By SHANNON O. WELLS
Pitt’s annual Race & ... Conference provides an occasion to spotlight and elevate the work of Pitt’s race-related centers, the health sciences, and Africana Studies while promoting and celebrating collaboration among campus centers and departments.
In other words, virtually anyone who is passionate about the vitality and diversity of the Pitt community has something to gain by coming to Alumni Hall on Sept. 29 for the event, where this year’s theme focuses on collaboration and interdisciplinary work.
The keynote speaker is Kyaien Conner, new director of the Center on Race and Social Problems.
“I am confident that the members of the broader Pittsburgh community, including residents of all races and ethnic groups, community activists, and sectoral leaders from government, not-for-profits, for-profits and faith-based organizations, will find the content to be informative, engaging and inspirational,” said John Wallace, vice provost for faculty diversity and development, the department behind the conference.
Race & … is shorthand for Pitt’s Race and Social Determinants of Equity, Health and Well-Being Initiative, which seeks to demonstrate the University’s commitment to “investigate and ameliorate racial disparities in equity, health and well-being locally, nationally and globally,” the event’s website says.
Wallace took a moment to address some questions about the conference and what it means for the campus and greater Pitt community.
University Times: What events and speakers are you looking forward to at this year’s Race & … conference?
John Wallace: I am excited about the entire conference, but I am particularly enthusiastic about the keynote from Dr. Kya Connor, the presentations from our students and faculty in race-related centers and departments, and the screening and panel discussion of the “Mama Docs” documentary. The documentary provides a moving account of the challenging birthing experiences of Black scholars and doctors and highlights the paradox that highly educated Black women experience adverse infant and maternal-health outcomes at levels that are often comparable to, and in some instances worse than, any other group.
UTimes: Outside of Pitt’s “race-related centers,” who do you encourage to take part in the conference?
Wallace: Race remains a defining issue in our city, the region, the nation, and arguably, the world. The data indicate that the Pittsburgh region, in particular, suffers the negative social and economic consequences of racial disparities in health, wealth and overall well-being. Accordingly, the content of the conference is definitely not limited to Pitt students, faculty, staff and administrators.
UTimes: What makes Kyaien Conner a compelling choice for keynote speaker?
Wallace: Dr. Conner is the total package! She is a brilliant scholar, a creative artist, and an excellent speaker. Kya earned four degrees from Pitt, is a full professor, holds an endowed chair, and is the leader of Pitt’s internationally recognized Center on Race and Social Problems. Further, her demonstrated history of conducting rigorous research, policy development and community-engaged scholarship make her the perfect person to keynote the conference.
UTimes: What does the conference say about Pitt and its commitment to equity, health and well-being, particularly as it relates to race and social determinants?
Wallace: The conference says a couple of things about Pitt. First, it highlights the breadth and depth of Pitt’s experience and expertise conducting impactful applied research designed to address issues of race and racial disparities. Second, it demonstrates Pitt’s senior leadership’s ongoing commitment to the University being an innovator and leader in race-related academics, research and scholarship, and community service.
UTimes: Is there anything else about the event you’d like to mention?
Wallace: Our office is thrilled to have the opportunity to elevate and celebrate and showcase the excellent work of the University of Pittsburgh’s students, faculty, centers, departments and schools. September 29th is going to be an amazing day at Pitt.
Race & … conference schedule
9-9:30 a.m.: Check-In and Breakfast; African Drums
9:30-10:15 a.m.: Welcome and keynote by Kyaien Connor, director, Center on Race & Social Problems, on “Collaboration, Innovation and Teamwork: The Building Blocks for Solving Complex Social Problems”
10:15-10:30 a.m.: Break
10:30-10:50 a.m.: Race &... Collaboratory Rapid Talks, featuring the four Race &... Research Collaboratories
11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.: Taste of Race at Pitt Showcase and Collaboration Stations, featuring poster presentations and faculty table presentations
12:15-1:15 p.m.: Lunch
1:30-3:30 p.m.: Premiere screening of "Mama Docs" documentary and panel discussion
3:30 p.m.: Closing remarks
3:30-5 p.m.: Networking reception
Shannon O. Wells is a writer for the University Times. Reach him at shannonw@pitt.edu.
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