Angelou, Wilson & Cole to celebrate dignity & respect Nov. 6

November 4, 2013

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion invites faculty and staff to celebrate the first 30 days of a yearlong, campus-wide “Dignity and Respect Campaign” on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 3:30-4:45 in Brendle Recital Hall.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature remarks from:

• Maya Angelou, Reynolds Professor of American Studies, renowned poet and Civil Rights activist;
• Ed Wilson, Provost Emeritus, retired professor of English and literary scholar; and
• Johnnetta Cole, director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art, former president of Spelman College and Bennett College for Women, and humanitarian.

Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is necessary.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion launched the campaign on Oct. 7 to unite the campus under the core belief that everyone deserves dignity and respect (find out more and take the pledge). Originally established by the Center for Inclusion at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the national movement promotes inclusion through behavioral and organizational change.

“Dr. Angelou is famous for saying, ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ Indeed, the relationships students form with each other, faculty, and staff are at the heart of our culture here at Wake Forest,” said Dr. Barbee Oakes, assistant provost for Diversity and Inclusion.

“With the diversification of our student body over the last several years, we have dedicated great attention to cultivating a greater appreciation of how diverse constituencies enrich our community. The primary goal of the ‘Dignity and Respect Campaign’ is to embed the message ‘You Belong Here’ into the very fabric of our campus.”

Faculty and staff are welcome to encourage students, family and friends to attend.