leadership tool” – inclusion – is a step toward creating those safe spaces and what that may look like.
Being around the people who bring out the best in you, who you see as inspiration, or even setting yourself as an example for others to mirror, these are all many ways of creating an inclusive space, he said.
“Inclusive spaces make us better,” said Dr. Greenfield.
Dr. Greenfield connected the leadership tool of inclusion to finding those inclusive communities to build upon and feel free to be yourself. He also said where yours can be found in your community.
“The institution is the people at Highline,” said Dr. Greenfield.
He referenced people such as Dr. Darryl Brice, a sociology professor at Highline, the Center for Cultural and Inclusive Excellence committee, and the faculty and staff at Highline.
“Surround yourself around these people,” he said. “Inclusive spaces make us better.”
Dr. Greenfield said that together people can do the work they need to do, and that everyone belongs.
“The skin you’re in is beautiful,” he said. By uniting as one with hope, perseverance, and love, “we are stronger together.”
Unity through Diversity Week’s final event is Thursday, April 28 with Dr. Derrick Brooms Lecture on “Navigating the Stakes: The Lives and Experiences of Black Boys and Men,” via Zoom from 10-11:30 a.m., click on https://highline.zoom.us/s/83126725775 with no passcode needed.