Diversity Equity and Inclusion Programs & Events
Merrimack’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative sponsors a number of programs and events throughout the year.
DEI Annual Events & Programming
Join us on Oct. 19 & 20, 2021 for our Fall Unity and Diversity Days
Below you will find resources and events to reflect, educate and celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the year.
Unity in Diversity Days (Fall & Spring)
Unity in Diversity Days are held once a semester and feature events dedicated to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion at Merrimack.
President’s Speaker Series
The President’s Speaker Series is an annual opportunity for the College community to benefit from the perspectives of national and world leaders, authors, humanitarians and other influential people.
Black History Month (February)
Every February Merrimack sponsors a number of events recognizing Black History Month. See past Black History events
Resources
- Black History Month Lib Guide
- Black History Month Zoom Backgrounds
Women’s History Month (March)
Merrimack recognizes Women’s History Month every March with events available to the College community. See past Women’s History events
Resources
- Women’s History Lib Guide
- Women’s History Month Zoom Backgrounds
Social Justice Month (April)
Resources
Pride Month (June)
June is known as Pride Month, honoring the histories and lives of those who identify as members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and/or Queer (LGBTQ+) community. The official name was changed in 2009, when President Barack Obama declared June “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month” to be more inclusive.
Loving Day & Juneteeth (June)
Loving Day
Each year, National Loving Day on June 12 commemorates the anniversary of the 1967 United States Supreme Court decision Loving vs. Virginia. This decision struck down all laws banning interracial marriage. The ruling cited, “There can be no doubt that restricting the freedom to marry solely because of racial classifications violates the central meaning of the equal protection clause.”
Juneteenth
June 19, known as Juneteenth marks the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19 as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Presently Juneteenth commemorates and educates about African Americans’ struggles for freedom while stressing the urgency to eradicate racism in all its forms.
Resources
Find relevant readings, videos, films, podcasts and events related to Juneteenth and Loving Day in the McQuade Library comprehensive educational resource guide.
Book Club
Launched in fall 2020 by faculty and staff wishing to sustain and deepen our understanding of systemic inequalities and their impact on our communities, the book club includes monthly selections of relevant books. Towards the end of each month, community members will have an opportunity to join colleagues to discuss selected books.
Frugal Books
Please consider ordering your books through Frugal Books, an independent, Black-owned bookstore in Roxbury, MA
Past Events
August 27, 2021
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Breaking Bread
Breaking Bread is an event to meet and build community with fellow peers and community members who identify as first generation, LGBTQ+, and/or BIPOC.
August 25, 2021
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Book Party: Love Like That
Join Create Your Impact (CYI) to celebrate author Emma Duffy-Comparone and her latest book: Love Like That.
July 21, 2021
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: A Virtual Forum for Incoming Students and Families
An invitation for incoming students (and their families/guardians) to join the Merrimack College community and hear from current students, faculty and staff members working to further DEI initiatives both on campus and in the community.
June 28, 2021
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LGBTQ+ Initiatives Virtual Roundtable
In honor of Pride Month, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee invites the Merrimack community to a virtual roundtable discussion on LGBTQ+ issues and initiatives at the College.
April 22, 2021
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Socially-Distanced Vigil: A Reflection on This Past Year’s Tragedies and Loss
In-person vigil by the pond outside Palmisano Hall.
