The series offers participants opportunities to examine the nation’s history, reflect on Elon’s own story and engage in collective healing.
This summer, Elon faculty and staff are invited to engage in meaningful dialogue, reflection and community-building through the Inclusive Excellence Summer Development Series “American Anniversaries: 250 Years, Over 160 Reasons to Heal.”
The series connects two significant milestones in American history — the nation’s 250th anniversary and the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth — through opportunities to explore the ongoing pursuit of freedom, equality and justice.
Summer Race, Reflection & Discussion
Faculty and staff participating in the Summer Race, Reflection & Discussion series will gather June 9-18 for facilitated conversations inspired by “The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical Activities to Help You Challenge Privilege, Confront Systemic Racism, and Engage in Collective Healing” by Anneliese Singh.
Through the lens of racial healing, participants will explore how race and racism have shaped Americans’ experiences of foundational democratic ideals and consider what concepts such as freedom, equality and justice mean in their own lives and communities.
Registration for the Summer Race, Reflection & Discussion series is now closed. Registered participants should have received their copy of “The Racial Healing Handbook.” Additional details will be shared directly with participants.
Juneteenth Commemoration Activities
The Inclusive Excellence Summer Development Series culminates June 18 with a day of educational experiences, reflection and celebration.
Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum & State Historic Site Tour
From 9 to 11:30 a.m., faculty and staff can visit the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum & State Historic Site, home of the historic Palmer Memorial Institute, a pioneering educational institution for African American students in North Carolina. Participants should begin boarding the bus at 8:45 a.m.; transportation will depart campus promptly at 9 a.m. from the Elon sign near the Inman Admissions Building.
Freedom Footprints
Beginning June 8, members of the Elon community can explore Black history, activism and achievement at Elon through Freedom Footprints: A Juneteenth Journey. The self-guided experience includes campus walking tour stops marked by lawn signs featuring QR codes that connect visitors to additional historical information.
On June 18, Shaunta Alvarez, interim coordinator of University Archives, Digital Collections & Systems Librarian and associate librarian, will lead a guided version of the tour. Weather permitting, participants will depart from Lakeside 213/214 at 1:45 p.m. following the Summer Race, Reflection & Discussion session. No registration is required.
The day concludes with Together@Elon’s Emancipation Celebration from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in McKinnon Hall within Moseley Center. Community members are invited to enjoy a Juneteenth exhibit, music, sweet treats and games while celebrating freedom, resilience and community. Participants can compete in a Spades tournament for prizes or join casually to learn or teach the game. Individuals and teams of two are welcome to register.
The Inclusive Excellence Summer Development Series is a collaborative initiative supported by Belk Library, Black Lumen Project, the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education (CREDE), the Committee on Elon History and Memory, Elon University Archives and Special Collections, HealthEU Initiatives, the Office of Inclusive Excellence Education and Development (OIEED), the Office of Leadership and Professional Development (OLPD), Together@Elon/Staff Advisory Council and other campus partners.