We are delighted to invite you to the launch of Sheffield Hallam University’s Race Staff Network.

12-4pm, Monday 9 July 2018, Sheffield Hallam University, Stoddart Building, City Campus

This event will include:

Presentation from Dr Ben Blaisdell, East Carolina University, USA

‘Racial Spaces Analysis: Examining White Supremacy and Antiblackness in Daily Practice’ 

In this presentation, Dr. Blaisdell will explain how he uses racial spaces analysis in a collaborative research and professional approach called equity coaching. Racial spaces analysis examines the spatial and racial practices and discourses that normalize institutional forms of racism. When used in an equity coaching approach, it can help researchers work with teachers, administrators, and university personnel to develop the racial literacy necessary to examine the daily manifestations of white supremacy and antiblackness. It can also help to analyze and counteract the white discourse often used to resist school and university-based racial equity efforts.

Workshops to inform the work of the Race Staff Network on the themes of: mental health and race, whiteness in the Academy, and intersectionality

Plenary discussion with Muna Abdi, Ben Blaisdell, Manny Madriaga and Steve Slack, SAYiT (Sheena Amos Youth Trust)

You will also be able to attend one workshop and there will be opportunities to network with colleagues.

Information about the workshops:

Mental health and race/racism in the academy:

For many of us, work is a major part of our lives. It is where we spend much of our time and where we undertake a lot of physical and emotional labour. The environments we work within can have both positive and negative impacts on our mental health. This workshop will facilitate discussions around factors that may contribute to the mental health experience of Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff across the University with a particular focus on the experiences of race/racism. We will reflect on questions that are posed, to identify themes and to share strategies for self-care. How can the Race Staff Network work with colleagues across the institution to tackle some of the issues discussed in the session.

Whiteness (antiblackness) in the academy:

This workshop is to inform the direction of the institution’s Race Staff Network. Both Sheffield universities have been in the news regarding racial discrimination only a couple of months ago. We are aware that racial discrimination and persistent racial inequalities affects both staff and students, not only in Sheffield universities, but throughout the English higher education sector. How can the Race Staff Network counter and respond to today’s challenges in our own very own university?

Intersectionality and LGBT+ people of colour:

This workshop will explore intersectionality and, in particular, some of the experiences and challenges that LGBT+ (Lesbian gay, bisexual, trans plus) people of colour may encounter. How can the Race Staff Network work with colleagues within the University and local community groups to tackle some of the issues discussed in the session.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided

Please register HERE on Eventbrite by 3 July 2018 (next Tuesday).