Friday, December 5, 2014

POCC / SDLC 2014

Hello from Indianapolis! This week, 8 students and 4 Ursuline faculty / staff members are attending the annual NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) People of Color Conference (POCC) and Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC).  Over 3000 independent school students and educators are in attendance. The theme of the conference is "Pit Stops and Victory Laps - Going the Distance, Driving Change, Leading the Race toward Equity and Excellence." This important gathering of students and educators is always intense and emotional but it is especially so this year as we in the USA are experiencing of time of crisis with regard to race relations. It is a good time to come together for dialogue and for peaceful reflection on equity and justice issues.

Here are some highlights from the first days of the conference:

Christmas lights of Indianapolis

Ready to begin! 

Our delegates are excited for the days ahead! 

We love the student performances!

SDLC Leadership 

Opening speaker Dr. Michael Dyson discusses race relations in the USA

It's snowing! 

Comedian, Activist and Voice for Disabled and marginalized peoples, Maysoon Zayid

Dr. Derald Wing Sue discusses "Microagressions"

Downtown Indianapolis